Northern Virginia has many incredible suburbs, making it difficult to choose where to move. 

Some places Offer career opportunities, while others feature prime real estate or dynamic nightlife. Not every city combines all these qualities, but Mclean manages to do just that, offering a mixture of gorgeous homes, a robust economy, and a thriving culture. 

Living in McLean offers many advantages, from excellent shopping opportunities and live jazz at Tysons Galleria to easy commutes into Washington, D.C. To help shed light on why McLean is perfect for you, the team at Prevu Real Estate has compiled a list of McLean’s best qualities. 

Reasons to Move to McLean

• Quick access to Washington, D.C.

• Luxury real estate

• Abundant career opportunities

• World-class healthcare 

• High-end shopping and dining

• Entertainment at Tysons Corner

• Adventures by the Potomac

Quick access to Washington, D.C.

McLean's advantageous location offers convenient access to Washington, D.C., for commuting or enjoying the city.  

Motorists benefit from two major routes into Downtown D.C. The first takes you along Old Dominion Drive to Route 66 until you cross the Potomac on the Francis Scott Key Bridge. The second route follows the scenic George Washington Memorial Parkway along the Potomac using the Theodore Roosevelt Bridge to travel into Downtown D.C. Both ways typically take around 25 minutes, depending on traffic.

Folks who prefer the train can hop on the Metrorail Silver Line at McLean Station for a short journey downtown. For added convenience, the McLean Station Park and Ride on Colshire Drive allows you to leave your vehicle behind, saving time on parking in the city.

Traveling by air is equally accessible. Dulles International Airport (IAD) is a 20-minute drive via Route 267 or a 35-minute Metrorail Silver Line ride from McLean Station. Additionally, Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport is a mere 15-minute drive, catering to domestic flights. 

Luxury real estate

McLean boasts a variety of luxury real estate, with everything from stately manors to luxury condos. 

Neighborhoods in McLean like Langley and Salona Village are optimal for homebuyers interested in historic Colonial homes with brick facades and elegant entrances. Meanwhile, Chesterbrook and Ballantrae Farms are characterized by contemporary and split-level houses from the 1980s and ‘90s. Newly-built Modern homes have also become popular throughout McLean, showcasing sleek lines, oversized windows, and open-floor concepts. 

McLean's homes generally feature state-of-the-art amenities regardless of style or age. Older homes tend to be retrofitted with smart home technology, gourmet kitchens, and impressive outdoor spaces. Likewise, newly built homes often hit that market featuring cutting-edge amenities.

Those seeking compact yet lavish living space can opt for luxury condos and apartments in downtown McLean and Tysons Corner. The Ashby apartments in downtown McLean offer a pool, sauna, and in-house concierge, while Haden Flats near Tysons Corner boasts a rooftop sky lounge and updated wellness center. 

Abundant career opportunities

McLean's location near Washington, D.C., makes it a centerpiece for business opportunities and careers with government agencies, higher education, medical facilities, and technology companies. 

Several significant government agencies, such as the Central Intelligence Agency, National Counterterrorism Center, and the Farm Credit Administration, all maintain offices in McLean. The area also has a robust tech presence, with prominent technology companies like IronNet and Cyren offering careers in cyber security and providing software engineer intelligence to government agencies. 

Likewise, the healthcare infrastructure in McLean is one of the most robust in the area. Inova Health System, MedStar, and Kaiser Permanente have established locations in McLean, providing numerous opportunities for healthcare practitioners. 

Several tech startups also serve the healthcare facilities in McLean. Virtustream, Verato, and Binary Fountain offer tech solutions to aid hospitals and private practices in McLean, presenting unique career paths in an ever-growing field. 

Finally, there are potential career opportunities in higher education as multiple universities have been established in Fairfax County and Washington D.C. Some noteworthy universities in the area include Georgetown University, George Washington University, and Northern Virginia Community College. 

World-class healthcare 

McLean's healthcare infrastructure is well-known for its sophisticated offerings. 

Inova Health System was founded in Northern Virginia and has a primary care facility in downtown McLean, and its multiple locations throughout the D.C. metro area specialize in physical therapy, mental health, and fitness classes. 

MedStar Health Primary Care at McLean on Beverly Road is a highly-rated hospital specializing in primary care and physical therapy. Additionally, MedStar's facility on Elm Street focuses on heart,vascular, and plastic surgery, providing residents with access to specialized care. 

Beyond these larger healthcare systems, McLean's private practitioners specialize in everything from skincare and chiropractic care to nutrition and geriatric care. 

High-end shopping and dining

McLean hosts a mix of shopping and dining for all occasions, from posh retail to convenient lunch spots.  

Tysons Galleria Mall offers upscale shopping and gourmet dining right off the Tysons Metrorail station stop. Patrons interested in luxury brands can browse Versace, Gucci, and Dior outlets here. The Galleria also features shops like Allen Edmonds and Bonobos, as well as a Ritz Carlton hotel, which offers lavish accommodations to visitors. 

Downtown McLean offers a more relaxed atmosphere for residents to run errands or eat lunch. Locals can grab groceries at Giant Food, lunch at Chipotle, or a latte at the locally-owned Greenberry's Coffee, all located near the intersection of Chain Bridge Road and Old Dominion Drive. 

In the evenings, locals can explore McLean's culinary diversity in the same area, with diverse restaurants ranging from Italian or Middle Eastern to savory steak houses and Japanese cuisine. 

Entertainment at Tysons Corner

Tysons Corner is seamlessly intertwined with McLean and provides locals with a tight-knit place to enjoy an evening. 

Concert-goers benefit from having the Capital One Hall in their backyard; the iconic stage has hosted famous bands like Aerosmith and The Black Crowes, and is conveniently located next to the McLean Metrorail station. 

Attached to the Ritz Carlton, Entyse Wine Bar & Lounge often hosts live music in a sophisticated atmosphere. Folks seeking a casual and upbeat atmosphere can stop by the Greenhouse Bistro instead, which hosts DJs and live musicians Thursday through Saturday.

Movie enthusiasts can head to CMX CineBistro, which offers leather recliners, comfort food, and handcrafted cocktails for an elevated experience.

Lastly, places like Seasons 52 and Tyson's Social Tavern are perfect for enjoying a refreshing beer if you simply want to socialize with friends or stop by for a brew. 

Adventures by the Potomac

Moving to McLean offers an array of outdoor recreation along the shores of the Potomac River, making it ideal for residents to escape into nature. 

Great Falls Park is a hiker's paradise, containing 15 miles of interconnected trails with stunning views of the Potomac River. The park's name is derived from the dramatic 76-foot drop in elevation within a mile, creating breathtaking scenery for photographers and hikers. Overlooks 1, 2, and 3 at Mather Gorge provide vantage points for admiring the jagged cliffs of exposed metamorphic rock.

For more rugged hiking, adventurers can take advantage of the approximately two miles of the Potomac Heritage Trail that meanders through McLean. The trail leads hikers through dense forests that bloom with vibrant yellow, orange, and red leaves during autumn. 

Scott's Run Nature Preserve offers calm kayaking and standup paddleboarding on the Potomac which is ideal for beginners or those seeking a leisurely paddle experience. 

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