Anyone else grew up in McLean but can’t afford to buy there?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Op, are you still reading this thread? I grew up in McLean also. One of my friends was always amused that the McDonald's had just one arch!

Did you ever feel like people judged you negatively for growing up in McLean? I've avoided telling people because of the sometimes negative ways they would treat me after I told them. I had a college friend who assumed I was spoiled and snobby (neither were true). Whereas if I didn't tell people I was from McLean they would get to know me and not make immediate incorrect assumptions.

DP. Also grew up in McLean and have had the same experience. I usually say I lived there when it was a normal place (and way back when, it was).

If you're in the DMV I guess people have assumptions about McLean. Outside of the area most people haven't heard of it. I'm from the west coast and had never heard of it until we started looking for houses here. I lived in Arlington for 5 years and thought McLean was similar to Annandale or something (I had never visited).

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Am I the only reader who thinks it is kind of pathetic that both OP and her husband are from metro-Fairfax and never left?

How do you know OP didn’t live elsewhere since getting out of high school 15 years ago? I think it’s kind of pathetic that you think people should be judged for returning to the area where they grew up.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Op, are you still reading this thread? I grew up in McLean also. One of my friends was always amused that the McDonald's had just one arch!

Did you ever feel like people judged you negatively for growing up in McLean? I've avoided telling people because of the sometimes negative ways they would treat me after I told them. I had a college friend who assumed I was spoiled and snobby (neither were true). Whereas if I didn't tell people I was from McLean they would get to know me and not make immediate incorrect assumptions.

DP. Also grew up in McLean and have had the same experience. I usually say I lived there when it was a normal place (and way back when, it was).

If you're in the DMV I guess people have assumptions about McLean. Outside of the area most people haven't heard of it. I'm from the west coast and had never heard of it until we started looking for houses here. I lived in Arlington for 5 years and thought McLean was similar to Annandale or something (I had never visited).

If you know people in certain circles on the East Coast because of work or school ties, people generally are familiar with certain suburbs of Boston, New York, Philadelphia, Baltimore, and DC, McLean among them. And also certain Chicago suburbs.

If they’ve heard of Arlington, it’s more likely because of Arlington National Cemetery or the Pentagon than the residential neighborhoods, as is the case with McLean.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Am I the only reader who thinks it is kind of pathetic that both OP and her husband are from metro-Fairfax and never left?

Where did you grow up, PP? Are tou in the DC area now? If so, what brought you here? Do you have family here?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I had a beautiful and idyllic childhood in McLean. We were so happy and loved our neighborhood. I am dreaming of raising my kids there but it seems impossible. Husband is not ok with taking out a mortgage or a mil+ and would rather we buy a starter home in Fairfax for 600k.

It’s so hard to let go of the good schools I myself went to and the wonderful community in McLean.

How can I be ok with downgrading?

Most people can not afford to live where they grew up, especially if it is a desirable area, OP. Not saying McLean is all that great, but some people like it for the commute, so that drives prices up.

No one is entitled to the life their parents gave them. Sometimes, you have to create your own path - nothing wrong with that.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Am I the only reader who thinks it is kind of pathetic that both OP and her husband are from metro-Fairfax and never left?

+1

I was thinking the same thing. Time to grow up and leave the proverbial nest, OP.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Am I the only reader who thinks it is kind of pathetic that both OP and her husband are from metro-Fairfax and never left?

Where did you grow up, PP? Are tou in the DC area now? If so, what brought you here? Do you have family here?

DP here. Family is all over the world. What's your point?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Op, are you still reading this thread? I grew up in McLean also. One of my friends was always amused that the McDonald's had just one arch!

Did you ever feel like people judged you negatively for growing up in McLean? I've avoided telling people because of the sometimes negative ways they would treat me after I told them. I had a college friend who assumed I was spoiled and snobby (neither were true). Whereas if I didn't tell people I was from McLean they would get to know me and not make immediate incorrect assumptions.

DP. Also grew up in McLean and have had the same experience. I usually say I lived there when it was a normal place (and way back when, it was).

If you're in the DMV I guess people have assumptions about McLean. Outside of the area most people haven't heard of it. I'm from the west coast and had never heard of it until we started looking for houses here. I lived in Arlington for 5 years and thought McLean was similar to Annandale or something (I had never visited).

If you know people in certain circles on the East Coast because of work or school ties, people generally are familiar with certain suburbs of Boston, New York, Philadelphia, Baltimore, and DC, McLean among them. And also certain Chicago suburbs.

If they’ve heard of Arlington, it’s more likely because of Arlington National Cemetery or the Pentagon than the residential neighborhoods, as is the case with McLean.

McLean does not compare to the places you mentioned - you must not be familiar, at all.

No one has heard of McLean, trust me.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

This is OP. Yes, people seem to have an inaccurate perception of McLean, at least from when I used to live there through my childhood until going off to college. No one I knew was "snooty" or a gazillionare although yes they were well-to-do professionals. Everyone we knew was down to earth and focused on their children and families. I will say, we did not live in one of those multimillion dollar properties so may be that is why.

