McLean "Town Center"- Where is it?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP here. Thanks for all of the input. I took a drive out to McLean and went to the "town center" Giant. Stopped by Starbucks and StarNut. It's not what I was hoping for, but I'm just happy for a neighborhoody Starbucks. I also saw that there were plans in 2010 to redo the "town center", but the owner's were gun shy due to the recession. Does anyone know if they've changed their mind for the upcoming future? Also, how does the area expect to change with the completion of the Tyson's projects? I really prefer Arlington because of Clarendon, etc... however; for the square footage we want (I want to feel like I have more space after living sandwiched in between to other families in a rowhouse for 12 years), we're priced out. You can actually get more land for your buck in McLean in some of the more modest neighborhoods. What I want would cost upwards of 1.5 to 2 mil. in Arlington. It ain't happenin'!!!

We were in the same shoes as you are, wanting to have walkability, metro access and neighborhood feeling. We looked in N.Arlington but were disappointed what we found in our price range. We found ourselves looking further into the more residential parts of N.Arlington, which were over 1-2 miles away from metro, where prices were more reasonable. But at that point, we also realized we might as well be in Mclean, it's just extra 3-5 min drive, but we actually could be walkable to something near downtown Mclean, whereas, the residential parts of Arlington, we looked at, were not walkable to anything. Downtown Mclean does provide some walkability to most of the businesses you may need on regular basis as well as some PT options, like buses taking you to Arlington metro stops and Tysons. In the future, there is supposed to be a shuttle bus from DT Mclean to Tysons East station, from what I heard. So, I would look somewhere near DT Mclean if I were you, I don't think it's a bad idea, even if it's obviously, not a glamorous or cute type of location.

Wonderful for you but most people don't really covet "walkable" and so that's why you found prices cheaper, and why you'll be penalized in the future when you sell.

Most people do covet walkability, which is why Arlington near the metro is more expensive than Arlington far from the metro. Mclean is cheaper because it is further out and there is no metro.

[Anonymous]

Either you want walkability or you want McLean, OP.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:"Town Center" -- bwah-ha-ha-ha-ha! Welcome to the bedroom suburbs!

Fine by me. I love McLean. Please do not move here.

I also like McLean. No, it does not have vibrant downtown. If I wanted that, I would live in the city, as I did for 10 years. I got tired of it, and gor a number of reasons moved to McLean. I guess I would either prefer to live in actual city, or a more quiet suburb rather than the worst of both worlds like the Reston "Town Center". To each his own.

Fair point but why does the downtown have to be so dumpy. They could make it a lot nicer without making it like Reston Town Center. I think there is a good in between but McLean hasn't found it. They need to tear down places like Rocco's and The whole area near Amoos and Safeway and re-build. It's insane to have houses at the price points in Franklin Park only to look like you entered a third world country when you leave the neighborhood. The little area by Balducci's is a little better but there is so much untapped potential in the whole area.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP here. Thanks for all of the input. I took a drive out to McLean and went to the "town center" Giant. Stopped by Starbucks and StarNut. It's not what I was hoping for, but I'm just happy for a neighborhoody Starbucks. I also saw that there were plans in 2010 to redo the "town center", but the owner's were gun shy due to the recession. Does anyone know if they've changed their mind for the upcoming future? Also, how does the area expect to change with the completion of the Tyson's projects? I really prefer Arlington because of Clarendon, etc... however; for the square footage we want (I want to feel like I have more space after living sandwiched in between to other families in a rowhouse for 12 years), we're priced out. You can actually get more land for your buck in McLean in some of the more modest neighborhoods. What I want would cost upwards of 1.5 to 2 mil. in Arlington. It ain't happenin'!!!

We were in the same shoes as you are, wanting to have walkability, metro access and neighborhood feeling. We looked in N.Arlington but were disappointed what we found in our price range. We found ourselves looking further into the more residential parts of N.Arlington, which were over 1-2 miles away from metro, where prices were more reasonable. But at that point, we also realized we might as well be in Mclean, it's just extra 3-5 min drive, but we actually could be walkable to something near downtown Mclean, whereas, the residential parts of Arlington, we looked at, were not walkable to anything. Downtown Mclean does provide some walkability to most of the businesses you may need on regular basis as well as some PT options, like buses taking you to Arlington metro stops and Tysons. In the future, there is supposed to be a shuttle bus from DT Mclean to Tysons East station, from what I heard. So, I would look somewhere near DT Mclean if I were you, I don't think it's a bad idea, even if it's obviously, not a glamorous or cute type of location.

