If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. And when it comes to money, these words may be hard to remember if someone is offering a financial return that sounds too good to pass up.

According to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), some of these types of investment fraud are called Ponzi schemes, where new money pays off early-stage investors to create the false appearance that investors are profiting from a legitimate business. Without a constant flow of money from new investors, Ponzi schemes eventually collapse.

If someone approaches you with an investment, here are some red flags to be aware of:

High rate of return that's guaranteed with little or no risk. Every investment has some degree of risk, and those with higher returns typically involve more risk. There is no such thing as a guaranteed rate of return.

Overly consistent returns. Investment values go up and down over time, so be suspicious of an investment that continues providing positive returns regardless of overall market conditions.

Limited-time offer. If a sales pitch says that the offer is only available for a limited time or only for a special group of people, this should cause concern.

Free offers to get you in the door. Salesmen can try to build trust by offering a free trinket or lunch at a seminar that they say only a few select people are invited to. While the seminar may be listed as an educational event, you may be asked for money at a later date. The freebie is being used to gain your trust so that you're more willing to open your wallet when the time comes.

You don't understand the investment. If the investment is so complicated that you don't know what you're investing in, stay away. All of the information about the investment should be readily available and include filings with the SEC. If the financial professional won't make documents available, walk away.

Unlicensed sellers. In addition to the investment not being registered with the SEC or state regulators, look out for investment professionals and firms that aren't licensed or registered with the federal or state government. Securities laws require it.

Difficulty receiving payments. If you don't receive a payment or have difficulty cashing out of your investment, be wary. Ponzi scheme promoters routinely encourage participants to roll over investments and may offer even higher returns on the amount rolled over.

Living & Working in McLean, VA: Pros & Cons (Local Guide)

By Michael Falcone • Updated Aug 18, 2025

Home ▸ Guides ▸ McLean, VA

Local Guide

Living & Working in McLean, VA: The Real Pros & Cons

Reading time: 8–10 mins Region: McLean, Tysons, Great Falls corridor

Tree‑lined street and elegant homes in McLean, VA (placeholder)

McLean blends quiet, tree‑canopied neighborhoods with fast access to Tysons, DC, and the George Washington Parkway. It’s where privacy and proximity meet—if you know which streets to target.

Pros (Why people choose McLean)

Proximity without the city noise. Minutes to Tysons, 15–25 minutes to DC in off‑peak via GW Parkway; quick access to I‑495, Route 123, and Route 7.
Top‑tier public schools. Many neighborhoods feed into highly rated FCPS pyramids; competitive private options nearby.
Lot size & privacy. Mature trees, larger lots than Arlington or Alexandria; pockets with estate‑style settings.
Safety & prestige. Quiet streets, well‑kept homes, and a refined, low‑key feel.
Outdoor access. Great Falls Park, Scott’s Run, and Langley Oaks trails are weekend staples.
Dining & retail upgrades. Tysons Corner Center, Tysons Galleria, and a growing fine‑dining scene within a 10‑minute radius.

Cons (The trade‑offs)

Peak‑hour traffic. GW Parkway, Chain Bridge, Route 123, and Route 7 bottlenecks can add significant time.
Price point. Premium land values; new builds and renovated homes command high multiples.
Walkability varies. Some pockets are car‑dependent; sidewalks aren’t universal on interior streets.
Older housing stock in core McLean. Many 1960s–1980s homes need updates; tear‑down activity is common.
Metro access is nearby—but not everywhere. Silver Line stations sit mainly in Tysons; plan for a short drive or bike unless you’re very close to the McLean station area.

Local note: If your commute depends on Chain Bridge or the GW Parkway, your exact street matters. Two similar addresses can mean a 10‑ to 20‑minute difference during peak.

Neighborhood snapshots (insider quick‑takes)

Langley / Chain Bridge Road Estate lots

Leafy, quiet, and close to GW Parkway. Popular for privacy, proximity to DC, and access to scenic trails.

