Is McLean Really That Desirable?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We lived in North Arlington just off of the Chesterbrook neighborhood for many years and it served its purpose then. As young empty nesters, though, we fled to the city the minute we could and haven’t looked back. I cannot imagine anyone without children wanting to live in a place like that. It is boring as hell.

We like McLean but I’m sorry you found North Arlington so boring. There are probably more amenities in both areas than when you lived there.

No they’re aren’t. Just fewer older homes and more McMansions. The fundamentals haven’t changed one bit.

WTF are you talking about? Chesterbrook shopping plaza was completely revamped and 'downtown' Mclean got a new grocery store and a dozen restaurants.

Lol yea I’ve seen the new Chesterbrook and sure it’s nicer than it was but it’s not exactly National Harbor or Navy Yard. No one is moving to Chesterbrook for the shopping plaza.

Nobody would say it's a destination place. It's just a convenient suburban shopping plaza for people's daily needs , it has limited amenities, it's also not DT Mclean, it's a short drive away.

As far as National Harbor, Navy Yard and the Wharf why would you even compare? These are not real towns either, they are dining/entertainment/promenade weekend destinations, and which is why they are also not desirable for everyday living IMHO. Very few everyday routine living amenities, they feel disconnected and bubble-like and poorly served by Metro (incomparable to central parts of DC where you can walk from one line to another). They are essentially weekend promenades off the HWy with atrociously priced parking. Mclean DT has more of a town feel than any of these and serves communities nearby.

So what is DT Mclean? What are the cross streets?

Not sure about that poster but to me it’s Chain Bridge and Old Dominion.

Google Maps shows three gas stations and a crappy strip mall that includes a Tobacco Hut (just what every high end DT needs and wants)...that's DT Mclean?

Are you being purposefully obtuse? Downtown anything does not consist of a single intersection. I swear sometimes I can’t tell if people on this board are genuine idiots or just pretending to be one.

Well…where does it start and end…if that is one end, what’s the other end? Why can’t anyone tell me where the f**k downtown McLean is?

I don’t know of any high end downtowns that have 3 gas stations and a tobacco hut anchoring any part of their downtown.

What's "high end" downtown? There is no luxury retail unless you go to Tysons 2 mall or into DC city center. NOt sure what you are looking for. DT Mclean has some gas stations, but it's most definitely not all that's around It has some higher end food shopping places like Balducci, Organic Butchers, some small ethnic food markets, bakeries (not cheap), and consignment boutiques where you could find some labels. Dining is mostly casual. It's not your Channel, LV, 5 star dining type of place, if that's what you mean There is a G. Gilbert's steakhouse around there, but I've never been.

DP. I think that when PP means downtown they means kind of the traditional city center type area where everything is reasonably walkable to each other. I love organic butcher but you’re not walking anywhere from there unless you’re planning on running across a very busy street.

There are pedestrian crosswalk everywhere, including Old Dominion and Chain bridge (which is where you'd have to walk to cross). Or you could go the other direction and cross near Balducci pedestrian crosswalk.

Look It's not a pleasant urban promenade, nobody is trying to argue this point here. If you need this, you should look into Bethesda, it has what you have in mind in terms of true urban grid of a small town and the charm factor. But arguing that Mclean DT doesn't exist or is just a bunch of disconnected strip malls that you cannot walk between and it doesn't have a cohesive town feel (having multiple intersections and streets and many types of businesses to serve everyday needs, plus commercial offices) is really stupid at this point. It just shows ignorance and laziness to even look at the googlemaps.

People here who still think Mclean is some exurban sprawl with zero walkability sound completely ignorant and obviously haven't been around for a while if ever. There is nothing in DC metro area at this point inside the beltway that's not trying to actively add density and urban amenities where possible near commercial centers of any kind. Mclean DT is no exception.

Eh. I live close by and have never seen people walking from organic butcher to a separate strip mall. It’s not really connected. McLean is a highly desirable area. But not every highly desirable area is the same. I personally would never live in Old Town but it has what people mean by a DT. An area with stores is not automatically a downtown.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We lived in North Arlington just off of the Chesterbrook neighborhood for many years and it served its purpose then. As young empty nesters, though, we fled to the city the minute we could and haven’t looked back. I cannot imagine anyone without children wanting to live in a place like that. It is boring as hell.

We like McLean but I’m sorry you found North Arlington so boring. There are probably more amenities in both areas than when you lived there.

No they’re aren’t. Just fewer older homes and more McMansions. The fundamentals haven’t changed one bit.

WTF are you talking about? Chesterbrook shopping plaza was completely revamped and 'downtown' Mclean got a new grocery store and a dozen restaurants.

Lol yea I’ve seen the new Chesterbrook and sure it’s nicer than it was but it’s not exactly National Harbor or Navy Yard. No one is moving to Chesterbrook for the shopping plaza.

Nobody would say it's a destination place. It's just a convenient suburban shopping plaza for people's daily needs , it has limited amenities, it's also not DT Mclean, it's a short drive away.

As far as National Harbor, Navy Yard and the Wharf why would you even compare? These are not real towns either, they are dining/entertainment/promenade weekend destinations, and which is why they are also not desirable for everyday living IMHO. Very few everyday routine living amenities, they feel disconnected and bubble-like and poorly served by Metro (incomparable to central parts of DC where you can walk from one line to another). They are essentially weekend promenades off the HWy with atrociously priced parking. Mclean DT has more of a town feel than any of these and serves communities nearby.

So what is DT Mclean? What are the cross streets?

Not sure about that poster but to me it’s Chain Bridge and Old Dominion.

Google Maps shows three gas stations and a crappy strip mall that includes a Tobacco Hut (just what every high end DT needs and wants)...that's DT Mclean?

