Choosing Between Two Homes (McLean vs. Falls Church)

[Anonymous]

We’re deciding between two single-family homes and could use some input:
•Option 1: Flat, rectangular lot in McLean — great location, solid layout, but about $100K–$150K more expensive.
•Option 2: Corner lot with a slope in Falls Church (McLean HS zone) — a brand new 2025 build with all high-end finishes and modern design. Walkout basement.

I’m really torn — McLean has the location and lot shape, but the Falls Church home is new and beautiful inside and out.
Would love to hear thoughts on how others might weigh location, lot quality, and new construction in this situation. How much does it cost to flatten the slope (moderate) in general?

[Anonymous]

Can you send links to the 2 homes?

[Anonymous]

I would prioritize the home you like better. Any chance the falls church home will fall out of McLean HS' boundary?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Can you send links to the 2 homes?

Don't do that! Someone will steal it from under you.

[Anonymous]

I Vote #2.

[Anonymous]

I feel like every response is going to reveal someone’s person prejudices.

Like I live in a desirable neighborhood in North Arlington with a terrible yard so my first thought is number 1.

[Anonymous]

Is #2 in Pimmit Hills?

[Anonymous]

Always go with a mclean address , they always are valued higher and won't be ever slatted to redistricting to lower quality schools outside of McLean and Langley high pyramids

[Anonymous]

Corner lots are always going to be less desirable. Traffic, headlights, noise from turning vehicles. A sloped lot can be a good thing if the slope drains water away from the house foundation. It's a real negative if the slope directs water towards the foundation, and also if the slope is steep enough to make mowing difficult. A sloped lot is also a negative if the driveway is sloped, making snow removal more difficult and more necessary.

McLean is a more uniformly expensive area, and is not subject to the whims of a small local government like Falls Church. I'd expect property values in McLean to stay higher than values in FC.

If you can afford to, I'd consider the McLean property with a view towards gradual renovations over time to modernize and improve the structure to your requirements and tastes.

[Anonymous]

Falls Church has issues and tries to tax and spend for woke performative things.

[Anonymous]

McLean address

[Anonymous]

Without knowing more and seeing the two I vote McLean. I don't like corner lots, and especially if its slopped. Terracing a slopped backyard is a very expensive endeavor due to the cost of retaining walls and the end result is still limiting.

[Anonymous]

There is a reason the builder built the house on a slope. More than likely the county made them. Pick the other house.

[Anonymous]

We left Falls Church recently -- the constant road work, mess at Haycock and 7, increasing pop density and traffic, etc. Our street was a cut-through to the metro and the constant traffic was enough to make neighbors move away a couple of years before we finally did. Pay attention to the street you are on, and what kind of traffic it gets; it might be getting a lot more than you might think.

I'd vote Mclean. But go with the house you like best.

[Anonymous]

Option 1 a million % no question op.