McLean, VA, United States

Wealthy residents, bureaucratic headaches, and an eye-watering cost of living define life in this Washington, D.C. bedroom community. With a population of 50,773 as of the 2020 census, McLean is home to diplomats, members of Congress, and high-ranking government officials drawn to its proximity to the nation's capital. However, the median home value of $908,000 and a cost of living index 42.6% above the national average make this an exclusive enclave. Bureaucracy is a persistent challenge, as the U.S. Postal Service's convoluted boundaries mean that many Tysons businesses hold a McLean mailing address. For those seeking the security and prestige of an elite Washington suburb, McLean fits the bill, but the steep price tag and red tape will deter all but the most deep-pocketed residents.