Are you being purposefully obtuse? Downtown anything does not consist of a single intersection. I swear sometimes I can’t tell if people on this board are genuine idiots or just pretending to be one.

Well…where does it start and end…if that is one end, what’s the other end? Why can’t anyone tell me where the f**k downtown McLean is?

I don’t know of any high end downtowns that have 3 gas stations and a tobacco hut anchoring any part of their downtown.

What's "high end" downtown? There is no luxury retail unless you go to Tysons 2 mall or into DC city center. NOt sure what you are looking for. DT Mclean has some gas stations, but it's most definitely not all that's around It has some higher end food shopping places like Balducci, Organic Butchers, some small ethnic food markets, bakeries (not cheap), and consignment boutiques where you could find some labels. Dining is mostly casual. It's not your Channel, LV, 5 star dining type of place, if that's what you mean There is a G. Gilbert's steakhouse around there, but I've never been.

DP. I think that when PP means downtown they means kind of the traditional city center type area where everything is reasonably walkable to each other. I love organic butcher but you’re not walking anywhere from there unless you’re planning on running across a very busy street.

There are pedestrian crosswalk everywhere, including Old Dominion and Chain bridge (which is where you'd have to walk to cross). Or you could go the other direction and cross near Balducci pedestrian crosswalk.

Look It's not a pleasant urban promenade, nobody is trying to argue this point here. If you need this, you should look into Bethesda, it has what you have in mind in terms of true urban grid of a small town and the charm factor. But arguing that Mclean DT doesn't exist or is just a bunch of disconnected strip malls that you cannot walk between and it doesn't have a cohesive town feel (having multiple intersections and streets and many types of businesses to serve everyday needs, plus commercial offices) is really stupid at this point. It just shows ignorance and laziness to even look at the googlemaps.

People here who still think Mclean is some exurban sprawl with zero walkability sound completely ignorant and obviously haven't been around for a while if ever. There is nothing in DC metro area at this point inside the beltway that's not trying to actively add density and urban amenities where possible near commercial centers of any kind. Mclean DT is no exception.

Eh. I live close by and have never seen people walking from organic butcher to a separate strip mall. It’s not really connected. McLean is a highly desirable area. But not every highly desirable area is the same. I personally would never live in Old Town but it has what people mean by a DT. An area with stores is not automatically a downtown.

Your definition of "downtown" doesn't matter.

It's a center of the town of Mclean where most commercial and businesses are clustered, and by all means a "downtown". And yes, people do walk around there, weather permitting. maybe you need to pay attention. All the strip malls and side streets are connected by sidewalks and intersections, why lie that they aren't? Whether you find it unpleasant or adequate is a personal issue. Alexandria old town doesn't look like Manhattan either and neither does DT DC. I can say the same that unless an area has a concentration of very high skyscrapers and a lot of them are commercial it's not a "downtown"

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We lived in North Arlington just off of the Chesterbrook neighborhood for many years and it served its purpose then. As young empty nesters, though, we fled to the city the minute we could and haven’t looked back. I cannot imagine anyone without children wanting to live in a place like that. It is boring as hell.

We like McLean but I’m sorry you found North Arlington so boring. There are probably more amenities in both areas than when you lived there.

No they’re aren’t. Just fewer older homes and more McMansions. The fundamentals haven’t changed one bit.

WTF are you talking about? Chesterbrook shopping plaza was completely revamped and 'downtown' Mclean got a new grocery store and a dozen restaurants.

Lol yea I’ve seen the new Chesterbrook and sure it’s nicer than it was but it’s not exactly National Harbor or Navy Yard. No one is moving to Chesterbrook for the shopping plaza.

Nobody would say it's a destination place. It's just a convenient suburban shopping plaza for people's daily needs , it has limited amenities, it's also not DT Mclean, it's a short drive away.

As far as National Harbor, Navy Yard and the Wharf why would you even compare? These are not real towns either, they are dining/entertainment/promenade weekend destinations, and which is why they are also not desirable for everyday living IMHO. Very few everyday routine living amenities, they feel disconnected and bubble-like and poorly served by Metro (incomparable to central parts of DC where you can walk from one line to another). They are essentially weekend promenades off the HWy with atrociously priced parking. Mclean DT has more of a town feel than any of these and serves communities nearby.

So what is DT Mclean? What are the cross streets?

Not sure about that poster but to me it’s Chain Bridge and Old Dominion.

Google Maps shows three gas stations and a crappy strip mall that includes a Tobacco Hut (just what every high end DT needs and wants)...that's DT Mclean?

Are you being purposefully obtuse? Downtown anything does not consist of a single intersection. I swear sometimes I can’t tell if people on this board are genuine idiots or just pretending to be one.

Well…where does it start and end…if that is one end, what’s the other end? Why can’t anyone tell me where the f**k downtown McLean is?

I don’t know of any high end downtowns that have 3 gas stations and a tobacco hut anchoring any part of their downtown.

What's "high end" downtown? There is no luxury retail unless you go to Tysons 2 mall or into DC city center. NOt sure what you are looking for. DT Mclean has some gas stations, but it's most definitely not all that's around It has some higher end food shopping places like Balducci, Organic Butchers, some small ethnic food markets, bakeries (not cheap), and consignment boutiques where you could find some labels. Dining is mostly casual. It's not your Channel, LV, 5 star dining type of place, if that's what you mean There is a G. Gilbert's steakhouse around there, but I've never been.

DP. I think that when PP means downtown they means kind of the traditional city center type area where everything is reasonably walkable to each other. I love organic butcher but you’re not walking anywhere from there unless you’re planning on running across a very busy street.

