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McLean, VA vs Portsmouth, VA
McLean, VA vs Portsmouth, VA: What the data shows
McLean, VA is in McLean, VA while Portsmouth, VA is in Portsmouth, VA — both in the same state. On home prices, Portsmouth, VA is the more affordable option at $171,900 median — $1,069,600 less than McLean, VA's $1,241,500. WYLT rates McLean, VA as “Think twice” — a neighborhood that warrants careful research before committing — and Portsmouth, VA as “Think twice” — a neighborhood that warrants careful research before committing.
McLean, VA has the stronger safety profile of the two. McLean, VA has Low violent crime and Low property crime. Portsmouth, VA has High violent crime and High property crime. On environmental risk, McLean, VA has Low flood risk and Portsmouth, VA has Low flood risk.
McLean, VA is the more walkable neighborhood. McLean, VA scores 51/100 (somewhat walkable) versus Portsmouth, VA's 22/100 (car-dependent). For families weighing school quality, McLean, VA has the higher school rating — McLean, VA rates 8.6/10 and Portsmouth, VA rates 8.2/10.
| Category | McLean, VA | Portsmouth, VA |
|---|---|---|
| Housing | ||
| Verdict | Think twice | Think twice |
| Median Price | $1.24M | $172K ✓ Lower price |
| Median Rent | $3K | $1K ✓ Lower rent |
| Median Income | $250K ✓ Higher income | $44K |
| Price Volatility | Low ✓ More stable | Moderate |
| Getting Around | ||
| Walk Score | 51/100 ✓ More walkable | 22/100 |
| Transit Score | 35/100 ✓ Better transit | 2/100 |
| Bike Score | N/A | 36/100 ✓ More bikeable |
| Commute | 45 min | 35 min ✓ Shorter commute |
| Safety & Environment | ||
| Safety Grade | A ✓ Safer | F |
| Violent Crime | Low ✓ Lower risk | High |
| Property Crime | Low ✓ Lower risk | High |
| Flood Risk | Low | Low |
| Air Quality | Good ✓ Cleaner air | Moderate |
| Community | ||
| Schools | 8.6/10 ✓ Better schools | 8.2/10 |
| Best for | Affluent familiesRemote workers with good broadbandParents prioritizing high school quality | affordable familiesbudget‑conscious rentersurban commuters |
Bottom line
Both neighborhoods have distinct trade-offs — review the data above to find your best fit.
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