City Comparison

McLean vs Reston: Which is right for your family?

McLean is synonymous with luxury living in Northern Virginia. Reston is a planned community built around lakes, wooded trails, and town centers. 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 $570K), a difference of about $830K. Reston moves faster, with homes averaging 14 days on market compared to 18 in McLean. Reston offers a lower entry point at $250K–$1.5M.

McLean

VA

Reston

VA

Median Price

$1.4M

$570K

Avg Days on Market

18 days

14 days

Price Range

$700K–$5M+

$250K–$1.5M

Top Neighborhoods

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

Lake Anne, North Point, South Lakes, Hunters Woods

Property Tax

On a $1.4M home in McLean, you would pay ~$15,540/yr in property tax. In Reston, a $570K home costs ~$6,327/yr. Both cities share the same rate of $1.110 per $100 of assessed value.

McLean

VA

Reston

VA

Rate per $100

$1.110

$1.110

Est. Annual Tax

Based on median home price

$15,540/yr

$6,327/yr

Notes

Fairfax County rate

Fairfax County rate

Walkability

Reston is more walkable with a Walk Score of 45 (Car-Dependent), compared to 28 in McLean. Transit scores: McLean (22) vs Reston (35). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Langley Farms and Lake Anne score much higher than suburban areas.

McLean

VA

Reston

VA

Walk Score

28Car-Dependent
45Car-Dependent

Transit Score

22

35

Bike Score

32

52

Safety

McLean is rated "Very Safe" with a total crime rate 60% below Virginia average. Reston is rated "Safe" (27% below Virginia average). Both cities compare favorably to the Virginia state average. Crime rates vary by neighborhood, so check specific areas when house hunting.

McLean

VA

Reston

VA

Safety Rating

Very Safe
Safe

Violent Crime

0.3/1K

0.8/1K

Property Crime

6.5/1K

11.5/1K

vs Virginia Avg

60% below Virginia average

27% below Virginia average

VA

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VA

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is McLean or Reston more affordable?

Reston is more affordable with a median home price of $570K, compared to $1.4M in McLean. Both cities offer a wide range of housing options, from condos and townhomes to single-family homes. McLean prices range from $700K–$5M+. Reston prices range from $250K–$1.5M.

What are property taxes in McLean vs Reston?

McLean has a property tax rate of $1.110 per $100 (~$15,540/yr on a $1.4M home). Reston's rate is $1.110 per $100 (~$6,327/yr on a $570K home). Tax rates are set annually by each locality.

Is McLean or Reston better for families?

Both cities are popular with families. McLean is synonymous with luxury living in Northern Virginia. Reston is a planned community built around lakes, wooded trails, and town centers. 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.