There are pedestrian crosswalk everywhere, including Old Dominion and Chain bridge (which is where you'd have to walk to cross). Or you could go the other direction and cross near Balducci pedestrian crosswalk.

Look It's not a pleasant urban promenade, nobody is trying to argue this point here. If you need this, you should look into Bethesda, it has what you have in mind in terms of true urban grid of a small town and the charm factor. But arguing that Mclean DT doesn't exist or is just a bunch of disconnected strip malls that you cannot walk between and it doesn't have a cohesive town feel (having multiple intersections and streets and many types of businesses to serve everyday needs, plus commercial offices) is really stupid at this point. It just shows ignorance and laziness to even look at the googlemaps.

People here who still think Mclean is some exurban sprawl with zero walkability sound completely ignorant and obviously haven't been around for a while if ever. There is nothing in DC metro area at this point inside the beltway that's not trying to actively add density and urban amenities where possible near commercial centers of any kind. Mclean DT is no exception.

Eh. I live close by and have never seen people walking from organic butcher to a separate strip mall. It’s not really connected. McLean is a highly desirable area. But not every highly desirable area is the same. I personally would never live in Old Town but it has what people mean by a DT. An area with stores is not automatically a downtown.

Your definition of "downtown" doesn't matter.

It's a center of the town of Mclean where most commercial and businesses are clustered, and by all means a "downtown". And yes, people do walk around there, weather permitting. maybe you need to pay attention. All the strip malls and side streets are connected by sidewalks and intersections, why lie that they aren't? Whether you find it unpleasant or adequate is a personal issue. Alexandria old town doesn't look like Manhattan either and neither does DT DC. I can say the same that unless an area has a concentration of very high skyscrapers and a lot of them are commercial it's not a "downtown"

So we agree…there isn’t a DT McLean. There are no strip malls in any downtown areas. Strip malls are literally what you find in shitty suburban areas that are functional, but not places people really hang out and want to spend more than the 30 minutes they need to be there.

Just own it and move on. McLean has a lot going for it…having a downtown where anyone wants to be…that’s not it.

[Anonymous]

Several people already have agreed with the PP just above and more than once. The PP above is the one who seems unable to let go.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We lived in North Arlington just off of the Chesterbrook neighborhood for many years and it served its purpose then. As young empty nesters, though, we fled to the city the minute we could and haven’t looked back. I cannot imagine anyone without children wanting to live in a place like that. It is boring as hell.

We like McLean but I’m sorry you found North Arlington so boring. There are probably more amenities in both areas than when you lived there.

No they’re aren’t. Just fewer older homes and more McMansions. The fundamentals haven’t changed one bit.

WTF are you talking about? Chesterbrook shopping plaza was completely revamped and 'downtown' Mclean got a new grocery store and a dozen restaurants.

Lol yea I’ve seen the new Chesterbrook and sure it’s nicer than it was but it’s not exactly National Harbor or Navy Yard. No one is moving to Chesterbrook for the shopping plaza.

Nobody would say it's a destination place. It's just a convenient suburban shopping plaza for people's daily needs , it has limited amenities, it's also not DT Mclean, it's a short drive away.

As far as National Harbor, Navy Yard and the Wharf why would you even compare? These are not real towns either, they are dining/entertainment/promenade weekend destinations, and which is why they are also not desirable for everyday living IMHO. Very few everyday routine living amenities, they feel disconnected and bubble-like and poorly served by Metro (incomparable to central parts of DC where you can walk from one line to another). They are essentially weekend promenades off the HWy with atrociously priced parking. Mclean DT has more of a town feel than any of these and serves communities nearby.

So what is DT Mclean? What are the cross streets?

Not sure about that poster but to me it’s Chain Bridge and Old Dominion.

Google Maps shows three gas stations and a crappy strip mall that includes a Tobacco Hut (just what every high end DT needs and wants)...that's DT Mclean?

Are you being purposefully obtuse? Downtown anything does not consist of a single intersection. I swear sometimes I can’t tell if people on this board are genuine idiots or just pretending to be one.

Well…where does it start and end…if that is one end, what’s the other end? Why can’t anyone tell me where the f**k downtown McLean is?

I don’t know of any high end downtowns that have 3 gas stations and a tobacco hut anchoring any part of their downtown.

What's "high end" downtown? There is no luxury retail unless you go to Tysons 2 mall or into DC city center. NOt sure what you are looking for. DT Mclean has some gas stations, but it's most definitely not all that's around It has some higher end food shopping places like Balducci, Organic Butchers, some small ethnic food markets, bakeries (not cheap), and consignment boutiques where you could find some labels. Dining is mostly casual. It's not your Channel, LV, 5 star dining type of place, if that's what you mean There is a G. Gilbert's steakhouse around there, but I've never been.

DP. I think that when PP means downtown they means kind of the traditional city center type area where everything is reasonably walkable to each other. I love organic butcher but you’re not walking anywhere from there unless you’re planning on running across a very busy street.

There are pedestrian crosswalk everywhere, including Old Dominion and Chain bridge (which is where you'd have to walk to cross). Or you could go the other direction and cross near Balducci pedestrian crosswalk.

Look It's not a pleasant urban promenade, nobody is trying to argue this point here. If you need this, you should look into Bethesda, it has what you have in mind in terms of true urban grid of a small town and the charm factor. But arguing that Mclean DT doesn't exist or is just a bunch of disconnected strip malls that you cannot walk between and it doesn't have a cohesive town feel (having multiple intersections and streets and many types of businesses to serve everyday needs, plus commercial offices) is really stupid at this point. It just shows ignorance and laziness to even look at the googlemaps.

