City Comparison

Manassas vs McLean: Which is right for your family?

Manassas is a charming independent city with a revitalized downtown, diverse dining, and proximity to the Civil War battlefield. 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 $568K), a difference of about $832K. McLean moves faster, with homes averaging 18 days on market compared to 22 in Manassas. Manassas offers a lower entry point at $60K–$1.9M.

Manassas

VA

McLean

VA

Median Price

$568K

$1.4M

Avg Days on Market

22 days

18 days

Price Range

$60K–$1.9M

$700K–$5M+

Top Neighborhoods

Old Town Manassas, Georgetown South, Signal Hill, Sudley

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

Property Tax

On a $568K home in Manassas, you would pay ~$6,839/yr in property tax. In McLean, a $1.4M home costs ~$15,540/yr. McLean has the lower rate at $1.110 per $100 of assessed value.

Manassas

VA

McLean

VA

Rate per $100

$1.204

$1.110

Est. Annual Tax

Based on median home price

$6,839/yr

$15,540/yr

Notes

None

Fairfax County rate

Walkability

Manassas is more walkable with a Walk Score of 38 (Car-Dependent), compared to 28 in McLean. Transit scores: Manassas (15) vs McLean (22). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Old Town Manassas and Langley Farms score much higher than suburban areas.

Manassas

VA

McLean

VA

Walk Score

38Car-Dependent
28Car-Dependent

Transit Score

15

22

Bike Score

35

32

Safety

McLean is rated "Very Safe" with a total crime rate 60% below Virginia average. Manassas is rated "Average" (7% above Virginia average). Both cities compare favorably to broader regional trends. Crime rates vary by neighborhood, so check specific areas when house hunting.

Manassas

VA

McLean

VA

Safety Rating

Average
Very Safe

Violent Crime

1.8/1K

0.3/1K

Property Crime

16.2/1K

6.5/1K

vs Virginia Avg

7% above Virginia average

60% below Virginia average

VA

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VA

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Manassas or McLean more affordable?

Manassas is more affordable with a median home price of $568K, compared to $1.4M in McLean. Both cities offer a wide range of housing options, from condos and townhomes to single-family homes. Manassas prices range from $60K–$1.9M. McLean prices range from $700K–$5M+.

What are property taxes in Manassas vs McLean?

Manassas has a property tax rate of $1.204 per $100 (~$6,839/yr on a $568K 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 Manassas or McLean better for families?

Both cities are popular with families. Manassas is a charming independent city with a revitalized downtown, diverse dining, and proximity to the Civil War battlefield. 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.