Market Overview
McLean is pricier ($1.4M median vs $710K), a difference of about $690K. McLean moves faster, with homes averaging 18 days on market compared to 23 in Herndon. Herndon offers a lower entry point at $175K–$2.2M.
Herndon
VA
McLean
VA
Median Price
$710K
$1.4M
Avg Days on Market
23 days
18 days
Price Range
$175K–$2.2M
$700K–$5M+
Top Neighborhoods
Herndon Town Center, McNair Farms, Reflection Lake, West Ox Cluster
Langley Farms, Chain Bridge Forest, Broyhill Langley Estates, McLean Hamlet
Property Tax
On a $710K home in Herndon, you would pay ~$7,881/yr in property tax. In McLean, a $1.4M home costs ~$15,540/yr. Both cities share the same rate of $1.110 per $100 of assessed value.
Herndon
VA
McLean
VA
Rate per $100
$1.110
$1.110
Est. Annual Tax
Based on median home price
$7,881/yr
$15,540/yr
Notes
Fairfax County rate; Town of Herndon adds $0.2650
Fairfax County rate
Walkability
Herndon is more walkable with a Walk Score of 40 (Car-Dependent), compared to 28 in McLean. Transit scores: Herndon (28) vs McLean (22). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Herndon Town Center and Langley Farms score much higher than suburban areas.
Herndon
VA
McLean
VA
Walk Score
Transit Score
28
22
Bike Score
45
32
Safety
McLean is rated "Very Safe" with a total crime rate 60% below Virginia average. Herndon is rated "Safe" (19% below Virginia average). Both cities compare favorably to the Virginia state average. Crime rates vary by neighborhood, so check specific areas when house hunting.
Herndon
VA
McLean
VA
Safety Rating
Violent Crime
0.9/1K
0.3/1K
Property Crime
12.8/1K
6.5/1K
vs Virginia Avg
19% below Virginia average
60% below Virginia average
VA
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Herndon or McLean more affordable?
Herndon is more affordable with a median home price of $710K, compared to $1.4M in McLean. Both cities offer a wide range of housing options, from condos and townhomes to single-family homes. Herndon prices range from $175K–$2.2M. McLean prices range from $700K–$5M+.
What are property taxes in Herndon vs McLean?
Herndon has a property tax rate of $1.110 per $100 (~$7,881/yr on a $710K home). McLean's rate is $1.110 per $100 (~$15,540/yr on a $1.4M home). Tax rates are set annually by each locality.
Is Herndon or McLean better for families?
Both cities are popular with families. Herndon is a walkable town near the Dulles technology corridor. McLean is synonymous with luxury living in Northern Virginia. The best choice depends on your priorities: budget, school quality, commute length, and neighborhood feel. smover can help you find a verified agent in either city who specializes in family-friendly neighborhoods.
Market data verified by smover using real transaction records. School data from Virginia DOE, Maryland MSDE, and DC OSSE public reports. Property tax rates from Virginia Dept. of Taxation (2024). Walkability scores from Walk Score (2024). Crime data from FBI UCR and Virginia State Police (2023). Commute times are approximate rush-hour estimates. Updated March 2026.