People here who still think Mclean is some exurban sprawl with zero walkability sound completely ignorant and obviously haven't been around for a while if ever. There is nothing in DC metro area at this point inside the beltway that's not trying to actively add density and urban amenities where possible near commercial centers of any kind. Mclean DT is no exception.

Eh. I live close by and have never seen people walking from organic butcher to a separate strip mall. It’s not really connected. McLean is a highly desirable area. But not every highly desirable area is the same. I personally would never live in Old Town but it has what people mean by a DT. An area with stores is not automatically a downtown.

Your definition of "downtown" doesn't matter.

It's a center of the town of Mclean where most commercial and businesses are clustered, and by all means a "downtown". And yes, people do walk around there, weather permitting. maybe you need to pay attention. All the strip malls and side streets are connected by sidewalks and intersections, why lie that they aren't? Whether you find it unpleasant or adequate is a personal issue. Alexandria old town doesn't look like Manhattan either and neither does DT DC. I can say the same that unless an area has a concentration of very high skyscrapers and a lot of them are commercial it's not a "downtown"

So we agree…there isn’t a DT McLean. There are no strip malls in any downtown areas. Strip malls are literally what you find in shitty suburban areas that are functional, but not places people really hang out and want to spend more than the 30 minutes they need to be there.

Just own it and move on. McLean has a lot going for it…having a downtown where anyone wants to be…that’s not it.

NP. Whatever. Call it a hamlet, call it a day!!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We lived in North Arlington just off of the Chesterbrook neighborhood for many years and it served its purpose then. As young empty nesters, though, we fled to the city the minute we could and haven’t looked back. I cannot imagine anyone without children wanting to live in a place like that. It is boring as hell.

We like McLean but I’m sorry you found North Arlington so boring. There are probably more amenities in both areas than when you lived there.

No they’re aren’t. Just fewer older homes and more McMansions. The fundamentals haven’t changed one bit.

WTF are you talking about? Chesterbrook shopping plaza was completely revamped and 'downtown' Mclean got a new grocery store and a dozen restaurants.

Lol yea I’ve seen the new Chesterbrook and sure it’s nicer than it was but it’s not exactly National Harbor or Navy Yard. No one is moving to Chesterbrook for the shopping plaza.

Nobody would say it's a destination place. It's just a convenient suburban shopping plaza for people's daily needs , it has limited amenities, it's also not DT Mclean, it's a short drive away.

As far as National Harbor, Navy Yard and the Wharf why would you even compare? These are not real towns either, they are dining/entertainment/promenade weekend destinations, and which is why they are also not desirable for everyday living IMHO. Very few everyday routine living amenities, they feel disconnected and bubble-like and poorly served by Metro (incomparable to central parts of DC where you can walk from one line to another). They are essentially weekend promenades off the HWy with atrociously priced parking. Mclean DT has more of a town feel than any of these and serves communities nearby.

So what is DT Mclean? What are the cross streets?

Not sure about that poster but to me it’s Chain Bridge and Old Dominion.

Google Maps shows three gas stations and a crappy strip mall that includes a Tobacco Hut (just what every high end DT needs and wants)...that's DT Mclean?

Are you being purposefully obtuse? Downtown anything does not consist of a single intersection. I swear sometimes I can’t tell if people on this board are genuine idiots or just pretending to be one.

Well…where does it start and end…if that is one end, what’s the other end? Why can’t anyone tell me where the f**k downtown McLean is?

I don’t know of any high end downtowns that have 3 gas stations and a tobacco hut anchoring any part of their downtown.

What's "high end" downtown? There is no luxury retail unless you go to Tysons 2 mall or into DC city center. NOt sure what you are looking for. DT Mclean has some gas stations, but it's most definitely not all that's around It has some higher end food shopping places like Balducci, Organic Butchers, some small ethnic food markets, bakeries (not cheap), and consignment boutiques where you could find some labels. Dining is mostly casual. It's not your Channel, LV, 5 star dining type of place, if that's what you mean There is a G. Gilbert's steakhouse around there, but I've never been.

DP. I think that when PP means downtown they means kind of the traditional city center type area where everything is reasonably walkable to each other. I love organic butcher but you’re not walking anywhere from there unless you’re planning on running across a very busy street.

There are pedestrian crosswalk everywhere, including Old Dominion and Chain bridge (which is where you'd have to walk to cross). Or you could go the other direction and cross near Balducci pedestrian crosswalk.

Look It's not a pleasant urban promenade, nobody is trying to argue this point here. If you need this, you should look into Bethesda, it has what you have in mind in terms of true urban grid of a small town and the charm factor. But arguing that Mclean DT doesn't exist or is just a bunch of disconnected strip malls that you cannot walk between and it doesn't have a cohesive town feel (having multiple intersections and streets and many types of businesses to serve everyday needs, plus commercial offices) is really stupid at this point. It just shows ignorance and laziness to even look at the googlemaps.

People here who still think Mclean is some exurban sprawl with zero walkability sound completely ignorant and obviously haven't been around for a while if ever. There is nothing in DC metro area at this point inside the beltway that's not trying to actively add density and urban amenities where possible near commercial centers of any kind. Mclean DT is no exception.

Eh. I live close by and have never seen people walking from organic butcher to a separate strip mall. It’s not really connected. McLean is a highly desirable area. But not every highly desirable area is the same. I personally would never live in Old Town but it has what people mean by a DT. An area with stores is not automatically a downtown.

Your definition of "downtown" doesn't matter.

