Long a home base for politicians, diplomats, business moguls and pro athletes, this northeast corner of Fairfax County is one of the more well-heeled suburbs outside of Washington, D.C.Which of its neighborhoods commanded top dollar last year? The following rankings were drawn from our expanded real estate guide listing average sales prices and other real estate metrics in more than 400 area neighborhoods. Data were provided by Bright MLS and MarketStats by ShowingTime+. The full chart appeared in the March/April 2024 HOME issue of Arlington Magazine. To be included in the full chart, a neighborhood had to have had at least 15 total sales during the past five years.
Here are the 10 priciest neighborhoods in McLean. Data and photos provided by Bright MLS.
10. BROOKHAVEN
Brookhaven mostly features expansive high-value homes. This small community, just north of Old Dominion Drive, is prized for its quiet, tree-lined streets, and for being near restaurants, shopping malls, grocery stores and public transit. The neighborhood dates back to 1947.
Homes sold in 2023: 3
Average sale price in 2023: $2,630,833
Average sale price in 2022: $2,100,000
9. OLDE SWINKS MILL ESTATESÂ
Located in the northernmost section of McLean, this area is just south of Georgetown Pike and the Scott’s Run Nature Preserve. It is known for its beautiful, green surroundings. The neighborhood was originally developed in the 1960s, but many newer homes have been built since then. Houses in this community come in an assortment of architectural styles including Colonial, Contemporary and French Country.
Homes sold in 2023:Â 2
Average sale price in 2023: $2,667,500
Average sale price in 2022: $1,797,500
8. BROYHILL-LANGLEY ESTATES
This community of fewer than 600 homes dates back to 1959. Much of the neighborhood was developed in the early ’60s, but there have been a number of new homes built in the area recently. Residents of this subdivision enjoy easy access to the Tysons Corner shopping area and restaurants.
Homes sold in 2023: 8
Average sale price in 2023: $2,699,648
Average sale price in 2022: $1,670,483
7. ELMWOOD ESTATES
Centrally located in McLean in a coveted, inside-the-beltway setting, Elmwood Estates mostly features expansive homes on generous lots. Many feature mature trees and landscaping. This community dates back to 1955.
Homes sold in 2023:Â 2
Average sale price in 2023: $2,772,500
Average sale price in 2022: $3,675,000
6. HANSBOROUGH
This neighborhood includes homes from the ’60s and ’70s, many of which have been updated, along with newer construction. Hansborough is located just north of Old Dominion Drive and east of Balls Hill Road, It’s adjacent to McLean Central Park and close to the McLean Community Center and Dolley Madison Library.
Homes sold in 2023:Â 2
Average sale price in 2023: $3,480,000
Average sale price in 2022: $3,114,388
5. BALLANTRAE FARMS
This exclusive neighborhood of prestigious houses has been home to many Washington elite power players. Ballantrae Farms is located off Dolly Madison Boulevard between Chain Bridge Road and Georgetown Pike. The neighborhood dates back to 1967.
Homes sold in 2023:Â 1
Average sale price in 2023: $3,600,000
Average sale price in 2022: $4,377,500
4. THE RESERVE
A gated community located within the larger neighborhood of Garfield Park, The Reserve is a luxury Miller and Smith development with 168 custom homes built between 1999 and 2006. Homes here are large, with most topping 7,000 square feet.
Homes sold in 2023:Â 1
Average sale price in 2023: $3,625,000
Average sale price in 2022: $4,614,250
3. LANGLEY FOREST
Many of the original ramblers and Colonials here from the 1950s and 1960s have been replaced by showcase homes. This neighborhood is sought after for its large lots, mature tree canopy and quiet streets. It has been the home of several Supreme Court justices.
Homes sold in 2023:Â 9
Average sale price in 2023: $3,718,319
Average sale price in 2022: $2,828,571
2. OLD DOMINION GARDENS
The McLean Community Center and Dolley Madison Library are only a short walk from the homes in this neighborhood, where modest midcentury houses are giving way to high-end, new construction. It is bordered by Balls Hill Road to the West and Churchill Road to the north, providing easy access to the beltway
Homes sold in 2023:Â 1
Average sale price in 2023: $3,900,000
Average sale price in 2022: $2,751,038
1. LANGLEY FARMS
Located in the triangle between Dolley Madison Boulevard, Georgetown Pike and Waverly Way, the neighborhood is adjacent to the grounds of the CIA. Individual homes vary in style and include Hickory Hill, once the home of Robert and Ethel Kennedy, as well as the more recently built home of Richard and Lynn Cheney. Adjacent to Langley Farms, Clemyjontri Park is one of Fairfax County’s most popular parks, accessible for children of all abilities. In the past 12 months, four homes have sold here, with one commanding $10.8 million.
Homes sold in 2023:Â 4
Average sale price in 2023: $8,431,250
Average sale price in 2022: $5,327,857