City Comparison

Leesburg vs McLean: Which is right for your family?

Leesburg blends colonial history with modern amenities. McLean is synonymous with luxury living in Northern Virginia. Both are strong options, but the details matter. Here is how they compare across price, schools, commute, taxes, walkability, and safety.

Market Overview

McLean is pricier ($1.4M median vs $870K), a difference of about $530K. McLean moves faster, with homes averaging 18 days on market compared to 22 in Leesburg. Leesburg offers a lower entry point at $150K–$5.8M.

Leesburg

VA

McLean

VA

Median Price

$870K

$1.4M

Avg Days on Market

22 days

18 days

Price Range

$150K–$5.8M

$700K–$5M+

Top Neighborhoods

Lansdowne, Raspberry Falls, Beacon Hill, Edwards Ferry Road

Langley Farms, Chain Bridge Forest, Broyhill Langley Estates, McLean Hamlet

Property Tax

On a $870K home in Leesburg, you would pay ~$7,569/yr in property tax. In McLean, a $1.4M home costs ~$15,540/yr. Leesburg has the lower rate at $0.870 per $100 of assessed value.

Leesburg

VA

McLean

VA

Rate per $100

$0.870

$1.110

Est. Annual Tax

Based on median home price

$7,569/yr

$15,540/yr

Notes

Loudoun County rate; Town of Leesburg adds $0.165

Fairfax County rate

Walkability

Leesburg is more walkable with a Walk Score of 38 (Car-Dependent), compared to 28 in McLean. Transit scores: Leesburg (10) vs McLean (22). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Lansdowne and Langley Farms score much higher than suburban areas.

Leesburg

VA

McLean

VA

Walk Score

38Car-Dependent
28Car-Dependent

Transit Score

10

22

Bike Score

42

32

Safety

McLean is rated "Very Safe" with a total crime rate 60% below Virginia average. Leesburg is rated "Very Safe" (51% below Virginia average). Both cities compare favorably to the Virginia state average. Crime rates vary by neighborhood, so check specific areas when house hunting.

Leesburg

VA

McLean

VA

Safety Rating

Very Safe
Very Safe

Violent Crime

0.5/1K

0.3/1K

Property Crime

7.8/1K

6.5/1K

vs Virginia Avg

51% below Virginia average

60% below Virginia average

VA

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VA

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Leesburg or McLean more affordable?

Leesburg is more affordable with a median home price of $870K, compared to $1.4M in McLean. Both cities offer a wide range of housing options, from condos and townhomes to single-family homes. Leesburg prices range from $150K–$5.8M. McLean prices range from $700K–$5M+.

What are property taxes in Leesburg vs McLean?

Leesburg has a property tax rate of $0.870 per $100 (~$7,569/yr on a $870K 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 Leesburg or McLean better for families?

Both cities are popular with families. Leesburg blends colonial history with modern amenities. 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.