It's a center of the town of Mclean where most commercial and businesses are clustered, and by all means a "downtown". And yes, people do walk around there, weather permitting. maybe you need to pay attention. All the strip malls and side streets are connected by sidewalks and intersections, why lie that they aren't? Whether you find it unpleasant or adequate is a personal issue. Alexandria old town doesn't look like Manhattan either and neither does DT DC. I can say the same that unless an area has a concentration of very high skyscrapers and a lot of them are commercial it's not a "downtown"

So we agree…there isn’t a DT McLean. There are no strip malls in any downtown areas. Strip malls are literally what you find in shitty suburban areas that are functional, but not places people really hang out and want to spend more than the 30 minutes they need to be there.

Just own it and move on. McLean has a lot going for it…having a downtown where anyone wants to be…that’s not it.

It does not matter, Tysons is just 2 miles from McLean.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We lived in North Arlington just off of the Chesterbrook neighborhood for many years and it served its purpose then. As young empty nesters, though, we fled to the city the minute we could and haven’t looked back. I cannot imagine anyone without children wanting to live in a place like that. It is boring as hell.

We like McLean but I’m sorry you found North Arlington so boring. There are probably more amenities in both areas than when you lived there.

No they’re aren’t. Just fewer older homes and more McMansions. The fundamentals haven’t changed one bit.

WTF are you talking about? Chesterbrook shopping plaza was completely revamped and 'downtown' Mclean got a new grocery store and a dozen restaurants.

Lol yea I’ve seen the new Chesterbrook and sure it’s nicer than it was but it’s not exactly National Harbor or Navy Yard. No one is moving to Chesterbrook for the shopping plaza.

Nobody would say it's a destination place. It's just a convenient suburban shopping plaza for people's daily needs , it has limited amenities, it's also not DT Mclean, it's a short drive away.

As far as National Harbor, Navy Yard and the Wharf why would you even compare? These are not real towns either, they are dining/entertainment/promenade weekend destinations, and which is why they are also not desirable for everyday living IMHO. Very few everyday routine living amenities, they feel disconnected and bubble-like and poorly served by Metro (incomparable to central parts of DC where you can walk from one line to another). They are essentially weekend promenades off the HWy with atrociously priced parking. Mclean DT has more of a town feel than any of these and serves communities nearby.

So what is DT Mclean? What are the cross streets?

Not sure about that poster but to me it’s Chain Bridge and Old Dominion.

Google Maps shows three gas stations and a crappy strip mall that includes a Tobacco Hut (just what every high end DT needs and wants)...that's DT Mclean?

Are you being purposefully obtuse? Downtown anything does not consist of a single intersection. I swear sometimes I can’t tell if people on this board are genuine idiots or just pretending to be one.

Well…where does it start and end…if that is one end, what’s the other end? Why can’t anyone tell me where the f**k downtown McLean is?

I don’t know of any high end downtowns that have 3 gas stations and a tobacco hut anchoring any part of their downtown.

What's "high end" downtown? There is no luxury retail unless you go to Tysons 2 mall or into DC city center. NOt sure what you are looking for. DT Mclean has some gas stations, but it's most definitely not all that's around It has some higher end food shopping places like Balducci, Organic Butchers, some small ethnic food markets, bakeries (not cheap), and consignment boutiques where you could find some labels. Dining is mostly casual. It's not your Channel, LV, 5 star dining type of place, if that's what you mean There is a G. Gilbert's steakhouse around there, but I've never been.

DP. I think that when PP means downtown they means kind of the traditional city center type area where everything is reasonably walkable to each other. I love organic butcher but you’re not walking anywhere from there unless you’re planning on running across a very busy street.

There are pedestrian crosswalk everywhere, including Old Dominion and Chain bridge (which is where you'd have to walk to cross). Or you could go the other direction and cross near Balducci pedestrian crosswalk.

Look It's not a pleasant urban promenade, nobody is trying to argue this point here. If you need this, you should look into Bethesda, it has what you have in mind in terms of true urban grid of a small town and the charm factor. But arguing that Mclean DT doesn't exist or is just a bunch of disconnected strip malls that you cannot walk between and it doesn't have a cohesive town feel (having multiple intersections and streets and many types of businesses to serve everyday needs, plus commercial offices) is really stupid at this point. It just shows ignorance and laziness to even look at the googlemaps.

People here who still think Mclean is some exurban sprawl with zero walkability sound completely ignorant and obviously haven't been around for a while if ever. There is nothing in DC metro area at this point inside the beltway that's not trying to actively add density and urban amenities where possible near commercial centers of any kind. Mclean DT is no exception.

Eh. I live close by and have never seen people walking from organic butcher to a separate strip mall. It’s not really connected. McLean is a highly desirable area. But not every highly desirable area is the same. I personally would never live in Old Town but it has what people mean by a DT. An area with stores is not automatically a downtown.

Your definition of "downtown" doesn't matter.

It's a center of the town of Mclean where most commercial and businesses are clustered, and by all means a "downtown". And yes, people do walk around there, weather permitting. maybe you need to pay attention. All the strip malls and side streets are connected by sidewalks and intersections, why lie that they aren't? Whether you find it unpleasant or adequate is a personal issue. Alexandria old town doesn't look like Manhattan either and neither does DT DC. I can say the same that unless an area has a concentration of very high skyscrapers and a lot of them are commercial it's not a "downtown"

So we agree…there isn’t a DT McLean. There are no strip malls in any downtown areas. Strip malls are literally what you find in shitty suburban areas that are functional, but not places people really hang out and want to spend more than the 30 minutes they need to be there.

Just own it and move on. McLean has a lot going for it…having a downtown where anyone wants to be…that’s not it.

It does not matter, Tysons is just 2 miles from McLean.