Wonderful for you but most people don't really covet "walkable" and so that's why you found prices cheaper, and why you'll be penalized in the future when you sell.

Most people do covet walkability, which is why Arlington near the metro is more expensive than Arlington far from the metro. Mclean is cheaper because it is further out and there is no metro.

There's no metro for a reason. The McLean citizens want nothing to do with it and will forever fight to keep it away. Hasn't it dawned on any of you that the reason the people with names come to McLean is to hide? We want our seclusion. We don't want to be recognized. We don't want to run into people we know. The climbers may eat at McLean Family Restaurant but I sure don't because the food is horrible and I don't want to be recognized. There is no town center because we want to do our chores in peace, be able to park, run in, get a chore done and leave, and not be hounded or photographed by people as we would in other areas. And if we run into other famous people, we know to leave them alone . . . completely alone. Only the climbers go to McLean Family Restaurant.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:
Most people do covet walkability, which is why Arlington near the metro is more expensive than Arlington far from the metro. Mclean is cheaper because it is further out and there is no metro.

Some parts of Arlington are only more expensive than McLean on a per square foot basis. But McLean properties are bigger than Arlington properties, so there are many more expensive properties, and fewer less expensive ones, in McLean than North Arlington. It's reflected in the considerably higher number of real estate sales over $1.0 million in McLean than in Arlington. And, with more upper-income residents, it's no surprise that Langley and McLean have higher test scores than Yorktown and Marshall (in nearby West Falls Church, but also attended by McLean students) has higher test scores than Washington-Lee.

The West Falls Church station is a short drive from much of McLean, the Tysons/McLean station will open early next year, and the McLean/Falls Church area is convenient to many major roads.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:
There's no metro for a reason. The McLean citizens want nothing to do with it and will forever fight to keep it away. Hasn't it dawned on any of you that the reason the people with names come to McLean is to hide? We want our seclusion. We don't want to be recognized. We don't want to run into people we know. The climbers may eat at McLean Family Restaurant but I sure don't because the food is horrible and I don't want to be recognized. There is no town center because we want to do our chores in peace, be able to park, run in, get a chore done and leave, and not be hounded or photographed by people as we would in other areas. And if we run into other famous people, we know to leave them alone . . . completely alone. Only the climbers go to McLean Family Restaurant.

I seriously doubt that you live in McLean, but if you do your outlook is decidedly outre. There are definitely famous people who eat at MFR from time to time, and they are left alone because it's good manners. And the breakfasts at MFR are great. But it's just one place, about as relevant to McLean as Bob & Edith's is to Arlington or the Vienna Inn is to Vienna.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP here. Thanks for all of the input. I took a drive out to McLean and went to the "town center" Giant. Stopped by Starbucks and StarNut. It's not what I was hoping for, but I'm just happy for a neighborhoody Starbucks. I also saw that there were plans in 2010 to redo the "town center", but the owner's were gun shy due to the recession. Does anyone know if they've changed their mind for the upcoming future? Also, how does the area expect to change with the completion of the Tyson's projects? I really prefer Arlington because of Clarendon, etc... however; for the square footage we want (I want to feel like I have more space after living sandwiched in between to other families in a rowhouse for 12 years), we're priced out. You can actually get more land for your buck in McLean in some of the more modest neighborhoods. What I want would cost upwards of 1.5 to 2 mil. in Arlington. It ain't happenin'!!!

We were in the same shoes as you are, wanting to have walkability, metro access and neighborhood feeling. We looked in N.Arlington but were disappointed what we found in our price range. We found ourselves looking further into the more residential parts of N.Arlington, which were over 1-2 miles away from metro, where prices were more reasonable. But at that point, we also realized we might as well be in Mclean, it's just extra 3-5 min drive, but we actually could be walkable to something near downtown Mclean, whereas, the residential parts of Arlington, we looked at, were not walkable to anything. Downtown Mclean does provide some walkability to most of the businesses you may need on regular basis as well as some PT options, like buses taking you to Arlington metro stops and Tysons. In the future, there is supposed to be a shuttle bus from DT Mclean to Tysons East station, from what I heard. So, I would look somewhere near DT Mclean if I were you, I don't think it's a bad idea, even if it's obviously, not a glamorous or cute type of location.

