Moving to McLean (Chester, Franklin, Washington: real estate, rentals, condos)

[Aussie steve]

Hi,
I am an Australian with an Australian family (funnily enough), we will be relocating within my company to the US next year and have been told the living, housing and schools in McLean, North Virginia are great, we are looking in particular for Elementary schools as we have 2 children; 9 and 7 years of age.
We will try to find a rental property in the area as well as we will be there for around 3 years. If anyone has any tips or suggestions it would be much appreciated.

[claremarie]

I live in McLean. Our neighborhood has been very popular with Australians -- one house was rented to two embassy families in succession. The elementary school (Chesterbrook) is less than two miles away. There are usually a number of rental houses available, as we have many State Department families who rent out their homes when they are posted overseas. It's very likely that there will be a few other little Aussies enrolled in the elementary school, which, because we have so many international families, is very good about working with kids coming in from other countries.
Lots of stuff for kids to do -- the neighborhood pool is a popular hangout, there is a wonderful playground a few miles away, and there are seemingly countless youth sports programs. Except for cricket. Check in with the embassy here, and be sure to join in their "prayers" on Friday afternoons. Feel free to send me a direct message if you need more specific information.

[saganista]

Assuming that McLean provides a comfortable commute, it would a fine choice. There are other areas that might be comparable, but all else being equal, none that would simply outshine it.

[novaman]

There are many foreign diplomats/corporate workers who come into Mclean for 3-5 years. There are many rentals available around here. My kids are in the Kent Gardens ES district and we have been very pleased, but honestly, Chesterbrook, Franklin Sherman, Kent Gardens, they are all great schools. You can't go wrong. I know several real estate agents in the area if you need help.

[MortgageHelp]

Depending on where you will be driving into, McLean is a fantastic choice to raise a family. My wife was born and raised in McLean. Education is top notch. And I can put you in touch with the Rugby crowd as well!

[Aussie steve]

Thanks novaman, a friend from the same company lived in Mclean and his kids went to Kent Gardens and they loved it, I dont want to reinvent the wheel so we will try to get in there and rent close by, If you could list the estate agents for me that would be great.

[M_Antoniette]

Hello, we too are moving to Washington but from Europe and thinking of McLean. Family of four, 2 children 3 & 5 and interested in renting, what is the price range in McLean. Preference condo with small garden, scared that a house could be too much work (?). Three bedroom, can you help? Thanks

[tyler4521]

to M_Antoniette,

I live in Mclean but not much condos that are going to be under 500,000 especially with 3 bedrooms try potomac, md or bethesda, md they have some pretty low priced condos and they are both great communties. Mclean is an upscale community that is very expensive to live in. You can find 3000 sq feet houses for about 1,000,000 though.