The Best Neighborhoods in DC: McLean and Great Falls, Virginia

Sandwiched between Maryland and Virginia along the Potomac River, Washington DC is more than just the White House, historic buildings, and monuments. The District’s robust job market, rich cultural and historical heritage, and top-rated school districts collectively establish it as one of the most desirable places to live in the U.S. Want to know the best neighborhoods in the DC area? The answer is different for everyone, but there are a few places that always make the list.

If you’re considering a move to the DMV, McLean and Great Falls, Virginia are the most notable for their luxurious, high-end homes. But which neighborhoods are right for you? I’ve put together some of the top communities. Check it out below!

Where Are the Best Neighborhoods in the DC Area?

Located just across the Potomac, McLean and Great Falls in Fairfax County are regarded as two of Northern Virginia’s most sought-after zip codes for home buyers. What makes the best neighborhoods in DC depends on several factors, but the housing markets in these two areas are highly competitive, with homes selling as soon as they hit the market. The region’s outstanding schools, safe, quiet communities, idyllic parks, and proximity to the bustling capital are another big plus!

Below are some of the best neighborhoods to live in McLean and Great Falls. If you want to learn more about living in the DC area, watch some of my YouTube videos here!

• Arden
• Cornwell Farm
• Deerfield Pond
• Falcon Ridge
• Holly Knoll
• Riverbend
• Chesterbrook Woods
• Langley Oaks
• Salona Village
• The Hamlet
• The Reserve

Are we heading toward a housing market crash? I did an interview that was featured in Yahoo Finance discussing why you shouldn’t worry about a bubble burst anytime soon. Read it here or watch my latest YouTube video where I discuss more!

Great Falls, VA

Arden

Arden is a new community in Great Falls built by the Toll Brothers with over 100 stunning homes. The quiet community of Arden feels like it’s tucked away into the beautifully wooded landscape. However, it's still conveniently located near walking trails, prestigious schools, boutique shopping, and world-class dining. It’s only 1.3 miles from Tysons Corner, with easy access to US Route 7, I-495, and 267 for DC commuters.

If you’re interested in calling the Arden community your home, a quick move-in option is available! You can also look through the site plan and browse through the builder’s most popular floor plans.

Join me on a guided tour of a new construction model home in Arden!

Cornwell Farm

Just 40 minutes from the White House and downtown Washington, Cornwell Farm in Great Falls feels like you’re out in the countryside. The land where Cornwell Farm sits was initially part of Lord Fairfax’s Great Falls Manor. The esteemed Cornwell Farm residence is one of the region’s few surviving historical properties showcasing 19th-century antebellum architecture, and the land around the property was recently developed into a six-home subdivision.

Despite suburban developments around the area, Cornwell Farm still feels very rural. The name comes from B.F. Cornwell, who purchased the property after the Civil War.

Deerfield Pond

Located down the street from the River Bend Golf & Country Club and around the corner from the Great Falls Elementary School, Deerfield Pond is another upscale Great Falls community with a countryside vibe. This neighborhood has no sidewalks, but it’s located on a quiet cul-de-sac within walking distance of the Great Falls Village Center. It’s also rare to find a home or undeveloped lot for sale in this neighborhood, so if one hits the market, don’t wait! 

Falcon Ridge

Falcon Ridge is a newer, highly sought-after neighborhood surrounded by a wooded scene and located just a stone’s throw away from the Potomac River. This community sits seven miles from the Beltway but feels like a getaway retreat. Falcon Ridge is minutes away from national and state parks and recreational amenities and is served by some of the area’s top-performing schools.

There are 81 lots along the neighborhood’s rolling hills, and residents of this family-oriented community say its proximity to Great Falls Park and other outdoor attractions is what drew them to this location.

Holly Knoll

There’s a reason why some of the original homeowners of Holly Knoll have stayed since 1976! Residents say it’s a great spot to raise a family, and there’s even a Welcome Committee that greets newcomers to the neighborhood and checks up on its beloved residents. 

The Holly Knoll neighborhood sits just off Route 7, and the homes in this community are conveniently located near shopping and restaurants while surrounded by magnificent old-growth trees for added privacy. Holly Knoll backs up to Sugarland Run and is near the very best of Great Falls amenities and schools!

Riverbend

Riverbend, a stunning neighborhood with beautiful estate properties, sits south of the Great Falls and Riverbend Park Visitor Centers near Georgetown Pike off River Bend Road. These homes are immaculate with meticulous landscaping, and living here feels like you’re living at your own private resort.

McLean, Va

Chesterbrook Woods

The hilly, tree-lined neighborhood of Chesterbrook Woods — one of McLean’s premier communities and one of the best places to live in the DC area  — is bordered by creeks Pimmit Run and Little Pimmit Run. There are 540 homes dating back to the 1950s and 1960s, but many have been updated, expanded, or redeveloped. This upscale, peaceful neighborhood is filled with gorgeous gardens and surrounded by walking trails, community parks, and nature — just minutes from DC!

Chesterbrook Woods also provides its residents with neighborhood services, including membership in the Chesterbrook Woods Citizens Association, snow removal, a welcoming committee, a playdates group, the Pineapple Patrol committee that offers useful information and resources to new neighbors, and block captains.

Langley Oaks

The quiet neighborhood of Langley Oaks is located off Georgetown Pike, next door to Langley High School. Most of the 310 single-family homes were built on half-acre lots between 1975 and 1985. 

Residents enjoy an annual 4th of July parade hosted by the community and a Halloween parade in October. Residents can easily access Langley Oaks Park, a 150-acre parkland filled with mature trees and walking trails north of the neighborhood, and nearby Clemyjontri Park.

Salona Village

Salona Village is a picturesque community with around 200 residential homes close to downtown McLean. Due to easements protecting 43 acres of a historic Salona home and open meadowlands, residents of Salona Village have some amazing views. 

The three expansive meadows facing Dolley Madison Boulevard are some of the largest open meadows in Fairfax County. It’s easy to commute to Tysons Corner, and the neighborhood is about 30 minutes away from Washington, DC.

The Hamlet

The McLean Hamlet is a family-friendly, well-established community with over 500 homes built between 1965 and 1995 spread over 205 acres of former farmland. There are several different styles of houses within the neighborhood, with two public parks — Falstaff Park and McLean Hamlet Park — as well as the Hamlet Swim and Tennis Club and captivating mature landscaping and gardens. 

The Hamlet is known as a sidewalk community, allowing residents to take walks, jog, and ride bikes, and street lighting makes it possible to take an evening stroll at any time. The community is also walkable to Spring Hill Elementary School, making it a wise choice for parents.

The Reserve

The Reserve, a 258-acre breathtaking gated community, is one of the most upscale neighborhoods in all of McLean. This award-winning community has 166 custom luxury estates built by Miller & Smith, surrounded by rolling hills and mature trees. Gulick built sixty luxurious homes in this community, but each home is custom and unique.

One of The Reserve’s most well-known features is the Gatehouse, which provides around-the-clock service and protection to its residents. Guards are available to accept packages and dry cleaning and offer other services such as checking the house and picking up mail and newspapers when residents are out of town.