It all comes down to commutes. Don’t have a daily commute or send your kids across the bridges.

McLean has different elements- a part bordering Arlington and Falls Church, a part around the central commercial district, and a part extending out toward great falls. Between the three you could find the vibe you like the most.

Anonymous wrote:Bethesda has walkable areas and a downtown. McLean has the hellscape known as Tyson’s.

Inner Bethesda does. Bethesda has multiple zip codes and each has a distinctive feel. Living in 20814 is a lot different than 20817. You can't just make a blanket comparison.

You might consider the larger picture - Maryland or Virginia. Taxes are higher in Maryland and public university options are inferior. Traffic offten seems worse in Maryland, although I have no objective evidence that it actually is. If those matter, take them into consideration. McLean is also closer to Dulles and National airports, if convenience for air travel might be a consideration.

Anonymous wrote:It is spelled "Mclame."

Oof, that's even more offensive than "Bethesdumb"

It is spelled "Mclame."

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:McLean!
Virginia in state colleges: UVA, William and Mary, VTECH, JMU and a few others
MD: UMD and a couple others. No comparison.

They are rich private school people... no public schools for them.

We send our kid to $55k private school. At least 10% of the class went to UVA. There were also a few VTECH and William & Mary. Even one GMU and VCU. No UMD, but I know schools like Stone Ridge and Holton send girls there.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Bethesda is becoming a crude ridden cesspool. McLean is a much better option.

+1. Bethesda is becoming poopy, just like the rest of MoCo.

LOL, op should spend some time in both areas and see which one feels nicer.

I would pick closer to work. Also American legion bridge is going to be under construction for years and will make traffic worse on both sides.

Anonymous wrote:Bethesda is becoming a crude ridden cesspool. McLean is a much better option.

+1. Bethesda is becoming poopy, just like the rest of MoCo.

I would do whichever is closer to your private school.

McLean

Anonymous wrote:They aren’t that different. Bethesda has a more urban downtown area. McLean has a larger number of upscale residential neighborhoods and is closer to jobs and the airports (DCA and IAD). It’s also more Asian whereas Bethesda is heavily Jewish.

This. McLean seems slower and more laid back if you’re talking about the actual town limits (not Tysons). If you prefer a downtown, choose Bethesda. Overall choose the commute to work and school.

Anonymous wrote:Go closes to your job and schools as the commute is a nightmare.

This. Decide by where the jobs and school will be.

Def pick close to your job(s) and make an effort to explore the cultural differences which are clear but nobody with any sense would explain in depth here.

They aren’t that different. Bethesda has a more urban downtown area. McLean has a larger number of upscale residential neighborhoods and is closer to jobs and the airports (DCA and IAD). It’s also more Asian whereas Bethesda is heavily Jewish.