According to the math I do, it seems we could reasonably afford a mortgage of 1 million dollar home. DH, however is very adamant that we live some place cheap and especially not with snobby people, which personally, I think is ridiculous. There are rich people all over NOVA and are not tied to one zip code. He says he does not want to live in Great Falls, McLean or Vienna.

Both of you seem to have some childhood/high school hang ups and could do with some maturing before you make the biggest purchase of your life. I'd focus a lot less on your childhood memories and a lot more on an actual house and area that have the qualities that are most important to you. Good luck, your husband sounds like a major PITA.

Your husband has a valid point.

Since you grew up there, OP - you know that McLean did not have many "multimillion dollar" properties until relatively recently - economics is real.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Not me but DH did.

You have to realize, even if you could afford it, it would be totally different. Your neighbors would be people who can afford to live there. Basically no true middle class people. Places change and McLean certainly did.

+1

OP. you are going to be one of those locals opining about "the good old days". Every place has changed, not just McLean. Better to be where you can afford.

+1

APPLAUSE.

Every place changes. Get over it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Op, are you still reading this thread? I grew up in McLean also. One of my friends was always amused that the McDonald's had just one arch!

Did you ever feel like people judged you negatively for growing up in McLean? I've avoided telling people because of the sometimes negative ways they would treat me after I told them. I had a college friend who assumed I was spoiled and snobby (neither were true). Whereas if I didn't tell people I was from McLean they would get to know me and not make immediate incorrect assumptions.

DP. Also grew up in McLean and have had the same experience. I usually say I lived there when it was a normal place (and way back when, it was).

If you're in the DMV I guess people have assumptions about McLean. Outside of the area most people haven't heard of it. I'm from the west coast and had never heard of it until we started looking for houses here. I lived in Arlington for 5 years and thought McLean was similar to Annandale or something (I had never visited).

If you know people in certain circles on the East Coast because of work or school ties, people generally are familiar with certain suburbs of Boston, New York, Philadelphia, Baltimore, and DC, McLean among them. And also certain Chicago suburbs.

If they’ve heard of Arlington, it’s more likely because of Arlington National Cemetery or the Pentagon than the residential neighborhoods, as is the case with McLean.

McLean does not compare to the places you mentioned - you must not be familiar, at all.

No one has heard of McLean, trust me.

Why would I trust you when you’re simply wrong? People who don’t live in this area have told me many times they are familiar with McLean. It has the same name recognition as many other well-known suburbs along the East Coast.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Op, are you still reading this thread? I grew up in McLean also. One of my friends was always amused that the McDonald's had just one arch!

Did you ever feel like people judged you negatively for growing up in McLean? I've avoided telling people because of the sometimes negative ways they would treat me after I told them. I had a college friend who assumed I was spoiled and snobby (neither were true). Whereas if I didn't tell people I was from McLean they would get to know me and not make immediate incorrect assumptions.

DP. Also grew up in McLean and have had the same experience. I usually say I lived there when it was a normal place (and way back when, it was).

If you're in the DMV I guess people have assumptions about McLean. Outside of the area most people haven't heard of it. I'm from the west coast and had never heard of it until we started looking for houses here. I lived in Arlington for 5 years and thought McLean was similar to Annandale or something (I had never visited).

If you know people in certain circles on the East Coast because of work or school ties, people generally are familiar with certain suburbs of Boston, New York, Philadelphia, Baltimore, and DC, McLean among them. And also certain Chicago suburbs.

If they’ve heard of Arlington, it’s more likely because of Arlington National Cemetery or the Pentagon than the residential neighborhoods, as is the case with McLean.

McLean does not compare to the places you mentioned - you must not be familiar, at all.

No one has heard of McLean, trust me.

Why would I trust you when you’re simply wrong? People who don’t live in this area have told me many times they are familiar with McLean. It has the same name recognition as many other well-known suburbs along the East Coast.

DP but you're definitely making this up. It is simply not true.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:There are MANY good schools across Fairfax County in neighborhoods that provide much better value than McLean.

If you are talking public schools, the best (ex. TJ) are at best mediocre.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Would you consider Oakton? Great schools but not the snob factor your husband seems to be trying to avoid.

Or you could rent in McLean for significantly less than buying and invest the difference.

The “snob factor” is all relative. Ask people in Chantilly if they think Oakton is snobby and many will say yes.

Just live your life and find a house, commute, and schools that work for you.

Oakton and Chantilly may as well be the same place.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Am I the only reader who thinks it is kind of pathetic that both OP and her husband are from metro-Fairfax and never left?

Where did you grow up, PP? Are tou in the DC area now? If so, what brought you here? Do you have family here?

DP here. Family is all over the world. What's your point?

What’s your point in answering if you aren’t the PP?