Choosing between McLean’s 22101 and 22102 can feel tricky. Each side of town offers a different daily rhythm, from quiet estate streets to Metro-connected high rises near Tysons. This guide gives you a clear, side-by-side look at pricing, housing types, commute options, schools, taxes, and practical tips for buyers and sellers. Let’s dive in.
Quick compare: 22101 vs 22102
Price profile
- 22101: Consistently one of the region’s priciest areas with many estate properties and large lots. Mid 2025 snapshots reported median list prices near about 2.8 to 2.9 million. Rocket’s 22101 market report details these trends.
- 22102: Wider range that includes many condos and townhomes alongside single-family homes. 2025 snapshots often showed medians around the upper hundreds of thousands to low millions. See Rocket’s 22102 report for recent figures.
Built form and feel
- 22101: Lower density with established neighborhoods, mature trees, and Potomac-adjacent pockets.
- 22102: Tysons-adjacent and more mixed use with newer multifamily, walkable districts, and ongoing redevelopment near Silver Line stations.
Transit and access
- 22102: Strong immediate access to the WMATA Silver Line at McLean, Tysons, Greensboro, and Spring Hill. Typical rail trips from McLean Station to central Metro stops are about 25 to 35 minutes depending on destination. Learn more about McLean Station.
- 22101: Walkable pockets around downtown McLean, but most neighborhoods are car oriented.
Retail and daily life
- 22101: Local shops and services in downtown McLean. For major retail, residents often head to Tysons.
- 22102: Tysons Corner Center and Tysons Galleria offer extensive shopping, dining, and entertainment. See the current retail mix at Tysons Corner Center.
Housing types and neighborhood feel
22101 living
22101 is known for large-lot single-family homes, estate streets, and privacy. The Langley area anchors this side of McLean and is home to federal campuses and wooded neighborhoods. Families enjoy parks like Clemyjontri Park and McLean Central Park. Expect a quieter suburban feel with a strong single-family presence.
22102 living
22102 includes West McLean and Tysons, with a broader mix of condos, townhouses, newer developments, and single-family pockets. You will find more elevator buildings, amenities, and restaurants within a short walk of Silver Line stations. Public plazas and smaller parks dot the Tysons corridor. Daily errands often happen within the same few blocks.
Price snapshots and market dynamics
Across 2024 and 2025, 22101 typically posted significantly higher medians due to its concentration of luxury single-family homes. Mid 2025 snapshots showed median list prices near about 2.8 to 2.9 million in 22101, while 22102 often ranged roughly from the upper hundreds of thousands to the low millions, reflecting its condo and townhome share. See current zip-level snapshots from Rocket for 22101 and Rocket for 22102.
Two notes can help you read the data:
- A few ultra-luxury listings in 22101 can push the median higher than what many buyers will encounter on a typical search.
- 22102 medians can swing month to month because of new construction deliveries and condo resales.
Regionally, the Washington area saw shifting inventory and mixed performance by segment during 2024 to 2025, with luxury demand often steady and some condo segments more variable. For context, review this Washington Post overview of DC-area housing dynamics.
Commute and transit tradeoffs
Silver Line convenience in 22102
If you prefer rail, 22102 offers the most direct access. The McLean, Tysons, Greensboro, and Spring Hill stops connect you to regional job centers, with typical rail travel from McLean Station to central Metro hubs in about 25 to 35 minutes depending on the destination and time of day. See station details on the McLean Station page.
Road access across both zips
Both zips enjoy access to I-495, Route 123, and the Dulles Toll Road. Off-peak drives to central DC often take about 20 to 30 minutes, with longer times during rush hours. For a sense of distance and routing, review this McLean to DC driving reference.
Schools and enrollment basics
Both zips are served by Fairfax County Public Schools. Parts of 22101 feed to Langley High or McLean High depending on the address, and 22102 includes schools such as Spring Hill Elementary. Always verify assignments with the FCPS boundary lookup before you write an offer. For local context, see the Langley High School entry.
Taxes, fees, and carrying costs
Fairfax County applies the same base real estate tax rate to both zips. For Tax Year 2025, the base rate is $1.1225 per $100 of assessed value. Some parcels include additional district or service charges, such as Tysons service district assessments. Confirm parcel-level details on the county’s real estate tax rates page.
Condo and HOA fees are more common in 22102 given the number of multifamily and townhome communities. Many 22101 neighborhoods have little or no HOA oversight, though larger parcels can mean higher maintenance costs and tax bills. Always review association documents and budget reserves, and factor any special assessments into your numbers.
Who each zip fits best
- Choose 22101 if you want larger lots, a quieter suburban setting, and a primarily single-family market with estate options.
- Choose 22102 if you value transit access, walkable access to Tysons jobs and amenities, or a broader range of condo and townhome options.
Seller tips by zip
- Selling in 22101: Position the property within the luxury and estate context. Emphasize lot size, privacy, architecture, and any Potomac or park proximity. Price off close-in comps and consider targeted print and digital outreach.
- Selling in 22102: Lead with transit, building amenities, and proximity to Tysons employers. For condos and townhomes, highlight fee-included services, in-building amenities, and pet or rental policies that matter to today’s buyers.
A quick buyer checklist
- Commute mode: rail vs car, and expected travel time.
- Preferred housing type: single-family, townhome, or condo.
- Price range and monthly carrying costs, including taxes and HOA or condo fees.
- School assignment by specific address.
- Walkability to shopping, dining, or parks that fit your routine.
- Future resale profile for your property type in your chosen zip.
- Lot-specific items such as flood insurance needs for Potomac-adjacent properties and potential special district charges.
Ready to compare on-the-ground options in McLean and Tysons and make a confident choice? Let’s talk through your budget, timing, and wish list, then tour homes that fit. Connect with Karina Srebrow for personalized, broker-led guidance.
FAQs
Which McLean zip is more expensive on average?
- 22101 has historically posted much higher median list and sale prices due to its estate-heavy single-family inventory, while 22102 typically shows lower medians because it includes many condos and townhomes.
Which zip offers the best access to Metrorail?
- 22102 provides immediate access to multiple Silver Line stations in Tysons and McLean, which shortens public transit commutes for many buyers.
Do 22101 and 22102 have different property tax rates?
- Both are in Fairfax County and share the same base real estate tax rate, though some parcels have added district or service charges that affect the bill.
How long is the drive from McLean to downtown DC?
- Off-peak, many drivers report about 20 to 30 minutes, with longer times during rush hours depending on route and conditions.
Are there parks and outdoor spaces in both zips?
- Yes. 22101 includes destinations like Clemyjontri Park and McLean Central Park, while 22102 features pocket parks and plazas near Tysons and the Silver Line nodes.