Actually Tysons is less than a mile from McLean. Even better!!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We lived in North Arlington just off of the Chesterbrook neighborhood for many years and it served its purpose then. As young empty nesters, though, we fled to the city the minute we could and haven’t looked back. I cannot imagine anyone without children wanting to live in a place like that. It is boring as hell.

We like McLean but I’m sorry you found North Arlington so boring. There are probably more amenities in both areas than when you lived there.

No they’re aren’t. Just fewer older homes and more McMansions. The fundamentals haven’t changed one bit.

WTF are you talking about? Chesterbrook shopping plaza was completely revamped and 'downtown' Mclean got a new grocery store and a dozen restaurants.

Lol yea I’ve seen the new Chesterbrook and sure it’s nicer than it was but it’s not exactly National Harbor or Navy Yard. No one is moving to Chesterbrook for the shopping plaza.

Nobody would say it's a destination place. It's just a convenient suburban shopping plaza for people's daily needs , it has limited amenities, it's also not DT Mclean, it's a short drive away.

As far as National Harbor, Navy Yard and the Wharf why would you even compare? These are not real towns either, they are dining/entertainment/promenade weekend destinations, and which is why they are also not desirable for everyday living IMHO. Very few everyday routine living amenities, they feel disconnected and bubble-like and poorly served by Metro (incomparable to central parts of DC where you can walk from one line to another). They are essentially weekend promenades off the HWy with atrociously priced parking. Mclean DT has more of a town feel than any of these and serves communities nearby.

So what is DT Mclean? What are the cross streets?

Not sure about that poster but to me it’s Chain Bridge and Old Dominion.

Google Maps shows three gas stations and a crappy strip mall that includes a Tobacco Hut (just what every high end DT needs and wants)...that's DT Mclean?

Are you being purposefully obtuse? Downtown anything does not consist of a single intersection. I swear sometimes I can’t tell if people on this board are genuine idiots or just pretending to be one.

Well…where does it start and end…if that is one end, what’s the other end? Why can’t anyone tell me where the f**k downtown McLean is?

I don’t know of any high end downtowns that have 3 gas stations and a tobacco hut anchoring any part of their downtown.

What's "high end" downtown? There is no luxury retail unless you go to Tysons 2 mall or into DC city center. NOt sure what you are looking for. DT Mclean has some gas stations, but it's most definitely not all that's around It has some higher end food shopping places like Balducci, Organic Butchers, some small ethnic food markets, bakeries (not cheap), and consignment boutiques where you could find some labels. Dining is mostly casual. It's not your Channel, LV, 5 star dining type of place, if that's what you mean There is a G. Gilbert's steakhouse around there, but I've never been.

DP. I think that when PP means downtown they means kind of the traditional city center type area where everything is reasonably walkable to each other. I love organic butcher but you’re not walking anywhere from there unless you’re planning on running across a very busy street.

There are pedestrian crosswalk everywhere, including Old Dominion and Chain bridge (which is where you'd have to walk to cross). Or you could go the other direction and cross near Balducci pedestrian crosswalk.

Look It's not a pleasant urban promenade, nobody is trying to argue this point here. If you need this, you should look into Bethesda, it has what you have in mind in terms of true urban grid of a small town and the charm factor. But arguing that Mclean DT doesn't exist or is just a bunch of disconnected strip malls that you cannot walk between and it doesn't have a cohesive town feel (having multiple intersections and streets and many types of businesses to serve everyday needs, plus commercial offices) is really stupid at this point. It just shows ignorance and laziness to even look at the googlemaps.

People here who still think Mclean is some exurban sprawl with zero walkability sound completely ignorant and obviously haven't been around for a while if ever. There is nothing in DC metro area at this point inside the beltway that's not trying to actively add density and urban amenities where possible near commercial centers of any kind. Mclean DT is no exception.

Eh. I live close by and have never seen people walking from organic butcher to a separate strip mall. It’s not really connected. McLean is a highly desirable area. But not every highly desirable area is the same. I personally would never live in Old Town but it has what people mean by a DT. An area with stores is not automatically a downtown.

Your definition of "downtown" doesn't matter.

It's a center of the town of Mclean where most commercial and businesses are clustered, and by all means a "downtown". And yes, people do walk around there, weather permitting. maybe you need to pay attention. All the strip malls and side streets are connected by sidewalks and intersections, why lie that they aren't? Whether you find it unpleasant or adequate is a personal issue. Alexandria old town doesn't look like Manhattan either and neither does DT DC. I can say the same that unless an area has a concentration of very high skyscrapers and a lot of them are commercial it's not a "downtown"

So we agree…there isn’t a DT McLean. There are no strip malls in any downtown areas. Strip malls are literally what you find in shitty suburban areas that are functional, but not places people really hang out and want to spend more than the 30 minutes they need to be there.

Just own it and move on. McLean has a lot going for it…having a downtown where anyone wants to be…that’s not it.

It does not matter, Tysons is just 2 miles from McLean.

Actually Tysons is less than a mile from McLean. Even better!!

Are you mapping to the mall?

Why does it matter if it’s one mile or three miles or 10 miles?

Nobody gives a shit how close to a mall you live if you still have to get in your car to get there.

[Anonymous]

Spring Valley is a cancer cluster. Highhest rates of a dozen cancers in the entire US. It's literally built upon disposed chemical weapon munitions from the first World War. Anyone claiming it as prestige is, by definition, dimwitted.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We lived in North Arlington just off of the Chesterbrook neighborhood for many years and it served its purpose then. As young empty nesters, though, we fled to the city the minute we could and haven’t looked back. I cannot imagine anyone without children wanting to live in a place like that. It is boring as hell.

We like McLean but I’m sorry you found North Arlington so boring. There are probably more amenities in both areas than when you lived there.

