Nature is not to be disturbed in the city of Takoma Park. Locals in this Maryland community on the Washington, D.C. line take the environment seriously. Gardeners tending to their azaleas cannot use certain pesticides, per local ordinance. Cutting down a tree, even on private property, involves getting a permit from the city. The municipal government gets 100% of its electricity through wind power, and it has declared itself a "nuclear-free zone" since 1983.
What was once considered a hippie enclave has, over the past few years, become a more sought-after suburb for families looking for good schools and an easy commute into D.C.
Storybook streetscapes with overgrown gardens and azaleas
Takoma Park’s residential areas look like something out of a children’s storybook. Some houses were built as part-time residential cottages in the 1920s. Renovated 1960s ramblers, stone contemporary houses, midcentury modern homes, brick Cape Cods and century-old bungalows sit next to each other on tightly packed streets. “There are huge Victorians that are just stunning, and they also have small bungalows. That diverse mix of gorgeous housing makes the community so unique and different,” says Heather Foley, Realtor with the Foley Group of Go Brent Realty in nearby Silver Spring. Prices range from $185,000 to $1.6 million. Religious and spiritual organizations sit within Takoma Park, including a center for Buddhist studies and meditation and a Chinese Christian Church.
Walkable shopping and dining in Takoma Park
Besides its progressive politics and blooming azaleas, Takoma Park is known for its eclectic mix of mom-and-pop stores. A pedestrian mall stretches along Laurel Avenue, with Adirondack chairs, benches and patio space for outdoor dining at the local restaurants. Kin Da serves Thai cuisine, and people start their days at Takoma Beverage Company with coffee and breakfast toasts. On the same block, the Magic Carpet sells funky décor like lamps, vases and paintings of dragons. “Tabletop is my favorite home store, they have everything,” says Foley of another Laurel Avenue store. “If you need a gift for someone, you have to go to Tabletop. But as I do, I also go to buy things for myself.”
The restaurant scene in Takoma Park, Foley says, is “fabulous.” Upscale American eatery Motorkat serves fresh oysters and creative cocktails in a cozy dining room with red cushy booths and sage green walls. Vegan Korean restaurant Seoul Food started as a food truck, and the Girl and the Vine sells wine, cheese and sandwiches.
Top-rated Montgomery County schools
Takoma Park is in Montgomery County, so kids go to the highly-rated county public school district. Children can attend Takoma Park Elementary School for prekindergarten through second grade, Piney Branch Elementary School for grades 3-5, Takoma Park Middle School for grades 6-8 and Montgomery Blair High School for grades 9-12. Piney Branch and the middle school have A-ratings from Niche, the Takoma Park Elementary is rated A-minus and the high school is rated A-plus. Montgomery Blair has a communication arts program, and a science, math and computer science magnet program.
Gorgeous walking and biking trail along Sligo Creek
Takoma Park has its share of natural wonders. Snaking through the community is Sligo Creek, a tributary lined by a 10-mile paved trail. People use the Sligo Creek Trail to run, rollerblade and ride their bikes. Parks sit along the creek, including Sligo Creek North Neighborhood Park, which has a playground for children. Skateboard tricks and volleyball games happen at the 17-acre Takoma-Piney Branch Park, which also has a playground and basketball courts. The Takoma Park Recreation Center is an active organization with fitness rooms, a gymnasium and classes for things like dance, martial arts and self-improvement.
Folk and crafts
The Takoma Park Folk Festival is a highlight of the city's calendar -- an all-day free event each fall that features many bands, lots of food and crafts.
Takoma Metro station takes commuters to D.C. in 35 minutes
Takoma Park sits along the Metro, so commuters can be in the center of D.C. in about 35 minutes. Driving into D.C. takes about 25 minutes, and Silver Spring is six minutes away by car. Travelers can get Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport in around 40 minutes and BWI airport in about the same amount of time. “People like it because it’s close to D.C., and it’s convenient to commute into town,” says Russell Carter, Realtor with Keller Williams Capital Properties.
Dina Shaminova is a seasoned real estate professional with accreditation in Virginia, Maryland, and the District of Columbia. Her passion for the real estate industry is deeply rooted in her admiration for residential architecture, interior design, and the intricacies of the building process and floor plan potential. With a background in property management and a transition to residential sales, Dina has dedicated the past 10 years to cultivating strong relationships with developers, sellers, buyers, and investors. Her emphasis on relationship quality is evident as she strives to offer honest expertise and guidance to clients, aiding them in achieving their real estate goals and pursuits. Dina's expertise spans the entire spectrum of real estate, catering to clients ranging from first-time homebuyers to seasoned investors. Renowned for her unwavering commitment to client needs, she has earned an outstanding reputation for delivering excellent customer service. Fluent in both English and Russian, Dina is well-equipped to serve a diverse clientele, ensuring effective communication and understanding throughout the real estate process.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
