Thank you guys so much..what’s the commute like Vienna to McLean and where are streets in Vienna where you would get a coffee, etc. Thanks!

Anonymous wrote:I should add that we would like to take advantage of the DC area stuff and urban area (we’re coming from Maine). No thoughts on Arlington?

In terms of commute, it will be the worst. Plus your older kids will have to go to 2 schools in 2 years. I would focus on McLean or Vienna. Having lived in both, I think Vienna is way more family-friendly and welcoming, plus more walkable. Obviously farther from DC.

Anonymous wrote:I should add that we would like to take advantage of the DC area stuff and urban area (we’re coming from Maine). No thoughts on Arlington?

We're in Arlington and like it here but in your situation with only a 2-yr stay and kid starting 5th when you get here, I agree with the PP that Fairfax schools are probably better since your child could spend those two years in the same school.

I should add that we would like to take advantage of the DC area stuff and urban area (we’re coming from Maine). No thoughts on Arlington?

Anonymous wrote:What are the neighborhood schools, the whole aap thing aside, we do not want an aap center, but a neighborhood school. Suggestions for Vienna? I think we were looking around Sherman es in McLean. Not that it’s the most important but my kids would love to walk to school. Thanks!

The neighborhoods closest to Franklin Sherman ES are great - Salona Village, Bryn Mawr, West McLean.

What are the neighborhood schools, the whole aap thing aside, we do not want an aap center, but a neighborhood school. Suggestions for Vienna? I think we were looking around Sherman es in McLean. Not that it’s the most important but my kids would love to walk to school. Thanks!

352 Ayr Hill NE in Vienna - does that seem like something acceptable? It seems to meet your requirements.

Have lived in all three. McLean is great and my favorite of the three - look for a neighborhood like West McLean, McLean Hamlet or the areas near Kent Gardens ES for lots of younger kids. Also check out the McLean Community Center site for other kids’ activities.

Anonymous wrote:Working n of 267, east of 495. Not sure if that’s real McLean etc, never been to the area. We are looking for 3 bedroom 2 bath rental around 3500 month. Would love to have a walkable area with good , not necessarily great schools. We prefer a more laid back environment, and somewhere there’s lots of kids in that age range to play with.

Vienna

Working n of 267, east of 495. Not sure if that’s real McLean etc, never been to the area. We are looking for 3 bedroom 2 bath rental around 3500 month. Would love to have a walkable area with good , not necessarily great schools. We prefer a more laid back environment, and somewhere there’s lots of kids in that age range to play with.

One advantage to McLean or Vienna, if you wil only be here for 5th and 6th grades for your oldest, is hat Fairfax County elementary schools
Go up to 6th grade. So your kids would be at the same school the entire time you are here. In Arlington kids start middle school in 6th which is in a different location and has different, much earlier hours.

In your situation they are pretty much interchangeable for the most part. If you want a small town feel I’d move to Vienna. If you want to spend a lot of time in DC while you’re here and prefer more of a city feel I’d go with Arlington. McLean is kind of blah - no real downtown or community feel but it might be the shortest commute.

I have lived in all 3!

Tell me about your budget and housing requirements. When you say you will work in McLean, do you mean actual McLean or the McLean part of Tysons (like where the mall is)?

Further info .... looking to rent

Hi all,
Endless information here. We are being relocated for approximately two years, in which I will work in the McLean area. As such options are a little different than most due to commute. I have a 2 kids one going into first and the other entering 5. Schools are important but prefer a neighborhood school. Also want walkable family friendly area where kids can hopefully make friends and hangout ride bikes etc. thanks!