Are you weighing a condo near the McLean Metro against a single-family home in central McLean? You are not alone. Price, commute, outdoor space, school assignments and resale all pull in different directions. This guide breaks down the real tradeoffs so you can match the right property to your lifestyle and long-term goals. Let’s dive in.
McLean pricing at a glance
McLean is one of Northern Virginia’s highest-priced markets, with a wide spread between Metro-area condos and estate-level single-family properties. Current listings and recent sales show strong values across segments, and a meaningful luxury tier with multi-million dollar transactions in 22101 and river-adjacent areas. For context, review market activity for McLean on Zillow’s local dashboard and recent luxury coverage that highlights McLean’s top-end estates in the Wall Street Journal. Regional forecasts continue to point to resilient pricing as inventory shifts, according to NVAR’s mid-year outlook.
Location and lifestyle near the Silver Line
Commute and Metro proximity
The McLean station sits in Tysons, about two miles west of central McLean, on the Silver Line into D.C. and major job centers. You can verify station details on the McLean Metro page. Fairfax County’s mean commute time is in the high 20 minutes, which gives a helpful benchmark as you compare neighborhoods and building locations per county ACS data. If you want a short walk to transit and offices, a Tysons-area condo can be a strong fit.
Walkability and amenities
Condos near Tysons prioritize convenience: elevator access, fitness centers, package rooms, and ground-floor retail are common. You trade a private yard for on-site amenities and a quick stroll to dining and shopping. In central or river-adjacent McLean, single-family homes generally offer larger lots and more privacy, with car-first access to retail.
Schools and neighborhood fit
Many buyers consider assigned Fairfax County Public Schools as part of their decision. Subdivisions in central McLean often feed into established pyramids that include Chesterbrook Elementary, Longfellow Middle and McLean High School. You can review independent, third-party school information from resources like GreatSchools’ page for Chesterbrook Elementary. Always confirm current assignments directly with FCPS boundaries and your agent before you write an offer.
Parking and vehicle needs
Most single-family homes include garages and driveways for easier guest parking and EV charging. Condos typically offer assigned garage or surface spaces, with guest parking and charging governed by the association. If you host often, read the condo rules upfront.
Cost of ownership: side by side
Every choice starts with the monthly picture. Build your budget with both upfront and ongoing costs in mind.
Condo costs to plan for
- Mortgage principal and interest
- Fairfax County property tax based on assessed value, plus local fees. See current county rates on the Fairfax County Tax Administration page
- Condo or HOA fee for building operations, reserves, insurance and amenities. The U.S. Census reports a national median around 135 dollars per month, and many households pay more than 500 dollars, especially in high-amenity buildings per this Census analysis
- Condo insurance for interiors, plus any parking or storage fees and utilities not covered by the association
Single-family costs to plan for
- Mortgage principal and interest
- Fairfax County property tax and local fees based on the home’s assessed value. See current county rates on the Tax Administration page
- Homeowner’s insurance, utilities, landscaping, and maintenance or repairs you control directly
- Optional HOA fee if the subdivision has an association
Financing and resale for condos
Condo financing depends on the building’s eligibility with conventional and government-backed loans. Fannie Mae and other agencies require project reviews that look at insurance, reserves, owner-occupancy and delinquencies. You can review the general framework in Fannie Mae’s project standards overview. Before you write an offer, your lender should confirm the building’s review type and eligibility, and you should request the budget, master insurance, meeting minutes and any special assessment history. For a deeper look at how lenders review projects, see Fannie Mae’s full review process.
Pros and cons in McLean
Condo advantages
- Often a lower entry price than detached homes in many McLean neighborhoods
- Less exterior maintenance, with staff or management handling common areas
- On-site amenities and walkable access to Tysons, the Silver Line and retail
- A good fit for downsizers or first-time buyers who value convenience
Condo considerations
- Monthly condo fees can be substantial and may increase with higher amenities or capital needs
- Association rules limit exterior changes, rentals, pets and parking
- Project-level eligibility affects financing and resale liquidity, so verification is essential
- Special assessments are possible if reserves or insurance are insufficient
Single-family advantages
- Private outdoor space, more control over improvements and fewer restrictions
- Strong appeal for buyers who want space for work, play and gatherings
- Straightforward property-level financing without a condo project review
Single-family considerations
- Higher purchase prices overall in prime McLean subareas, including luxury neighborhoods
- Maintenance, utilities and landscaping are your responsibility
- Higher assessed values result in higher absolute tax bills
Who each option serves
- Transit-focused professional: prioritize Tysons-area condos for short walks to Metro and offices
- Household seeking space and privacy: lean toward single-family homes with yards and flexible interiors
- Upsizer or downsizer: consider luxury condos or townhomes if you want lock-and-leave living without sacrificing finishes
- Investor: verify rental policies, leasing caps and minimum lease terms before you buy
Your decision framework
- Budget: model mortgage, taxes, insurance, fees, utilities and maintenance for each property you are considering
- Functional needs: bedroom count, outdoor space, storage, garage, office, and accessibility
- Liquidity and resale: buyer demand in your submarket, plus building financeability for condos
- Lifestyle: commute time, walkability, proximity to Tysons and D.C., and school assignments
Condo due diligence checklist
- Association budget, reserve study and master insurance policy
- Recent meeting minutes and any notices of special assessments or litigation
- Owner-occupancy and delinquency rates, plus rental policies
- Lender confirmation of project eligibility and the appropriate review path. See Fannie Mae’s full review process
What to do next
- Compare two to three properties side by side and build the monthly cost picture
- Tour at different times of day to gauge commute, noise and parking
- If you are condo-curious, request association documents early so your lender can evaluate eligibility
- If you favor single-family, bring a maintenance plan and reserve budget into your offer strategy
Ready to run the numbers and tour smart? Reach out to Maria Park to align your lifestyle, budget and long-term goals with the right McLean address.
FAQs
What is the commute like near McLean Metro?
- The Silver Line’s McLean station in Tysons connects to D.C. and regional job centers, and Fairfax County’s mean commute time is in the high 20 minutes, which helps you benchmark neighborhoods.
How do condo fees in McLean compare to the national median?
- The U.S. Census reports a national median HOA or condo fee near 135 dollars monthly, but many households pay more than 500 dollars in amenity-rich buildings, which is common near Tysons.
How do Fairfax County property taxes affect my choice?
- The tax rate is countywide, so higher assessed values create higher tax bills, and the county publishes the adopted rates each year on its Tax Administration site.
What should I verify before buying a McLean condo?
- Ask your lender to confirm project eligibility, and review the association’s budget, reserves, insurance, minutes, rental policies, delinquencies and any special assessments.
Do single-family homes hold value better in McLean?
- Many buyers prioritize lot size, privacy and neighborhood context, which supports demand for single-family homes, while condo resale depends more on building condition, amenities and financeability.
