Does anyone regret moving to McLean?

[Anonymous]

I've seen a couple threads recently about house-hunting in McLean and particular neighborhoods etc. but here's what I'm wondering:

Has anyone ever moved to McLean from Arlington (or elsewhere) and regretted it?

Here's our situation - we live in a great neighborhood in Central Arlington. We love our neighbors, our neighborhood, we're close to my family, and we're thrilled with our public schools. The only problem is our house is a bit tight. We've talked about building an addition but to get the kind of space we want it will be a bit more than we can afford for the moment. We've looked elsewhere in Arlington and haven't found anything worth moving for. I have looked at some houses in McLean that will offer us the kind of space we really want, but I'm not really thrilled with the neighborhoods I'm seeing.

I feel like most of them have narrow streets, few sidewalks, and no signs of life. I went to a couple open houses yesterday, a gorgeous, sunny day, and I barely saw a soul outside in the neighborhoods I was visiting. I came home and walked 3 blocks from my house the the park with my daughter and probably saw 20 people working in their yards, walking dogs, jogging, with strollers, etc.

We have 20 kids on our street - many are close in age to my daughter. Are there neighborhoods like this in McLean? Would anyone be willing to share specific streets or blocks? I just don't think I could stomach a move without knowing that we'd have a real support system of families with young children around us and as yet I'm not believing that they exist, at least not where I've been looking....

[Anonymous]

We moved from the McLean school district (of McLean) to the Langley school district. It is our fourth property in McLean. I mention school district because I imagine that is why you are considering McLean. Did you know that some Falls Church students go to McLean District Schools and some Herndon students go to Langley District schools? Paying the taxes in McLean really makes no sense, if you are educated about it. I can only guess that Arlington is more fiscally responsible than Fairfax County. Not a stretch.
Did you notice the bike lanes, new sidewalks and other appealing aspects of Arlington? Can you walk to desirable activities? Likely the answer is yes.
In retrospect, we would have stayed where we were. On the one hand, if you can find a McLean neighborhood with sidewalks and nice neighbors, you have struck gold. In any event, neighbors are indeed, priceless. I can not say this enough times. I can not say this enough times. I can not say this enough times......
Trust your gut, if you can add on to where you are, do it. Hope this helps. Hope there are more (not less) helpful people out there

[Anonymous]

I to lived in Arlington, then in McLean for ten yrs.
When you move it just takes a while to build your support system. Sounds to me like you should make do with your current house.

[Anonymous]

You have to find the right neighborhood. I live in McLean and love my neighborhood, but I think it's unique compared to other neighborhoods in McLean. I'm in McLean Hamlet.

[Anonymous]

What's up with all these McLean people complaining about our taxes (or is it just the same poster each time)? Did you not realize these taxes existed before you moved here?

[Anonymous]

16:50 - are you in McLean?

[Anonymous]

I'm happy we moved to Mclean. I used to live in Arlington and though I loved it I was tired of problems with parking and rowdy night time folks (we lived in Clarendon). Mclean is much quieter. We live in a neighborhood with sidewalks which is great -- lots of kids, one of which who mows my lawn all summer. It feels more "small town" than Arlington did in that I am constantly running into neighbors and friends at the grocery store, hardware store, etc. which is always nice. As for taxes, I think some of the grumbling stems from the fact that although we pay a fair share of taxes, our kids do not get the benefit of full-day kindergarten and won't for the next few years as Mclean is not considered "needy" enough. Are Falls Church taxes that much less than Mclean? I'd be shocked if they were.

[Anonymous]

I know this doesn't answer your initial question, but, I would stay where you are. To me, a tight fit is less important than all the other things you mention in your post. Maybe in a few years you will be able to afford the addition to your house. If I were you, I would keep looking in Arlington just in case something good pops up, maybe in your same neighborhood. An awesome neighborhood, good schools, parents nearby...who could ask for more?!?!

[Anonymous]

You would be crazy to move. Unless you can afford that much more space, in which case, you'd be the one paying more taxes.

[Anonymous]

It sounds like you really like your neighborhood, so really think about whether you want to uproot your life and family for a few more square feet. Maybe you can figure away to use your existing space better?

McLean may have been more quiet than normal since Spring break just started. Our little neighborhood playground, however, was crawling with children Sunday afternoon and at least a few families were grilling.

Not sure why the poster(s) are fixated on taxes in McLean. Before my husband and I had children we didn't complain about our tax money subsidizing all the schools, children's programs, etc.

[Anonymous]

Check out the neighborhoods around Churchill Elementary school - they are bustling with children and have sidewalks.

[Anonymous]

I am very friendly with everyone in my neighborhood-Franklin Park. It's beautiful-very leafy and calm with lots of kids. True on sidewalks though-we don't have them although it really doesn't bother me but if that's a worry-I would skip Franklin Park.

[Anonymous]

I am curious about where you live in Arlington, OP. It sounds wonderful. Would you be willing to share the name of your neighborhood?

[Anonymous]

OP here - we live in Arlington Forest (22203). Can't say enough good things about my neighborhood, really.

It's great location - close to Ballston, I66, Rt 50, Seven Corners, Baileys' XRoads, bike trails and parks. The streets are wide, have sidewalks, and lots of kids in the neighborhood. The only downside is small houses on smaller lots. Many people are doing additions and we have looked into that as well but are deciding/realizing we may not be able to afford it right now on one income.