Wonderful for you but most people don't really covet "walkable" and so that's why you found prices cheaper, and why you'll be penalized in the future when you sell.

Most people do covet walkability, which is why Arlington near the metro is more expensive than Arlington far from the metro. Mclean is cheaper because it is further out and there is no metro.

There's no metro for a reason. The McLean citizens want nothing to do with it and will forever fight to keep it away. Hasn't it dawned on any of you that the reason the people with names come to McLean is to hide? We want our seclusion. We don't want to be recognized. We don't want to run into people we know. The climbers may eat at McLean Family Restaurant but I sure don't because the food is horrible and I don't want to be recognized. There is no town center because we want to do our chores in peace, be able to park, run in, get a chore done and leave, and not be hounded or photographed by people as we would in other areas. And if we run into other famous people, we know to leave them alone . . . completely alone. Only the climbers go to McLean Family Restaurant.

THe scoial climbers I've sat by at MFR include: my neighbor's nanny, Justice Scalia, Newt Gingrich, CEO of Northrop Grumman, CEO of General Dynaics, Colin Powell....gosh, when will they ever stopy trying to see and be seen? My kids love the breakfast (which is mostly when I've run into the "famous". Shrug. GUess I'm a climber. Oh, wait....or am I one of the...oh, who cares.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:
There's no metro for a reason. The McLean citizens want nothing to do with it and will forever fight to keep it away. Hasn't it dawned on any of you that the reason the people with names come to McLean is to hide? We want our seclusion. We don't want to be recognized. We don't want to run into people we know. The climbers may eat at McLean Family Restaurant but I sure don't because the food is horrible and I don't want to be recognized. There is no town center because we want to do our chores in peace, be able to park, run in, get a chore done and leave, and not be hounded or photographed by people as we would in other areas. And if we run into other famous people, we know to leave them alone . . . completely alone. Only the climbers go to McLean Family Restaurant.

I seriously doubt that you live in McLean, but if you do your outlook is decidedly outre. There are definitely famous people who eat at MFR from time to time, and they are left alone because it's good manners. And the breakfasts at MFR are great. But it's just one place, about as relevant to McLean as Bob & Edith's is to Arlington or the Vienna Inn is to Vienna.

Agree. THey're left alone because they live here. THey're our neighbors. Several of my neighbors are famous in the "black SUV always in teh driveway, bodyguard way". Kids still trick or treat there.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Either you want walkability or you want McLean, OP.

It's amusing how some of you blow past the OP's repeated statements that walkability is not that important to her at this stage of her life with posts that imply otherwise. As it turns out, our WS in McLean is in the 60s, which is higher than in many DC and Arlington neighborhoods, but what matters more to us is the general convenience of living in an area with nice homes and good schools that is close to so much of what the DC region has to offer.

Of course, the downtown area could be nicer. One day it will be. But there are residential neighborhoods in DC and Arlington near nicer commercial areas that are quite unimpressive compared to the residential areas in McLean, or that have schools that fall short of those in McLean. Every area has its strengths and weaknesses.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:
There's no metro for a reason. The McLean citizens want nothing to do with it and will forever fight to keep it away. Hasn't it dawned on any of you that the reason the people with names come to McLean is to hide? We want our seclusion. We don't want to be recognized. We don't want to run into people we know. The climbers may eat at McLean Family Restaurant but I sure don't because the food is horrible and I don't want to be recognized. There is no town center because we want to do our chores in peace, be able to park, run in, get a chore done and leave, and not be hounded or photographed by people as we would in other areas. And if we run into other famous people, we know to leave them alone . . . completely alone. Only the climbers go to McLean Family Restaurant.

I seriously doubt that you live in McLean, but if you do your outlook is decidedly outre. There are definitely famous people who eat at MFR from time to time, and they are left alone because it's good manners. And the breakfasts at MFR are great. But it's just one place, about as relevant to McLean as Bob & Edith's is to Arlington or the Vienna Inn is to Vienna.

