City Comparison

McLean vs Warrenton: Which is right for your family?

McLean is synonymous with luxury living in Northern Virginia. Warrenton is the county seat of Fauquier County, known for its equestrian culture, charming Old Town, and rolling countryside. 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 $500K), a difference of about $900K. McLean moves faster, with homes averaging 18 days on market compared to 28 in Warrenton. Warrenton offers a lower entry point at $225K–$2M.

McLean

VA

Warrenton

VA

Median Price

$1.4M

$500K

Avg Days on Market

18 days

28 days

Price Range

$700K–$5M+

$225K–$2M

Top Neighborhoods

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

Old Town Warrenton, Blackwell, Vint Hill, Rittenour

Walkability

Warrenton is more walkable with a Walk Score of 32 (Car-Dependent), compared to 28 in McLean. Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Langley Farms and Old Town Warrenton score much higher than suburban areas.

McLean

VA

Warrenton

VA

Walk Score

28Car-Dependent
32Car-Dependent

Bike Score

32

28

VA

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VA

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is McLean or Warrenton more affordable?

Warrenton is more affordable with a median home price of $500K, 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+. Warrenton prices range from $225K–$2M.

Is McLean or Warrenton better for families?

Both cities are popular with families. McLean is synonymous with luxury living in Northern Virginia. Warrenton is the county seat of Fauquier County, known for its equestrian culture, charming Old Town, and rolling countryside. 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.