McLean, VA

Located just west of Washington, D.C. in Fairfax County, McLean has more than 40,000 residents, with a median household income far above the national average. This is not surprising, since the bedroom community of McLean is home to many of Washington's movers and shakers. Although traffic is heavy at peak hours in this densely populated city, plenty of public transportation links McLean to nearby areas, and for most city residents, amenities outweigh inconveniences.

ECONOMY AND INDUSTRIES

Merging the communities of Langley and Lewinsville, the town of McLean was created in 1910 and took its name from John Roll McLean, the one-time publisher/owner of the Washington Post. An intrepid entrepreneur, McLean was a key investor in the Great Falls and Old Dominion Railway, an electric railroad that took passengers from the western region of Virginia to Washington. So the city began as a point of entry for the nation's capitol.

Today, efforts are underway to revitalize McLean's Business Center district with upgrades to appearance and infrastructure. Three Fortune 500 companies have their headquarters in McLean: Capital One Financial, Federal Home Mortgage Loan Corp (Freddie Mac), and the Gannett Corporation. In addition, major employers include Booz Allen Hamilton, Cardinal Bank, the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) and Mars Inc.

NEIGHBORHOODS AND DISTRICTS

Most of the population in the city of McLean is urban. Neighborhoods and districts of McLean accommodate more than 14,700 houses, out of which more than 14,400 are occupied. Of the occupied houses, more than 12,300 are owner-occupied, while renters occupy around 2,100 houses. People in McLean live close to their neighbors as the housing density is approximately 800 houses or condos per square mile.

The walkability of McLean is very good, and places such as grocery stores, restaurants and schools are within a mile's distance from the center of the city.

BEST BETS

• Claude Moore Colonial Farm: This modest homestead dates back to the American Revolution era (1771) and has been meticulously restored. The Claude Moore Colonial Farm also hosts regular events, including an annual garden party, plant sales, market fairs and educational programs.
• Hickory Hill: Built in 1815, this mansion sits on six acres and was once the residence of Ethel Kennedy. Although it is not open to the public for tours, it is often discussed among locals because of its current status as unoccupied and available for sale (as of 2009).
• Dolley Madison Library: Named after the popular wife of fourth American president James Madison, the Dolley Madison Library offers a quiet respite for residents and tourists. Located in a woodsy region, it is open six days a week.

• Tysons Corner Center: One of the first super-regional enclosed malls, Tysons Corner Center opened in 1968, and today offers visitors the opportunity to shop for hours. Notable mall stores include Abercrombie & Fitch, Barnes & Noble, Godiva Chocolatier, Tall Girl Shop and the official store for the Washington Redskins. The Fairfax Center and Visitors Center is also located within Tysons Corner Center.
• Tysons Galleria: Tysons Galleria is a McLean shopping mall that houses a number of stores and boutiques, including A Pea in the Pod, Atrium Interiors, The Cheesecake Factory, DeBeers, Saks Fifth Avenue and Versace.

EVENTS

• 18th Century Spring MarketFair: This market fair is held in March at the Claude Moore Colonial Farm. Eighteenth century-period crafts and foods are on display and for sale.
• McLean Day: Each May, the residents of McLean celebrate their community's history with rides, crafts and entertainment in Lewinsville Park. First held in 1915, McLean Day begins with an 8K Fun Run sponsored by the Old Firehouse Teen Center.
• Holiday Homes Tour- This annual tour of four beautiful and inspiring McLean residences is sponsored each December by The Women's Club of McLean.

FUN FACTS

• The Central Intelligence Agency, one of the most powerful government agencies, is headquartered in McLean, and offers Internet-based "tours" through its interactive website.
• McLean offers a program of Therapeutic Recreation Services for children and adults with disabilities.
• The list of famous names associated with McLean is very long. Sometime residents of the area include President Carter's National Security Advisor Zbigniew Brzezinski, political analyst Pat Buchanan, former House Speaker Newt Gingrich, Supreme Court Justices Antonin Scalia and Clarence Thomas, basketball star Michael Jordan, former Secretary of State Colin Powell and senators Fred Thompson, John Sununu, Chuck Robb and Patrick Leahy.