West McLean sidewalk scene (placeholder)

West McLean Convenience

Near central McLean shops and dining; mix of renovated ramblers and new builds. Sidewalk coverage is better here.

Salona Village Walkable pockets

Coveted for proximity to downtown McLean and parks; premium for updated homes on larger lots.

Lewinsville / Chesterbrook School focus

Streets with a neighborhood feel, strong school pyramids, a CLub and Pool, and quick access toward Tysons and Arlington.

Tysons Fringe Urban access

Townhomes and newer builds within a short hop to Silver Line stations and luxury retail.

River Oaks / Potomac side Scenic

Near Scott’s Run and the river; serene streets and a nature‑first vibe. Limited retail—by design.

Commute & transit

Fast routes off‑peak: GW Parkway to DC (Chain Bridge/Memorial Bridge), I‑495 to Maryland or Dulles tech corridor.
Metro (Silver Line): Stations at McLean, Tysons Corner, Greensboro, Spring Hill. Most McLean addresses are a short drive or bike away.
Peak tips: Depart before 7:15am or after 9:15am for DC‑bound trips; in the evening, watch Route 7/123 merges near Tysons.
Airport access: DCA via GW Parkway; IAD via Dulles Toll Road or I‑495 express lanes.

Simplified commute map: McLean to DC, Tysons, airports (placeholder)

Schools (public & private)

Many McLean neighborhoods feed into sought‑after Fairfax County Public Schools pyramids. Several respected private schools are within a 15–25 minute radius. Admissions and boundaries change—verify for your specific address.

Local check: Before you bid, plug the address into the FCPS boundary tool and call the school office to confirm future‑year assignments.

Lifestyle: dining, parks & weekends

Dining: Elevated options cluster in Tysons Galleria and along Route 123/7; downtown McLean offers neighborhood favorites and low‑key gems.
Parks & trails: Great Falls Park, Scott’s Run Nature Preserve, Clemyjontri Park, and Langley Oaks. Many streets back to parkland—ask about trail cut‑throughs.
Retail: Luxury shopping at Tysons Galleria; everyday errands in central McLean. Expect ongoing enhancements along the Tysons corridor.

Costs & housing types

McLean skews higher than neighboring markets due to land value and lot sizes. You’ll find:

Renovated 1960s–80s colonials and ramblers on established streets.
New‑build luxury homes and curated infill projects (tear‑downs common).
Townhomes and condos closer to Tysons for a lower‑maintenance lifestyle.

Buyer tip: Premiums track lot characteristics: usable rear yard, tree canopy, topography, and street quietness. Two similar homes can appraise differently based on these subtleties.

Agent tips (street‑level insights)

Mind the cut‑throughs. Some streets feel busier during school drop‑off/commute windows; tour at those exact times.
Test your commute. Drive your actual route at your actual hours before you write.
Inspect the trees. Mature canopy is a signature here—evaluate health, root systems, and drainage around the foundation.
Plan for permits. Renovations and tear‑downs are common; build in time for Fairfax County reviews.
Sidewalks & safety. If walkability is key, shortlist West McLean/Salona pockets and verify sidewalk continuity on your block.

FAQs

Is McLean good for commuters?

Yes—especially if you leverage the GW Parkway and avoid peak bottlenecks. Silver Line stations nearby add flexibility.

How competitive is the market?

Turn‑key properties in prime pockets move quickly. Pre‑inspection, strong terms, and flexible post‑occupancy can help.

Which areas are most walkable?

Look around downtown McLean, West McLean, and select pockets near schools and parks. Tysons‑fringe townhomes are walkable to retail and Metro.

Thinking about McLean?

I tour these streets weekly and track off‑market inventory. Let’s refine your shortlist by commute, school path, and street‑level quiet.

Request a consult Browse McLean homes

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How to Spot an Investment Scam Before It’s Too Late

Living & Working in McLean, VA: The Real Pros & Cons

Pros (Why people choose McLean)

Cons (The trade‑offs)