Bethesda or McLean?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:At the same price point, you can buy a nicer house with a bigger lot in McLean than Bethesda

I don’t think think this is true.

It is, if fact, a fact. But think what you want.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I live in Mclean and like it a lot for us.

Maybe this is shallow, but the housing stock in Bethesda is much nicer if you like more mature neighborhoods with older houses, more of a northeast neighborhoody feel. A lot of Mclean is either new builds or not very charming 30-50 year old homes. Not all of Mclean, there are pretty areas, but it's mostly just not that pretty. I live in an expensive house in Mclean and it's definitely not the kind of house i imagined when i was growing up.

Same in every way.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Both are nice places to live with good public schools.

I would NOT want to cross the river every day to work. That commute is just awful. Not many bridges across the river, so alternate routes are very limited. Every day the Potomac bridges’ multiple issues-du-jour are mentioned during commute times on WTOP-FM’s traffic reports.

If I worked in MD, I would live in MD. If I worked in VA, then I would live in VA. If worked in DC, I might live either place, but only after understanding the specific commute options for my workplace.

West Bethesda inside the beltway has a TON of ways to get downtown to World bank area in 20 mins no traffics, 30 mins (MacArthur, mass Ave, Clara Barton, River Road) as well as north and to the beltway in like 3-5 stop signs of driving not 20 mins like DC.

Comparable Bethesda house not along subway will cost less than in McLean (inside beltway for both locations).

The bridges can really get you, be careful if you pick NiVA and need to get to office in WDC daily.

Live in McLean. Short drive to West Falls Church Metro and an easy ride to DC without all the traffic lights getting from Bethesda or even upper NW to downtown DC if traveling by car.

Also, more private schools are in MoCo and NW DC should you need those at any time.

[Anonymous]

I’ve lived in McLean for 20 years and still can’t answer this question. So I’d just pick the house I love more.

[Anonymous]

If you're buying a new house, McLean for sure. Areas like Salona village have a variety of new builds

[Anonymous]

On average McLean seems to have gotten a good bit more expensive than Bethesda - the prices there are more aligned with Chevy Chase than Bethesda. Assume this is because NoVa has so many jobs so McLean is the sweet spot between jobs in DC and jobs in NoVa.

But it’s really the state university options in VA that give McLean the edge.

[Anonymous]

McLean. Very easy commute to DC with only one stop light (literally).

[Anonymous]

McLean because Maryland is trash.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:the housing stock in Bethesda is much nicer

I'm not going to disagree with this, but this might be the first time I've seen the housing stock of bethesda cast in a good light

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:At the same price point, you can buy a nicer house with a bigger lot in McLean than Bethesda

I don’t think think this is true.

This is true. In McLean you have monster houses, McMansions, and ramblers. The filthy rich, like a Saudi prince for example, live in the monsters, rich beltway types like lobbyists, law partners, contractors live in McMansions, the 1950’s 60’s ramblers are for people who wants the schools but don’t have the means for the rich lifestyle. Ether way, most people keep to themselves. Bethesda mostly McMansions with some ramblers, again the same type of professions, but more suburban New Yorkish attitude and a little of look how well I’m doing vibe. I’ll throw in Arlington and Alexandria for texture. Arlington is full of McMansions and small center hall colonial, same type of professions as the above two, but crunchier in attitude and lifestyle. Alexandria, again same professions but more measured, laidback and content. NW, DC is for impressive people and change makers.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:McLean because Maryland is trash.

... and rural VA isn't? It's nearly a 3rd world country in some parts. Deliverance..

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:the housing stock in Bethesda is much nicer

I'm not going to disagree with this, but this might be the first time I've seen the housing stock of Bethesda cast in a good light

What Bethesda do people live in? The Mass Ave corridor is beautiful, Bradley Hills, Edgemoor, etc. I feel like people only look at a few new builds which I think are gross. For the most part they are older, stately, well built homes.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:McLean because Maryland is trash.

... and rural VA isn't? It's nearly a 3rd world country in some parts. Deliverance..

We’re talking about McLean, not rural VA…
Stupid flex

[Anonymous]

the second time pp tried to bring rural VA into the Bethesda v McLean convo. Weird.

[Anonymous]

I'm loling at all these people complaining about abortion in choosing where to live. How many abortions are you guys scheduled to get?!