Glassmanor - Oxon Hill, MD

Glassmanor began as a community of scientists from the nearby Naval Research Laboratory. However, over the years it has evolved into a more urban environment. Population expanded after the construction of the Eastover Shopping Center the 1950s. While residents of Glassmanor have changed, many of the original buildings have maintained their charm. Garden apartments and numerous row houses from the 1940s can still be found in the neighborhood. The abundance of affordable housing in Glassmanor attracts a variety of people of all cultures.

Although there are no museums or formal art scene in the Glassmanor vicinity, community organizations promote growth through the arts. An active local Knights of Columbus chapter teaches neighbors to live with the principles of charity, scholarship, and intellectual growth. In 2012, Prince George's County created The Transforming Neighborhoods Initiative to improve the community's quality of life. The organization aids residents with economic, education & safety issues.

Though entertainment in Glassmanor is limited, there are a few popular choices for residents to frequent, including a selection of Chinese, seafood, and American cuisine.

Lucas Seafood supplies hungry stomachs with fast and tasty seafood meals. The potato wedges are a local favorite, and customers rave about the establishment's crab dishes. Suet Y Lau Ta China Best serves traditional Chinese favorites, with a beer selection available for those who crave something extra with dinner. Enjoy the classics such as wonton soup and egg rolls paired with fried rice.

Established in 1958, Henry's Soul Cafe rules the neighborhood. The sweet potato pie has had families flocking in for generations, and the pork chops and greens always please. Many chain restaurants such as Outback, Subway and Popeye’s Louisiana Kitchen can also be found along Route 414.

The Glassmanor community has no real nightlife, so residents head to outside areas for bars, clubs, and music venues. Martini’s Restaurant and Lounge resides in Fort Washington, offering live music, comedy routines, and a full calendar of events. Oxon Hill houses National Pastime Sports Bar & Grill. Try something from the brewery or sample cocktails such as the June Bug, Knock Out Punch, or Pastime Sangria, or enjoy a martini and live music at nearby Bobby McKey’s Dueling Piano Bar. The National Harbor also hosts outdoor concerts right on the Potomac River.

Although Glassmanor is known for some of the worst commute times in the country, the majority of residents in Glassmanor travel by personal vehicle or carpool. Free parking options for personal vehicles include lots at shopping centers and spaces on residential streets. For travel further than your local store, head to one of the many highways around the neighborhood. Interstate 495, Interstate 95, State Highway 210, and State Highway 414 all supply routes in and out of Glassmanor.

With a call in advvance, Uber and taxi cabs make hired transportation quick and easy. Public transportation options remain inexpensive. Both the Metrobus and Metrorail provide many service stops to Glassmanor.

Pedestrians should stick to residential sidewalks to avoid any problems with the busy traffic. During peak hours, major roads become busy with commuters and no bike lanes exist. For a safer stroll, head to one of the local trails.

Glassmanor residents enjoy a few small neighborhood parks. Owens Road Park, Barnaby Run Park, and North Barnaby Splash Park all possess different options for entertainment.

North Barnaby Splash Park has fun for the entire family. Activities at the Splash Park include a 25 meter pool, a wading pool, an aqua climbing wall, tipping buckets waterfall and water slides. The facility also provides American Red Cross swimming lessons. Admission to the park stays a reasonable $5 for residents and $6 for non-residents. For free fitness, try the tennis courts at North Barnaby Recreation Area or the many hiking trails of Prince George’s County.

Children will love Castaway Island Playground at the Tucker Road Athletic Complex in nearby Fort Washington. The complex provides a playground with a Gilligan's island theme, as well as five softball fields, two basketball courts, four tennis courts, two lighted fields, 18 fitness stations, and a picnic area. Fort Washington also has a dog park for furry family members.

A hub for community activity, the Glassmanor Community Center keeps residents active. Relieve some stress at the gym, tennis court or basketball court, or head outside to the football/softball field and playground. Along with recreational activities, the center houses after-school programs, clubs, a kitchen, game room, computer classes, crafts, and self-improvement programs.

The cost of living in Glassmanor hovers lower than in Washington, D.C. overall. The average monthly cost for a single bedroom apartment sits at $996. Gas prices cost five percent lower than the national average, and many public transportation options provide affordable rides throughout the city. Passengers may purchase SmarTrip Cards for $2 and load them with up to $300 for transportation on the Metrorail or Metrobus. Unlimited one-day passes cost $14.50 for an adult.

Prices for shopping as well as dining out stay low. Restaurant meals are easy to find for under $20 and a pint of beer runs around $5.

Shopping in Glassmanor may be limited, but local shoppers can easily satisfy their everyday needs. Small urban businesses comprise the majority of neighborhood establishments, and specialty or luxury items are a short drive away in outside communities. Located on Audrey Lane, the Eastover Shopping Center is the main retail hub. The shopping center houses chain retailers such as Radio Shack, Dollar Tree, and Game Stop.

For a combination of home improvement store and notary service, head to Abe's Eastover Hardware. Buy or sell jewelry at Top Dollar Pawn and Jewelry store. Over 30 years of experience makes Top Dollar a trusted retailer for computers, game systems, jewelry, bikes, cell phones, or tools.

Neighbors in need of groceries head to the local Giant Foods at the Eastover Shopping Center. On Saturdays throughout spring, summer and fall, check out Branch Avenue in Bloom Farmer's Market in nearby Temple Hills for fresh local produce.