McLean Ranks High in the Best Cities in America

When it comes to carving out a life we love, WalletHub recently validated that it’s not just one thing but a combination of factors that measure what makes a house a home. It’s no surprise that McLean scored well in the survey of 1,200 small cities with populations between 25,000 and 100,000.

42 key indicators of livability went into the WalletHub study. Those 42 were grouped according to affordability, economic health, education and health, quality of life and safety, and then graded according to percentiles.

McLean finished second in education and health and 18th for safety, two of its best areas. Despite McLean’s reputation for being expensive, it ranked 286th for affordability, which took into account the median household income and homeownership rates.

The city fell in the middle for quality of life, which took into account things like commute time (Oh, DC traffic!), work hours, attractions, and restaurants per capita. Yet, overall, McLean earned a spot in the 70th percentile, validating what we in the area already know – McLean is a coveted place to live!

Got 28-Mil to Spare?

Meanwhile, in McLean, the property values continue to rise. This August, a parcel of land with the plans to build a 30,000 sq. ft. home hit the market for more than $28 million, making it the third most expensive property on Chain Bridge Road. AOL’s Steve Case’s Merrywood tops at $43 million with developer and philanthropist Dwight Schar’s Wind Falls estate valued at $35 million coming in second.

If you’re interested in the parcel and plans, you will have plenty of room for your cars since “River Point,” as it will be named, will include a 24-car garage with parking for 30 additional vehicles. There’s also a gatehouse, carriage house, tennis court, eight bedrooms, and ten bathrooms to make you feel right at home.

This further validates McLean as one of the most desirable small cities in America, an honor that will likely continue for decades into the future.