Just northeast of Washington, DC sits the suburb of Takoma Park, Maryland. Founded in 1883 by real estate developer Benjamin Franklin Gilbert, Takoma Park was a planned commuter suburb centered around the Takoma station on the B&O railroad. The town grew steadily as Gilbert continued to buy and develop more land in the area. The culture in Takoma Park is diverse and multicultural. Many people nickname Takoma Park Azalea City.
Today, Takoma Park is home to a thriving, diverse community of educated working professionals. It’s considered very progressive, being the first city in the United States to allow noncitizens and young adults from the age of 16 to vote in municipal elections. The community is also dedicated to the upkeep of its trees and greenery. It has a vibrant music and art scene, and Takoma Park is known for its folk and jazz music festivals. Many scientists, designers, and artists call Takoma Park home. The political commentator Matt Drudge and the actress Goldie Hawn are from Takoma Park. If you’re looking for a small-town vibe with big city sophistication, moving to Takoma Park might be for you.
Takoma Park, MD Population & Demographics
The population of Takoma Park is 17,567. Those residing in Takoma Park are fairly diverse, with 45% of residents being white, 11% Hispanic, 35% Black, 5% Asian, and 4% other races. The median household income in Takoma Park is $86,439, which is 43% higher than the national average. It’s a fairly affluent community, with a 47% lower poverty level than the national average. Residents of Takoma Park are well educated, with 59.4% having achieved a Bachelor’s degree or higher. A third of the households in Takoma Park have children under the age of 18. The population breaks down to 52% women and 48% men.
Takoma Park is nicknamed “Azalea City,” thanks to the work of famed horticulturist and Takoma Park resident Benjamin Morrison. Area codes for Takoma Park are 301 and 240. Takoma Park covers three zip codes: 20910, 20912, and 20913.
Takoma Park Cost of Living
Living in Takoma Park is somewhat expensive. Cost of living in Takoma Park is 50% higher than the national average, and 24% higher than the rest of Maryland. Sales tax in Maryland is 6%, which is higher than the national average and adds to the living costs in Takoma Park. However, those moving to Takoma Park get a break on their income taxes, which are 19% lower than the national average. Takoma Park is a safe community as well, and crime has decreased by 11% year over year.
Takoma Park offers a wide range of real estate options. Whether you’re looking for an apartment, condo, townhome, or large single-family home, you’ll find something that works for you here. The median sale price for a home in Takoma Park is $486,016, and the real estate market is considered very competitive. Most homes only stay on the market for about 18 days, and often sell for 3% more than the asking price. Now is a great time to purchase one of the many homes for sale in Takoma Park, MD.
Not ready to buy? That’s not a problem in Takoma Park! 47% of those moving to Takoma Park rent their homes. Right now the average rent in Takoma Park is $1,723, which is significantly more affordable than Washington, DC proper.
Takoma Park, MD Neighborhoods
Those moving to Takoma Park can choose between seven neighborhoods, each with their own offerings. It has a more dense, urban feel than most suburbs, and all of the neighborhoods in Takoma Park offer high rise or garden apartment buildings.
Takoma Park City Center, Carroll Manor, and New Hampshire Ave / Ethan Allen Ave neighborhoods all border Washington, DC. They are affluent communities populated by sophisticated professionals who love the art scene, so you can expect to pay a bit more here. If you’re looking to rent an apartment in a safe Takoma Park neighborhood, Kilmarock and Chillum Manor are great options. The high number of small apartment options and walkability make these neighborhoods popular among college students. Washington Adventist University / Flower Ave has a high number of college students as well.
New Hampshire Gardens has a mix of garden apartment buildings and small to medium sized single-family homes. Real estate prices are lower here, with the median sale price for a home listed as $345,000. If you want a family-friendly neighborhood in Takoma Park, this is the one. With easy access to shopping and playgrounds, this neighborhood is popular among professionals and young families.
Takoma Park, MD Weather
Those considering moving to Takoma Park can expect four distinct seasons. The average weather in Takoma Park has cold winters with light snow, and hot and humid summers. July is the hottest month, when temperatures reach an average of 88.4°F. January is the coldest month, with the average lows reaching 28.6°F. The climate in Takoma Park can get pretty cold, and the area receives blizzards every four to six winters, and about 40” of rainfall per year.
Things to Do in Takoma Park
There are plenty of fun things to do in Takoma Park! Whether you’re looking to get some fresh air, take the kids outside to a Takoma Park playground, or scope out some new shopping areas, there’s something within reach here. Check out the most popular Takoma Park activities below.
Takoma Park South Neighborhood Park
Takoma Park South Neighborhood Park is perhaps the best known park in Takoma Park. Families enjoy the playgrounds and picnicking opportunities. This is the perfect place to take kids in Takoma Park.
6500 Allegheny Ave, Takoma Park, MD 20912
Takoma Park Farmers Market
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Takoma Park and DC residents alike enjoy the weekly Takoma Park Farmers Market. Every Sunday from 10am-2pm, vendors fill the parking lot behind Laurel Avenue, bringing their fresh produce, meats, eggs, and baked goods with them.
Laurel Ave, Takoma Park, MD 20912 (301) 891-6789
Takoma Park also offers convenient shopping including Takoma Park Shopping Center and Takoma Park Plaza.
Additional things to do near Takoma Park, MD:
Takoma Park, MD Restaurants
Looking for a great meal in Takoma Park? Head to Carroll Avenue of Laurel Avenue for an amazing array of restaurants! Here are a few of the locals’ favorites:
Mid Atlantic Seafood
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If you’re looking for a good restaurant in Takoma Park for couples, Mid Atlantic Seafood is one to check out. It’s not fancy, but their seafood breakfasts, lunches, and dinners are raved about all around town. With over 900 positive reviews on Google alone, this Takoma Park eatery isn’t going anywhere.
6500 New Hampshire Ave, Takoma Park, MD 20912, (301) 270-1262
Republic
This eclectic bistro serves up dinner and brunch with mostly locally sourced ingredients. If you want a sustainable restaurant in Takoma Park that you can get an upscale dinner or brunch at, this is the place to be. It’s known for the chef-made meal, and you’ll quickly see why it’s a local favorite.
6939 Laurel Ave, Takoma Park, 20912, (301) 215-6397
Jobs in Takoma Park, MD
The median household income in Takoma Park is $78,900. Residents most often hold jobs within the healthcare, professional (ie, scientific/technical), education, and government industries. Looking for a job in or near Takoma Park? Click here to find job openings in Takoma Park on Indeed.
The average commute in Takoma Park is 34 minutes each way. Almost 60% choose to drive alone or carpool. However, Takoma Park is served by the DC Metro and the Montgomery County Ride On bus system. 29% of residents take advantage of public transportation to get to their places of business. Most people living in Takoma Park are commuting to nearby DC. If this is what you plan to do, click here to get directions from Takoma Park to Washington DC, which is 6.8 miles.
Schools in Takoma Park, MD
Those moving to Takoma Park are often doing so thanks to the great schools in the town! About a third of the population of Takoma Park is families with school-age children. Students here perform 10% better than the national average, and the student/teacher ratio is an impressive 14:1. The Montgomery County Public School System serves Takoma Park. The top schools in Takoma Park are Piney Branch Elementary School, Takoma Park Middle School, and Montgomery Blair High School.
Living in Takoma Park Pros & Cons
- Easy access to Washington DC
- Close-knit progressive community
- Thriving arts and music scenes
- Long commutes to work
Are you thinking of making Takoma Park your next home? Then you’ll want the best Takoma Park moving company to get you there. Call our top-rated movers for a free quote today!
