Berwyn Heights - College Park, MD Area Guide

In the late 1800s, the suburbs of Washington, D.C., including Berwyn Heights expanded dramatically in proportion to the capital’s booming population. Officially founded in 1896, the neighborhood exclusively contained single-family homes of various sizes and architectural styles, from simple ranchers and charming Cape Cods to elegant Victorians. Locals enjoy an extremely active and engaged community, including a Recreation Council and Boys and Girls Club that sponsor annual events, including the Berwyn Heights Day Festival, a children’s talent show and camp-outs in a neighborhood park. The neighborhood’s monthly newsletter, the Berwyn Heights Bulletin, keeps residents apprised of relevant current events. On the edge of the neighborhood, visit the fascinating College Park Aviation Museum or enjoy live theater at the Greenbelt Arts Center. For the more adventurous, take advantage of Berwyn Heights' proximity to Washington, D.C., and visit the National Mall or the Smithsonian’s museums less than 15 miles away.

As a residential neighborhood, Berwyn Heights doesn't contain much variety in terms of restaurants or nightlife within its borders. The neighborhood remains popular, however, due to its proximity to a diverse selection of urban delights that caters to all tastes. The neighborhood's keystone restaurant remains the old-school Sir Walter Raleigh Inn. Tucked in on the edge of the neighborhood, The Raleigh represents a traditional prime-rib and salad-bar joint promising a pleasant and completely unpretentious atmosphere. If the signature 12 ounce prime rib with homemade whipped horseradish sauce intimidates you, go for the 10 ounce jumbo lump crab cake made with fresh Maryland crab meat. Another neighborhood favorite called Siri's Chef's Secret specializes in Thai and American cuisine in a low-key atmosphere. Siri's serves spicy classics, such as pad Thai and drunken noodles, as well as less common dishes, such as pla pad cha and kanom jeeb, created with family recipes passed down through the generations. Cross the train tracks that separate Berwyn Heights from its sister community of Berwyn to enjoy fresh fish tacos and hand-cut fries at Fishnet. The success of this tucked-away gem enabled Fishnet to open a second location in the trendy Shaw neighborhood of D.C. In the adjacent town of College Park, home of the University of Maryland, you find all the boisterous college fun you can handle. College Park institutions, the Cornerstone Grill & Loft and R.J.Bentley's, rule the Route 1 strip. Catch free concerts on the outdoor stage at Lake Artemesia Natural Area in Berwyn Heights during the summer, or visit nearby Greenbelt, where the New Deal Cafe presents live music daily.

It is not necessary to own a car to get around Berwyn Heights and the surrounding areas, but it certainly does help. Walk safely through the neighborhood. Some blocks have sidewalks, while others do not, but the local police department’s constant presence keeps unruly drivers at bay. Two metro stations lie within proximity to Berwyn Heights: College Park and Greenbelt, both serving the Green Line. From either station, you can reach downtown D.C. in less than half an hour. Numerous bus services, including Metrobus crisscross the area. The University of Maryland shuttle transports students and others affiliated with the University from Berwyn Heights to College Park at no cost. Prince George’s County applauds biking. Bikers enjoy ample biking space in Berwyn Heights and dedicated lanes on nearby roads. Both nearby Metro stations provide safe bike enclosures and biking access lanes. You can easily catch a cab from the nearby metro stations to get home to Berwyn Heights, but hailing a cab on the streets of Berwyn Heights is not feasible. Numerous cab companies and Uber service the area if you call ahead or use an app. You can park for free anywhere within Berwyn Heights. Nearby shopping and restaurants provide free parking lots. Access the Washington, D.C. Beltway less than a mile from Berwyn Heights or the Baltimore-Washington Parkway just another mile farther along. Kenilworth Avenue, which borders the neighborhood, provides a chief thoroughfare into and out of D.C.

Nature-lovers and sports enthusiasts delight in the many parks and sports facilities in and around Berwyn Heights. Within the neighborhood itself is the spectacular Lake Artemesia, a 38-acre lake rimmed with paved trails and gazebos. A popular spot for bird-watchers and fishermen taking advantage of the handicapped accessible pier, Lake Artemesia provides a tranquil respite for residents and visitors alike. Berwyn Heights has two public playgrounds, Pop’s Park and Indian Creek. Located in the center of town, Pop’s Park attracts flocks of younger children and toddlers. The Native American inspired Indian Creek playground includes equipment geared to slightly older children, as well as a t-ball field, basketball court and access to the Indian Creek bike path. In nice weather, crowds often convene at the neighborhood’s Sports Park to play soccer on the well-tended field or roller hockey in the full-sized, fully-enclosed rink. Gardeners can get their fix in the town’s Community Garden sponsored by the Berwyn Heights Green Team. For those who need even more room to stretch their legs and explore nature, the National Park Service’s Greenbelt Park awaits about a mile outside of Berwyn Heights. Hikers, campers and picnicking families enjoy Greenbelt Park’s more than 1,100 acres. Berwyn Heights Elementary School and the adjacent Berwyn Heights Community Center provide indoor and outdoor basketball courts, a tennis court and expansive sports fields. Pop’s Park does not allow pets, but all other public parks in Berwyn Heights happily welcome leashed animals. Residents and visitors enjoy Berwyn Heights' parks at no cost.

The cost of living in Berwyn Heights is higher than both the national average and the state of Maryland average, but somewhat lower than the cost of living in nearby Washington, D.C. Residents believe, however, that the perks of living within the D.C. Beltway offset the relatively high cost of living in The Heights. They enjoy a family-oriented neighborhood with good-sized yards just a quick hop from the city. Commuters reach downtown D.C. on the Metro for $4 during peak hours and $3.15 off-peak. The cost of parking at the Metro weighs in at a hefty $5. That cost combined with gas prices about nine percent higher than the national average successfully entice many commuters to bike to the Metro. Single family homes comprise most of the neighborhood of Berwyn Heights. The average rent for a one bedroom apartment is around $1,530 a month. Grab a Corona at Cornerstone for just $2.50 or a local craft beer at the Silver Diner for $5 to $6.

As a residential neighborhood, Berwyn Heights doesn't host shopping opportunities within its limits, but abundant options await in nearby areas. Directly across the street from Berwyn Heights, Beltway Plaza Mall hosts several discount stores such as Target, Marshall's, T.J. Maxx and Burlington Coat Factory. Go to Alpha Formal Wear or Twins African Fashion for a great selection of clothing and accessories. For other specialty stores and boutiques, visit Gailes Violin Shop, or travel up to Hyattsville to Franklin's General Store. For outlet shopping, pop over to the Tanger Outlets Center at National Harbor about 20 miles away. For groceries, residents of Berwyn Heights choose between several nearby options. Opt for Giant Food directly across the street in Greenbelt Plaza, or head a few miles farther to shop at Safeway. Those with higher-end grocery needs often choose Wegman's or Whole Foods within 10 miles of the neighborhood. Berwyn Heights doesn't have its own farmers market, but several lie within just a few miles in Greenbelt and College Park that open seasonally.