No they’re aren’t. Just fewer older homes and more McMansions. The fundamentals haven’t changed one bit.

WTF are you talking about? Chesterbrook shopping plaza was completely revamped and 'downtown' Mclean got a new grocery store and a dozen restaurants.

Lol yea I’ve seen the new Chesterbrook and sure it’s nicer than it was but it’s not exactly National Harbor or Navy Yard. No one is moving to Chesterbrook for the shopping plaza.

Nobody would say it's a destination place. It's just a convenient suburban shopping plaza for people's daily needs , it has limited amenities, it's also not DT Mclean, it's a short drive away.

As far as National Harbor, Navy Yard and the Wharf why would you even compare? These are not real towns either, they are dining/entertainment/promenade weekend destinations, and which is why they are also not desirable for everyday living IMHO. Very few everyday routine living amenities, they feel disconnected and bubble-like and poorly served by Metro (incomparable to central parts of DC where you can walk from one line to another). They are essentially weekend promenades off the HWy with atrociously priced parking. Mclean DT has more of a town feel than any of these and serves communities nearby.

So what is DT Mclean? What are the cross streets?

Not sure about that poster but to me it’s Chain Bridge and Old Dominion.

Google Maps shows three gas stations and a crappy strip mall that includes a Tobacco Hut (just what every high end DT needs and wants)...that's DT Mclean?

Are you being purposefully obtuse? Downtown anything does not consist of a single intersection. I swear sometimes I can’t tell if people on this board are genuine idiots or just pretending to be one.

Well…where does it start and end…if that is one end, what’s the other end? Why can’t anyone tell me where the f**k downtown McLean is?

I don’t know of any high end downtowns that have 3 gas stations and a tobacco hut anchoring any part of their downtown.

What's "high end" downtown? There is no luxury retail unless you go to Tysons 2 mall or into DC city center. NOt sure what you are looking for. DT Mclean has some gas stations, but it's most definitely not all that's around It has some higher end food shopping places like Balducci, Organic Butchers, some small ethnic food markets, bakeries (not cheap), and consignment boutiques where you could find some labels. Dining is mostly casual. It's not your Channel, LV, 5 star dining type of place, if that's what you mean There is a G. Gilbert's steakhouse around there, but I've never been.

DP. I think that when PP means downtown they means kind of the traditional city center type area where everything is reasonably walkable to each other. I love organic butcher but you’re not walking anywhere from there unless you’re planning on running across a very busy street.

There are pedestrian crosswalk everywhere, including Old Dominion and Chain bridge (which is where you'd have to walk to cross). Or you could go the other direction and cross near Balducci pedestrian crosswalk.

Look It's not a pleasant urban promenade, nobody is trying to argue this point here. If you need this, you should look into Bethesda, it has what you have in mind in terms of true urban grid of a small town and the charm factor. But arguing that Mclean DT doesn't exist or is just a bunch of disconnected strip malls that you cannot walk between and it doesn't have a cohesive town feel (having multiple intersections and streets and many types of businesses to serve everyday needs, plus commercial offices) is really stupid at this point. It just shows ignorance and laziness to even look at the googlemaps.

People here who still think Mclean is some exurban sprawl with zero walkability sound completely ignorant and obviously haven't been around for a while if ever. There is nothing in DC metro area at this point inside the beltway that's not trying to actively add density and urban amenities where possible near commercial centers of any kind. Mclean DT is no exception.

Eh. I live close by and have never seen people walking from organic butcher to a separate strip mall. It’s not really connected. McLean is a highly desirable area. But not every highly desirable area is the same. I personally would never live in Old Town but it has what people mean by a DT. An area with stores is not automatically a downtown.

Your definition of "downtown" doesn't matter.

It's a center of the town of Mclean where most commercial and businesses are clustered, and by all means a "downtown". And yes, people do walk around there, weather permitting. maybe you need to pay attention. All the strip malls and side streets are connected by sidewalks and intersections, why lie that they aren't? Whether you find it unpleasant or adequate is a personal issue. Alexandria old town doesn't look like Manhattan either and neither does DT DC. I can say the same that unless an area has a concentration of very high skyscrapers and a lot of them are commercial it's not a "downtown"

So we agree…there isn’t a DT McLean. There are no strip malls in any downtown areas. Strip malls are literally what you find in shitty suburban areas that are functional, but not places people really hang out and want to spend more than the 30 minutes they need to be there.

Just own it and move on. McLean has a lot going for it…having a downtown where anyone wants to be…that’s not it.

It does not matter, Tysons is just 2 miles from McLean.

Actually Tysons is less than a mile from McLean. Even better!!

Are you mapping to the mall?

Why does it matter if it’s one mile or three miles or 10 miles?

Nobody gives a shit how close to a mall you live if you still have to get in your car to get there.

No one has an aversion to jumping in a car and driving anywhere in a suburban community. We all own multiple cars— not a problem.

[Anonymous]

Mclean doesn't have a Metro stop, for what it's worth. The "McLean" stop on the Silver Line is really Tysons Corner east.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We lived in North Arlington just off of the Chesterbrook neighborhood for many years and it served its purpose then. As young empty nesters, though, we fled to the city the minute we could and haven’t looked back. I cannot imagine anyone without children wanting to live in a place like that. It is boring as hell.

We like McLean but I’m sorry you found North Arlington so boring. There are probably more amenities in both areas than when you lived there.

No they’re aren’t. Just fewer older homes and more McMansions. The fundamentals haven’t changed one bit.

WTF are you talking about? Chesterbrook shopping plaza was completely revamped and 'downtown' Mclean got a new grocery store and a dozen restaurants.

