City Comparison

McLean vs Silver Spring: How they compare

McLean is synonymous with luxury living in Northern Virginia. Silver Spring is a diverse, transit-rich community just north of the D. 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 $510K), a difference of about $890K. Silver Spring moves faster, with homes averaging 16 days on market compared to 18 in McLean. Silver Spring offers a lower entry point at $175K–$1.5M.

McLean

VA

Silver Spring

MD

Median Price

$1.4M

$510K

Avg Days on Market

18 days

16 days

Price Range

$700K–$5M+

$175K–$1.5M

Top Neighborhoods

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

Downtown Silver Spring, Woodside, East Silver Spring, Woodmoor

VA

Find agents in McLean

Browse verified agents with real sales data in McLean.

View agents

MD

Find agents in Silver Spring

Browse verified agents with real sales data in Silver Spring.

View agents

Related Comparisons

See how other nearby cities stack up.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is McLean or Silver Spring more affordable?

Silver Spring is more affordable with a median home price of $510K, 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+. Silver Spring prices range from $175K–$1.5M.

How do McLean and Silver Spring compare?

McLean is synonymous with luxury living in Northern Virginia. Silver Spring is a diverse, transit-rich community just north of the D. The right choice depends on your priorities: budget, commute length, home types, and neighborhood feel. smover can connect you with a verified agent in either city.

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 June 2026.

Stay ahead of the market

Join buyers, sellers, and agents across Northern Virginia getting weekly market updates, new listings, and tips. Free, every Monday.

Trusted in Arlington, Alexandria, Fairfax, and 19 more cities

Unsubscribe anytime. We respect your inbox.

Take ownership of your move.

You choose the home, the agent, the lender. We take care of everything in between.

McLean vs Silver Spring: Compare Real Estate, Schools, Commute (2026) | smover