+1. You sound as if you're a legend in your own mind. Nobody cares, and I guarantee you're nowhere near as exciting as you think you are. And the idea that MFR is for "climbers" is insane. Nobody gives a crap who eats there.

[Anonymous]

Yes MFR is for climbers. Read the derogatories on Yelp. And this review:

4.0 star rating 3/10/2012
What, you came here for the food? I'm sorry for the misunderstanding. This is not the reason one comes to MFR.

There's nothing wrong with the food, don't get me wrong--it is solid diner faire, usually quite good if you like comfort food.

**No, the reason to come to MFR is to see, be seen, ** and have your children adored by the gentle older folks who seem to make up the majority of the clientele. Yes, you heard it here first--MFR is the Land of Endless Grandparents! Arrive with small children, and your troupe will be feted, admired and celebrated. Feel free to let them wander...anyone who is bothered by a child sitting down at a stranger's table unannounced, and perhaps helping herself to bread, is a poor sport and should go elsewhere.

MFR is the real deal--un-fancy, never pretentious, mostly nice but sometimes guilty of a bad day, and a unique venue that has outlasted all comers through the decades.

Was this review …?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:"Town Center" -- bwah-ha-ha-ha-ha! Welcome to the bedroom suburbs!

Fine by me. I love McLean. Please do not move here.

I also like McLean. No, it does not have vibrant downtown. If I wanted that, I would live in the city, as I did for 10 years. I got tired of it, and gor a number of reasons moved to McLean. I guess I would either prefer to live in actual city, or a more quiet suburb rather than the worst of both worlds like the Reston "Town Center". To each his own.

Fair point but why does the downtown have to be so dumpy. They could make it a lot nicer without making it like Reston Town Center. I think there is a good in between but McLean hasn't found it. They need to tear down places like Rocco's and The whole area near Amoos and Safeway and re-build. It's insane to have houses at the price points in Franklin Park only to look like you entered a third world country when you leave the neighborhood. The little area by Balducci's is a little better but there is so much untapped potential in the whole area.

True, but I would rather have some small businesses around like Rocco's. I am afraid that if they redevelop it will be all chains. Bethesda Row and Reston town centers are just malls without a roof and walls.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Yes MFR is for climbers. Read the derogatories on Yelp. And this review:

4.0 star rating 3/10/2012
What, you came here for the food? I'm sorry for the misunderstanding. This is not the reason one comes to MFR.

There's nothing wrong with the food, don't get me wrong--it is solid diner faire, usually quite good if you like comfort food.

**No, the reason to come to MFR is to see, be seen, ** and have your children adored by the gentle older folks who seem to make up the majority of the clientele. Yes, you heard it here first--MFR is the Land of Endless Grandparents! Arrive with small children, and your troupe will be feted, admired and celebrated. Feel free to let them wander...anyone who is bothered by a child sitting down at a stranger's table unannounced, and perhaps helping herself to bread, is a poor sport and should go elsewhere.

MFR is the real deal--un-fancy, never pretentious, mostly nice but sometimes guilty of a bad day, and a unique venue that has outlasted all comers through the decades.

Was this review …?

We go for the breakfasts (delicious) and the occasional quick dinner (the simpler, the better).

The review you quoted sounds about right...a chance to run into some neighbors, with more lap climbers in evidence than social climbers.

Just about every town has, or should have, such a place. Anyone who is bothered that such places exist seriously needs to chill.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:
Most people do covet walkability, which is why Arlington near the metro is more expensive than Arlington far from the metro. Mclean is cheaper because it is further out and there is no metro.

Some parts of Arlington are only more expensive than McLean on a per square foot basis. But McLean properties are bigger than Arlington properties, so there are many more expensive properties, and fewer less expensive ones, in McLean than North Arlington. It's reflected in the considerably higher number of real estate sales over $1.0 million in McLean than in Arlington. And, with more upper-income residents, it's no surprise that Langley and McLean have higher test scores than Yorktown and Marshall (in nearby West Falls Church, but also attended by McLean students) has higher test scores than Washington-Lee.

The West Falls Church station is a short drive from much of McLean, the Tysons/McLean station will open early next year, and the McLean/Falls Church area is convenient to many major roads.

Actually Marshall has better scores than McLean in everything but English. Langley has the highest in the area except for tj.

[Anonymous]

people who can't afford McLean or have less aspiring students move to north Arlington