considering moving to McLean

[Anonymous]

I've lived in McLean for a long time and think if you choose a neighborhood with homes in the $1.2-$1.4 range you'll find relatively down to earth neighbors -- families with kids here for the schools just like you, going to Little League and the local swim clubs. We have tons of great neighbors and great friends in a neighborhood like that. Of course you're still in the DC area, in a highly educated, competitive, relatively affluent bubble -- but I'm sure you're already aware of that

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:There are some really odd people who eventually flame any thread about McL. The last poster is particularly unstable.

You must be right. Anyone who does not agree with you is "unstable". Your poor spouse.

OP, in the upper brackets, $2m-$4m, there are particularly nice people, nicer than you would expect, if you have anything in common with them. If not, then you don't, which is fine. You need to be where you fit in.

In the $1.2m-$1.4m range, you could do well, provided all of the houses were built at the same time. You do not want to be "the nice house", or "the new house", this is true anywhere, of course. There is resentment and bitterness anywhere, but could be exacerbated when surrounded by "better", real or perceived.

McLean, as anywhere (but perhaps more so) has its share of revisionists and poseurs, so be mindful, and you will be fine.

Notice I say "anywhere" and not "everywhere". GL. May you land a neighbor who is "stable".

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:There are some really odd people who eventually flame any thread about McL. The last poster is particularly unstable.

You must be right. Anyone who does not agree with you is "unstable". Your poor spouse.

OP, in the upper brackets, $2m-$4m, there are particularly nice people, nicer than you would expect, if you have anything in common with them. If not, then you don't, which is fine. You need to be where you fit in.

In the $1.2m-$1.4m range, you could do well, provided all of the houses were built at the same time. You do not want to be "the nice house", or "the new house", this is true anywhere, of course. There is resentment and bitterness anywhere, but could be exacerbated when surrounded by "better", real or perceived.

McLean, as anywhere (but perhaps more so) has its share of revisionists and poseurs, so be mindful, and you will be fine.

Notice I say "anywhere" and not "everywhere". GL. May you land a neighbor who is "stable".

Your posts really are very peculiar. Arlington, Falls Church and McLean all have many neighborhoods that are a mix of old and new homes. Most people who live there get along fine. If you rule out large swaths of NoVa based on some overblown fear that a long-time resident in an older home (whose property, by the way, will have greatly appreciated) will resent you, you are unnecessarily limiting your options in some very nice areas that are short commutes to DC and have excellent schools.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:This one just went on the market this week.

http://www.estately.com/listings/info/6608-old-chesterbrook-road[/quote

Oooh, pretty. The kitchen needs help, but that isn't too bad.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:There are some really odd people who eventually flame any thread about McL. The last poster is particularly unstable.

You must be right. Anyone who does not agree with you is "unstable". Your poor spouse.

OP, in the upper brackets, $2m-$4m, there are particularly nice people, nicer than you would expect, if you have anything in common with them. If not, then you don't, which is fine. You need to be where you fit in.

In the $1.2m-$1.4m range, you could do well, provided all of the houses were built at the same time. You do not want to be "the nice house", or "the new house", this is true anywhere, of course. There is resentment and bitterness anywhere, but could be exacerbated when surrounded by "better", real or perceived.

McLean, as anywhere (but perhaps more so) has its share of revisionists and poseurs, so be mindful, and you will be fine.

Notice I say "anywhere" and not "everywhere". GL. May you land a neighbor who is "stable".

Your posts really are very peculiar. Arlington, Falls Church and McLean all have many neighborhoods that are a mix of old and new homes. Most people who live there get along fine. If you rule out large swaths of NoVa based on some overblown fear that a long-time resident in an older home (whose property, by the way, will have greatly appreciated) will resent you, you are unnecessarily limiting your options in some very nice areas that are short commutes to DC and have excellent schools.

You sound crazy. Who are you talking to?

[Anonymous]

McLean is a dogshit neighborhood full of wannabe old money but nothing but gauche morons in their maseratis.

202 4evah

[Anonymous]

McLean Hamlet is a great neighborhood, OP, though actually under your budget.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Agree with suggestions for Langley Oaks (Churchill Road Elementary) & McLean Hamlet (Spring Hill). Both neighborhoods are teeming with kids so instant playmates & good schools. Drive around & see how many basketball hoops, bikes & playsets you will see -- good way to find family friendly and as down-to-earth as you can get in McLean.

I, too, was going to suggest McLean Hamlet. Community swim team and lots of neighborhood events.

[Anonymous]

The one issue with McLean Hamlet that might bother some people (it bothers me) is that because it's so close to the Toll Rd and 495, there can be a lot of traffic noise, especially depending on the street/house location. I agree with all the positives that have been mentioned, just thought this is worth pointing out for those who are especially noise sensitive.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The one issue with McLean Hamlet that might bother some people (it bothers me) is that because it's so close to the Toll Rd and 495, there can be a lot of traffic noise, especially depending on the street/house location. I agree with all the positives that have been mentioned, just thought this is worth pointing out for those who are especially noise sensitive.

Yes, it's hard to be conveniently located and not be near a major highway. Fortunately, as you mention, the location of the house within the Hamlet makes a big difference as to the amount of road noise, if any, you may hear.

[Anonymous]

Evermay is another neighborhood to consider. Nice homes in your price range and great location.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The one issue with McLean Hamlet that might bother some people (it bothers me) is that because it's so close to the Toll Rd and 495, there can be a lot of traffic noise, especially depending on the street/house location. I agree with all the positives that have been mentioned, just thought this is worth pointing out for those who are especially noise sensitive.

We had a house like that once and we had friends who lived near the falls in Great Falls. Both sounded surprisingly similar so we decided to pretend it was the river we heard.

[Anonymous]

We live in West Mclean. Very down to earth and close to the new metro.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:McLean is a dogshit neighborhood full of wannabe old money but nothing but gauche morons in their maseratis.

202 4evah

Sounds like sidwell kids are on this board posting

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I think you can guess quite a bit about how friendly and social a neighborhood is ahead of time. For example, if there are sidewalks and people walking and biking a lot, you tend to run into neighbors more often. Similarly, if there are ¼ acre or ½ acre lots it's more likely to be social than a neighborhood with 1 acre lots and very high end homes. Do you see any kids playing in the yards? Is anyone doing their own yard work and gardening? Stop and talk to some people and ask them if there are neighborhood parties, book clubs, Halloween parades, etc. You can learn a lot.

If that is what you want. I looked at a neighborhood that was just like that, and I could tell that everybody was into everyone else' business -- I was looking at a house, didn't want to talk, and I thought, this neighborhood has too much buzz for me. I like the neighbors to keep a distance. Some people are like that.