As mentioned, Ballston or even Virginia Square should be a bit cheaper than Clarendon.

I also think that the idea of living in McLean (or thereabout) and working in McLean and then going into D.C. or even Arlington after work is one of those things you talk about the possibility of doing but would find far too much hassle very quickly.

I know people who lived out there and thought they'd do that but in the end moved back to Arlington or Alexandria because at the end of the day you end up kind of isolated out there especially if you're not a family man and your social circle are other young adults whose lives revolve around D.C. and inner Arlington.