The Tania Ivey Real Estate Team Inc.

McLean, Virginia’s claim to fame is the CIA headquarters. There is so much more to McLean than the “Agency,” though. McLean is a “census designated place” in Northern Virginia, within Fairfax County, between the George Washington Parkway and Vienna, Virginia. McLean’s other claim to fame is its fabulous shopping. Its accomplished residents still find time in between their high-powered federal and civilian jobs to take advantage of the retail, gastronomic and artistic opportunities available. To live in McLean is to live in the center of everything.  

Location, Location, Location

Businesses and residents in McLean have access to every place and every thing available. Major highways including the Capital Beltway, 66, Dulles Access Road, Georgetown Pike, and the Chain Bridge Road all run through or around McLean, providing access to airports, retail centers, ports, and the rest of the area. D.C.’s Metro serves McLean, providing quick access to the city. For its convenience and central location, diplomats, members of Congress, business entrepreneurs and service workers choose McLean as their primary residence. Famous residents include Ted Kennedy, Pat Buchanan, Patrick Leahy and Colin Powell.  

Business to Business

International Headquarters for many Fortune 500 and other large companies reside in McLean. Sallie Mae, General Dynamics, Freddie Mac, Cardinal Bank and USA Today all operate out of McLean offices. Over 575,000 jobs in McLean put unemployment at just 2.3%, the lowest unemployment rate in a major metropolitan area within the United States. McLean firms benefit from $12 billion in federal procurement spending, providing a wealth of opportunity for business entrepreneurs.  

The cost of living in McLean is lower than that of New York and San Jose, other urban areas with similar business opportunities. The Fairfax County Economic Development Authority assists businesses hoping to relocate or launch in the area. Their activity has led to a 6% growth in jobs in McLean over the last three years.  Fifty-three percent of McLean’s employees live and work in the area, as the opportunities for work and recreation are endless.  

Diverse, Highly Educated Population

McLean’s diverse population has one common denominator: everyone is highly educated. 30% of the residents have a college degree, while an additional 28% have graduate degrees. Students mix with others from around the world. Twenty-six percent of McLean’s residents are internationally-born. Because of the diverse backgrounds, there are places of worship for every major religion and sect within McLean.  

Luxury Real Estate, Affordable Prices

A wide variety of housing opportunities makes McLean affordable for young professionals, families and corporate CEOs. Luxury neighborhoods house diplomats and high ranking government officials, while multi-family townhomes, apartments and condos are available for families. Homes for sale in McLean have dropped in price from their high during the bubble, but have still maintained an average growth in value of $100,000 over five years. Sixty percent of homes in McLean were built between 1950-1980, and are solid, long-lasting structures, proving to be solid investments.  

McLean Arts and Culture

When it’s time to let loose, McLean puts on a huge ArtFest in McLean Central Park. The active McLean Art Society plans and hosts the festival each year, in partnership with the McLean Community Players, the McLean Theater Alliance, the McLean Orchestra and the McLean Symphony. Other festivals in McLean include one of the largest Russian-Slavic festivals on the East Coast, including food, dancing and arts. For outdoor entertainment in the summer, Wolf Trap attracts big names for concerts, plays, musicals and shows.  

A Shopping Paradise

McLean is home to both Tyson’s Corner malls, and hundreds of other high-end luxury boutiques. The Fairfax County sales tax is a wallet-friendly 5%, making shopping a pleasant pastime. Nordstrom, Macy’s, and Lord&Taylor anchor Tyson’s Corner Center. Tyson’s Corner Galleria is the home of high end shopping at Lacoste, Versace, Juicy Couture, Chanel, Cartier, and Burberry, among others. Sak’s Fifth Avenue anchors the Galleria.  

McLean, Virginia for Work and Play

McLean, Virginia provides work and play opportunities by the thousands. Its central location makes it ideal for people working in downtown Washington, D.C. and for those who prefer to live and work in the same area. Every national and international shopping brand is represented in McLean’s retail establishments, and thousands of restaurants from fast to gourmet satisfy every need. McLean’s real estate continues to hold value, even during the turbulent market, and homes for sale in McLean are a solid investment. More than the home of the CIA, McLean is a vibrant community of businesses and families, within easy reach of Washington, D.C.