Bowie, MD

Bowie originated as huge fields of farmland and plantations until the Bowie family helped develop the area into a center for railroads in the 19th century. The neighborhood's growth surged after World War II and has been developing business and housing-wise ever since.

Bowie's Center For Performing Arts allows community theatres to perform their works of art; the art scene in Bowie is critical to the neighborhood's personality. A Radio and Television Museum provides insight into broadcast history and offers free admission for everyone. The Huntington Railroad Museum perfectly captures the history of Bowie and how the neighborhood was originally created.

Although Bowie has a calm nightlife, plenty of tasty restaurants and bars scatter around the neighborhood to end your hectic day perfectly. Chain restaurants and individually owned dining venues can be found here.

If you love crab, Jerry's Seafood has crab bombs and crab cakes fried to perfection. The imported seafood from Venezuela has a light, fresh flavor that keeps you coming back for more. Residents also love Jerry's homemade soups. If you can't make it to Major Lansdale Boulevard to eat at Jerry's, the restaurant provides delivery of its tasty meals right to your door.

If you tend to be more of a poultry person, Lima's Chicken off of Crain Highway has rotisserie chicken meals that melt in your mouth. This Peruvian restaurant boasts an assortment of sandwiches, ceviche and tacos as well. The chefs at Lima's cook with a low amount of dyes, so you can ensure your family and friends eat healthy here.

To cap the night off, residents of Bowie love visiting Half Note Lounge. This bar off of Glenn Dale Road caters in both jazz and R&B tunes. Whether out on a date or hanging out with friends, stop by the Half Note Lounge for cocktails and an assortment of beers.

The Old Bowie Town Grille on Chestnut Avenue often has live music in its upper-level bar, and locals love listening to the bands play as they down a cocktail or two. Have a burger downstairs first, or order bar food to go with your drinks; either way the service is fast and friendly.

Lying next to U.S 301 and U.S 50, Bowie residents have multiple forms of transportation from which to choose. Many have their own cars to commute to and from work, although a company called Commuter Connections can help you find people with whom you can carpool. Both a metrobus and metrorail run throughout the neighborhood, provided by the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority. Public parking supports residents who prefer to drive.

Multiple taxis services, such as Greenbelt Taxi Service and Bloomshields, Inc., run 24/7 and can be reached by phone call. Uber also services the city of Washington, D.C., including Bowie. Although driving and public transportation prove to be prevalent in this neighborhood, Bowie encourages people to bike places whenever they can. Bike trails run through the area, and people can use them for walking as well.

Sixteen different parks provide entertainment for the residents of Bowie, as well as multiple bike trails that are open for horseback riding too. These parks range from facilities for exercising, areas for dogs and playgrounds for children. Most parks do not require any payment to enter. Right off of Allen Pond, Allen Pond Park comes equipped with ball fields, trails for walking, grills for afternoon BBQs and picnic tables. People who love the water can come here to boat and fish in the pond. This park has free entry for everyone and acts as the perfect location for anyone who wants to relax near the water. The park can be rented out for special events and occasions.

Another main park in Bowie, Whitemarsh, provides free entry as well. Athletic fields can be rented out for a fee, but the grills, playground, and trails require no payment. Its campfire circle draws in people who wish to snuggle around a fire when the Maryland winter gets chilly.

For local animal lovers, Dog Park provides hours of entertainment for your furry friends. One acre of space allows your dogs to run around completely unleashed, as long as the animals have updated tags on their collars.

Compared to Washington, D.C., Bowie's cost of living comes in at about 6 percent cheaper. The average rental rate for housing lies at $1,430 per month, although cheaper and high-end options can also be found. The gas prices here match the national average, and it only costs $1.75 to take a bus into the city, while discounts are available for senior citizens. During a night out with friends, you can expect a pint of beer to cost about $8.

The shopping in Bowie focuses around Bowie Town Center on Emerald Way. This classy mall has stores ranging from restaurants, boutiques, and popular stores that include Macy's and Best Buy.

Francesca's, also located in Bowie Town Center, is a boutique that specializes in the latest fashions for women. Here, residents can browse through clothing, jewelry, shoes and gift items for friends. Francesca's has a high-end feel while still being affordable.

Kirei Beauty store in the mall sets itself apart from other stores by offering hair and skincare products to people of all ethnicities. Whether you need makeup, shampoo or extensions, Kirei has you covered. This store also carries men's products.

Residents of Bowie usually shop at stores such as Safeway and MOM's Organic Market for their weekly grocery needs. However, Bowie Farmer's Market on Annapolis Road also serves many residents. This market has fresh and locally grown produce, homemade jellies and jams, pastries, and freshly cut flowers.