Chevy Chase vs McLean (Silver Spring, Bethesda: home equity, houses, neighborhoods)

[ask47]

We are moving from CT - my husband will be working in downtown DC. Our housing budget is $1.75mm - would that afford a nice house in either Chevy Chase or McLean? They both sound like nice suburbs with good public schools and reasonable commutes into DC - would one be recommended over the other? I'm a stay-at-home mom, so looking for a family-friendly area and one with a sense of community. We were hoping for a smaller community than Bethesda/Silver Spring.

[goldenage1]

Originally Posted by ask47

We are moving from CT - my husband will be working in downtown DC. Our housing budget is $1.75mm - would that afford a nice house in either Chevy Chase or McLean? They both sound like nice suburbs with good public schools and reasonable commutes into DC - would one be recommended over the other? I'm a stay-at-home mom, so looking for a family-friendly area and one with a sense of community. We were hoping for a smaller community than Bethesda/Silver Spring.

There was a similar discussion several years ago, here: //www.city-data.com/forum/washi...mclean-va.html Your budget would get you a very nice house (but not the largest) in either location. The schools seem to be rated similarly, but look for information on the specific schools.

The stereotypical differences: Chevy Chase has more older houses and "old money". McLean attracts the "nouveau riche". Maryland has more Jewish people and Democrats. McLean has Republicans and perhaps more Christians.

I can't comment on the sense of community, although I have always felt more comfortable in Chevy Chase. CC has walkable areas that feel more like hometowns to me. Whereas, in McLean, you have to drive a car everywhere.

[Cruzincat]

You probably pay more in taxes overall in MD, but that can be offset by higher home prices in NoVA. Of course, when you go to sell your house, you will never get the taxes back, whereas you will most likely get your home equity back, along with the appreciation, if we don't get a repeat of 08,09.

[finalmove]

If you were happy with your rights in Connecticut you'll fit right in Maryland. Big government, high taxes and liberals watching your every move.
If you are more conservative, prefer low taxes, and/or cherish your right to own a firearm, Virginia would be a better fit.
Which is your preference?

[finalmove]

Oh, and not to forget, McLean has Tysons. Nothing else like it.

[bufflove]

"Nothing else like it."

...in a bad way.

McLean is much more "out there" compared to Chevy Chase; I think that's the main difference you'll find as they're both obviously similar when it comes to demographics. Chevy Chase has easy access to the amenities of Bethesda, Friendship Heights, and Silver Spring while McLean only really has Tysons Corner nearby. Tysons is hell on earth, unless you enjoy endless construction (literally planned for the next 40 years), traffic, and vertical sprawl.

[bufflove]

Another difference worth highlighting between the two is Chevy Chase generally has an older housing stock than McLean (going back to the "old money" in Chevy Chase someone else mentioned). Both have abundant new builds, but Chevy Chase also offers older houses from 1900-1920s. By comparison, most of McLean consists of houses from the late 50s to mid 60s. Personally, I find Chevy Chase much more charming for that reason. Good luck!

[goldenage1]

Originally Posted by bufflove

Both have abundant new builds, but Chevy Chase also offers older houses from 1900-1920s. By comparison, most of McLean consists of houses from the late 50s to mid 60s. Personally, I find Chevy Chase much more charming for that reason. Good luck!

Agreed. I looked at Realtor.com listings in the $1.5M to $1.75M range, and they all look like houses your grandmother could have lived in. There's even a Scottish castle! Even the few new ones built in the 90's are designed to blend in with the older homes.

[ask47]

Thanks so much everyone for all the help. Would you say any of McLean, Potomac, Chevy Chase is more "manicured" than any of the others? My husband drove through Vienna, VA upon recommendation from a colleague and was sort of dismayed that many of the newer homes were on streets with ones that weren't very well maintained - we're all for some variety in house styles/price ranges, but would prefer neighborhoods where properties are kept up. However, we've heard great things about the "community feel" in Vienna - do McLean/Potomac/Chevy Chase offer the same types of family activities and sense of community? Thanks so much again - your comments are really helpful as we start our search.

[bufflove]

I'm sure all three are largely well manicured, but Potomac and Chevy Chase are certainly a step above (and will also cost more, as a result). The incorporated area - Town of Chevy Chase - I'm sure demands a high level of maintenance from private residents and also take good care of public right of ways (but, again, things don't happen for free and you'll pay taxes to said incorporated town). Both Potomac and Chevy Chase have easy access to the downtowns of Bethesda and Silver Spring which both are exceedingly family friendly with tons of events, resources, and amenities for kids and adults alike.