Historical Background of McLean Chase Condominium Association
McLean Chase’s origins tie into the rapid suburbanization of Fairfax County following World War II, a period when the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area expanded significantly due to government growth and economic prosperity. Built in 1964, McLean Chase emerged during a transformative era for McLean, a community named after John Roll McLean, a prominent newspaper publisher who owned significant land in the area during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The condo’s construction coincided with the rise of Tysons Corner as a commercial hub, spurred by the opening of the Tysons Corner Center mall in 1968, just a few years after McLean Chase was established.
Designed as a contemporary garden-style condominium, McLean Chase consists of 86 units, offering one- and two-bedroom layouts. This architectural style—low-rise buildings set amid landscaped gardens—reflected the mid-century preference for suburban living that balanced privacy with community amenities. The inclusion of a swimming pool and tennis court as part of its offerings underscores its appeal to families and professionals seeking a comfortable yet active lifestyle. Managed by KPA Management, a firm specializing in community association management in the D.C. region, McLean Chase has likely benefited from professional oversight to maintain its infrastructure and community standards over the decades.
Historically, McLean Chase’s location on Wilson Lane positioned it ideally for residents commuting to Washington, D.C., or working in the burgeoning Tysons Corner business district. The proximity to Interstate 495 (the Capital Beltway) and the completion of the Metro’s Silver Line in 2014, with a station just one mile away, further enhanced its connectivity. While specific historical events tied to the condo association—such as ownership changes or major renovations—are not widely documented publicly, its endurance as a residential community reflects the stability and desirability of McLean as a place to live.
Demographics of McLean Chase and Surrounding Fairfax County
Understanding the demographics of McLean Chase requires examining both the immediate McLean area and Fairfax County at large, as condo residents are part of this broader socio-economic fabric. Fairfax County, with a population exceeding 1.1 million as of recent estimates, is one of the wealthiest and most diverse counties in the United States. McLean itself, an unincorporated community within the county, had a population of approximately 51,904 as noted in real estate overviews, though this figure reflects a broader census-designated area.
McLean is characterized by affluence, with a median household income of $178,244—significantly higher than the national median of $66,222 and even Fairfax County’s $127,709. This wealth is partly driven by its proximity to Washington, D.C., attracting government officials, diplomats, and high-income professionals. Approximately 37% of McLean households include children, suggesting a family-oriented community, slightly above the county average of 34%. The median age in McLean is 47.8, indicating a mature population, possibly reflecting long-term residents or retirees alongside younger families.
Ethnic diversity is notable, with Fairfax County’s population including significant White (majority), Asian, and Hispanic contingents. McLean mirrors this diversity to some extent, though it tends to have a higher concentration of White residents compared to the county’s more mixed urban areas. The presence of a sizeable international population—29.58% of Fairfax residents were born outside the U.S.—is likely reflected in McLean Chase, given its appeal to professionals tied to D.C.’s global workforce.
McLean Chase’s smaller scale (86 units) suggests a tight-knit community, potentially attracting singles, young couples, or small families who value affordability relative to McLean’s larger, luxury single-family homes. Its garden-style design and amenities like the pool and tennis court cater to active lifestyles, while nearby schools—such as Westgate Elementary, Joyce Kilmer Middle, and George C. Marshall High—enhance its draw for families. The demographic profile of McLean Chase residents is thus likely a microcosm of McLean’s broader trends: affluent, educated, and diverse, with a mix of long-term residents and newcomers tied to the region’s economic hubs.
Real Estate Trends Impacting McLean Chase
The real estate market surrounding McLean Chase is shaped by Fairfax County’s competitive dynamics and McLean’s status as a premium residential area. As of early 2025, Fairfax County’s housing market remains robust, though it exhibits variations across property types. McLean’s median home sale price reached $2.1 million in December 2024, a 56% increase from the previous year, with homes selling after an average of 71 days on the market. This surge reflects high demand and limited inventory, hallmarks of a seller’s market, though condos like those at McLean Chase typically occupy a more accessible price tier than single-family homes.
Condominiums in Fairfax County, including McLean Chase, offer a contrast to the multimillion-dollar single-family homes dominating McLean’s market. While specific sale prices for McLean Chase units are not publicly detailed in the provided data, the broader condo market in Fairfax County saw a median sales price of approximately $347,170 by late 2023, with a slight decline from a yearly peak. This suggests that McLean Chase units, given their location in a pricier submarket, might range from the mid-$300,000s to $500,000s, depending on size and condition—an estimate grounded in regional trends rather than precise listings.
Real estate forecasts for McLean indicate a mixed outlook. WalletInvestor’s analysis predicts a slight decline in median home values over the next year from $1,091,531 in 2024, suggesting a cooling period after recent gains. However, long-term projections remain positive, with a 9.677% increase expected over the next decade. For condos like McLean Chase, this could mean stable or modestly appreciating values, bolstered by its prime location near Tysons Corner and Metro access. The condo market benefits from buyers priced out of single-family homes, a trend noted in Fairfax County analyses, where townhouses and condos have seen steadier demand amid rising interest rates and costs.
Fairfax County’s housing inventory grew modestly in 2023, with a 0.2% annual increase and a focus on multifamily units (1.1% growth rate), aligning with McLean Chase’s typology. Yet, population growth has slowed since 2020, with a slight decline in 2021, potentially tempering demand. McLean’s appeal, however, persists due to its schools, amenities (e.g., Tysons Corner Center, Great Falls Park), and proximity to D.C., cushioning it against broader market softening. For McLean Chase, this translates to a resilient niche: affordable relative to McLean’s luxury homes, yet premium compared to outer suburbs.
Critical Reflections and Future Outlook
McLean Chase Condominium Association exemplifies the enduring appeal of well-located, mid-tier housing in a high-cost region. Its history reflects Fairfax County’s suburban boom, its demographics mirror McLean’s affluent and diverse profile, and its real estate trends suggest stability amid a competitive market. However, challenges loom, including potential maintenance costs for a 60-year-old property and the broader economic pressures of rising interest rates and shifting buyer preferences.
Looking ahead, McLean Chase’s value will hinge on its ability to adapt—whether through renovations to modernize units or leveraging its location as Tysons Corner continues to grow as a commercial and transit hub. The management by KPA Management likely ensures operational continuity, but transparency about association finances or upgrades could further clarify its standing. For now, it remains a compelling option for those seeking McLean’s prestige without the multimillion-dollar price tag, embodying a practical yet aspirational slice of Fairfax County living.