Lol yea I’ve seen the new Chesterbrook and sure it’s nicer than it was but it’s not exactly National Harbor or Navy Yard. No one is moving to Chesterbrook for the shopping plaza.

Nobody would say it's a destination place. It's just a convenient suburban shopping plaza for people's daily needs , it has limited amenities, it's also not DT Mclean, it's a short drive away.

As far as National Harbor, Navy Yard and the Wharf why would you even compare? These are not real towns either, they are dining/entertainment/promenade weekend destinations, and which is why they are also not desirable for everyday living IMHO. Very few everyday routine living amenities, they feel disconnected and bubble-like and poorly served by Metro (incomparable to central parts of DC where you can walk from one line to another). They are essentially weekend promenades off the HWy with atrociously priced parking. Mclean DT has more of a town feel than any of these and serves communities nearby.

So what is DT Mclean? What are the cross streets?

Not sure about that poster but to me it’s Chain Bridge and Old Dominion.

Google Maps shows three gas stations and a crappy strip mall that includes a Tobacco Hut (just what every high end DT needs and wants)...that's DT Mclean?

Are you being purposefully obtuse? Downtown anything does not consist of a single intersection. I swear sometimes I can’t tell if people on this board are genuine idiots or just pretending to be one.

Well…where does it start and end…if that is one end, what’s the other end? Why can’t anyone tell me where the f**k downtown McLean is?

I don’t know of any high end downtowns that have 3 gas stations and a tobacco hut anchoring any part of their downtown.

What's "high end" downtown? There is no luxury retail unless you go to Tysons 2 mall or into DC city center. NOt sure what you are looking for. DT Mclean has some gas stations, but it's most definitely not all that's around It has some higher end food shopping places like Balducci, Organic Butchers, some small ethnic food markets, bakeries (not cheap), and consignment boutiques where you could find some labels. Dining is mostly casual. It's not your Channel, LV, 5 star dining type of place, if that's what you mean There is a G. Gilbert's steakhouse around there, but I've never been.

DP. I think that when PP means downtown they means kind of the traditional city center type area where everything is reasonably walkable to each other. I love organic butcher but you’re not walking anywhere from there unless you’re planning on running across a very busy street.

There are pedestrian crosswalk everywhere, including Old Dominion and Chain bridge (which is where you'd have to walk to cross). Or you could go the other direction and cross near Balducci pedestrian crosswalk.

Look It's not a pleasant urban promenade, nobody is trying to argue this point here. If you need this, you should look into Bethesda, it has what you have in mind in terms of true urban grid of a small town and the charm factor. But arguing that Mclean DT doesn't exist or is just a bunch of disconnected strip malls that you cannot walk between and it doesn't have a cohesive town feel (having multiple intersections and streets and many types of businesses to serve everyday needs, plus commercial offices) is really stupid at this point. It just shows ignorance and laziness to even look at the googlemaps.

People here who still think Mclean is some exurban sprawl with zero walkability sound completely ignorant and obviously haven't been around for a while if ever. There is nothing in DC metro area at this point inside the beltway that's not trying to actively add density and urban amenities where possible near commercial centers of any kind. Mclean DT is no exception.

Eh. I live close by and have never seen people walking from organic butcher to a separate strip mall. It’s not really connected. McLean is a highly desirable area. But not every highly desirable area is the same. I personally would never live in Old Town but it has what people mean by a DT. An area with stores is not automatically a downtown.

Your definition of "downtown" doesn't matter.

It's a center of the town of Mclean where most commercial and businesses are clustered, and by all means a "downtown". And yes, people do walk around there, weather permitting. maybe you need to pay attention. All the strip malls and side streets are connected by sidewalks and intersections, why lie that they aren't? Whether you find it unpleasant or adequate is a personal issue. Alexandria old town doesn't look like Manhattan either and neither does DT DC. I can say the same that unless an area has a concentration of very high skyscrapers and a lot of them are commercial it's not a "downtown"

So we agree…there isn’t a DT McLean. There are no strip malls in any downtown areas. Strip malls are literally what you find in shitty suburban areas that are functional, but not places people really hang out and want to spend more than the 30 minutes they need to be there.

Just own it and move on. McLean has a lot going for it…having a downtown where anyone wants to be…that’s not it.

It does not matter, Tysons is just 2 miles from McLean.

Actually Tysons is less than a mile from McLean. Even better!!

Are you mapping to the mall?

Why does it matter if it’s one mile or three miles or 10 miles?

Nobody gives a shit how close to a mall you live if you still have to get in your car to get there.

Maybe for the slow people OP should clarify "for suburban living is Mclean really that desirable"?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Mclean doesn't have a Metro stop, for what it's worth. The "McLean" stop on the Silver Line is really Tysons Corner east.

My understanding is that locals didn't want the train station to go to the DT Mclean commercial area or any further than Tysons? Mclean is not really metro accessible as a result and it's sort of stupid to name this station "Mclean", it should be renamed IMHO, agree with you there.

most of actual Mclean residential areas are too far to walk there and bus services are anemic. Mclean is easy to drive to places, so not much of an issue. Plus "spoke" design system of metro sucks for between-suburb travel anyway, as it requires traveling to DC to switch trains.

[Anonymous]

Agree that McLean doesn't have a downtown feel to it, even though there is a concentration of businesses near the intersection of Old Dominion Drive & Chain Bridge. The trendy new "Downtown," if you want to call it that, is now "The Boro": one Metro stop beyond Tysons Corner. The Fairfax counterpart to Pike & Rose in MoCo.

[Anonymous]

Ok. Are those who don’t have enough money to live in McLean done fighting over its downtown? I mean, really, 11 pages of nonsense. Don’t you have something more important to do?