Hill Rd/FEDEX Field - Landover, MD Area Guide

The Hill Road/FedEx Field community resides in Prince George's County, Maryland, an area that was once inhabited by Native Americans. In 1608, a European explorer named John Smith arrived in the area, followed by multiple English traders who traveled in to barter with the natives. In 1634, St. Mary's City was established at the mouth of the Potomac River. As the area grew, the original settlers ventured out and established new farms and plantations along the Potomac River. In 1696, Prince George's County was officially established. By 1970, the population had reached 661,000, and the area continues to grow today.

Prince George's African American Museum and Cultural Center hosts multiple exhibitions featuring work of local and renowned African American Artists. The museum resides within the Gateway Arts District, a two-mile corridor that also houses artists lofts and art galleries.

When it comes to dining in the Hill Road/FedEx Field community, residents appreciate living in close proximity to several options located on and around Central Avenue and Martin Luther King Junior Highway in Capitol Heights, as well as Shoppers Way in Largo.

For healthy vegan and vegetarian cuisine, locals recommend Everlasting Life Restaurant and Lounge, conveniently located on Central Avenue. Regular patrons rave over the restaurant's rotating menu of signature favorites such as soy chicken salad, vegan mac and cheese and tofu lasagna, as well as the friendly and attentive service provided by the staff. If you've got a bit of room left for something sweet, be sure to try the lemon cake with homemade blueberry icing.

If you're in the mood for some tasty homestyle Southern comfort food, stop by the Carolina Kitchen, located in the Boulevard at the Capital Centre Mall on Shoppers Way. Local regulars highly recommend the fried green tomatoes with spicy dipping sauce, as well as the Maryland crab cakes served with rice pilaf, coleslaw and steamed vegetables.

When locals have a taste for Chinese food, they head over to the Mainland II Restaurant, located in the King Shopping Center on Martin Luther King Junior Highway. With a casual dining room, friendly service and some of the best lo mein in the city, you can't go wrong with this popular neighborhood establishment. Regulars can't say enough about Mainland's signature steak and cheese wrap, as well as the Three Kung Pao, a delectable combination of shrimp, chicken and beef smothered in brown sauce and topped with green peppers.

If you're yearning for an exciting evening of drinks and appetizers served in a lively bar setting, pay a visit to Jasper's Bar and Restaurant on Lottsford Road in Largo. Jasper's features a full bar menu with signature cocktails such as the Parrot Bay mango martini and the Henny Sidecar, a fueled-up blend of Hennessy, Cognac and Gran Cala finished off with sweet and sour. In addition to full entrees, Jasper's also offers a vast appetizer menu with yummy selections such as spicy crab and shrimp cocktail and crispy fried calamari.

For a casual night of tropical drinks and delicious Caribbean food, pay a visit to the Irie Bar and Grill on Alaking Court in Capitol Heights. This upscale establishment features a unique menu with signature appetizers such as cod fish cakes, fried plantains and jerk chicken drumettes, as well as a full bar serving sweet cocktails, ginger beer and specialty sodas.

While driving tends to be the most common way for Hill Road/FedEx Field community residents to travel in and out of the neighborhoods, the streets also provide solid turf for bike riding, and the sidewalks are pedestrian friendly. Local cyclists also have access to over 184 miles of bike lanes along the Potomac River that start in Georgetown, D.C., and end in Cumberland, Maryland.

Residents can park for free on certain neighborhood residential streets for up to 72 hours at a time, but it is still important to follow the hourly guidelines posted on the local parking enforcement signs to avoid citations and potential fines. Drivers also have access to paid parking garages and on-street parking meters in areas with heavier traffic.

Residents don't hail cabs within the local community, but anyone in need of a lift can easily arrange transportation through application-based ride services such as Lyft and Uber, as well as through local cab companies such as Bluebird Cab Company and Yellow Cab of D.C.

Commuters who utilize public transit have access to several Regional Transportation Agency (RTA) bus stop locations located within the community, including Central Avenue, Arena Drive and Campus Way South. Commuters who drive can easily access Interstate 95 via Largo Center Drive, Arena Drive and Central Avenue.

Residents of the Hill Road/FedEx Field community enjoy living within close proximity to several free-to-enter neighborhood parks and community centers in both Largo and Capitol Heights, provided by Prince George's County Parks and Recreation Department.

Kids and teens often visit the Peppermill Village Community Center Park on Hill Road, as this expansive park features 11 acres of open playing space, an indoor gymnasium and a game room. Fitness enthusiasts also appreciate the park's additional amenities such as tennis courts, basketball courts and walking trails with exercise stations.

Families often spend time at the Millwood Neighborhood Recreation Center on Shady Glen Drive, as this place has something for everyone. Young children enjoy the park's playground facilities and concession stands, while parents have a nice time relaxing in the pavilion and walking the loop trail.

If you're looking for a nice spot to spend the day with your dog, the closest dog park is Heurich Dog Park on Ager Road in neighboring Hyattsville. This spacious park features an all-size dog area, as well as play courts and picnic areas.

Prince George's County hosts a variety of annual events each year that encourage community participation and honor the area's history and culture. Popular events include "Clean Up Green Up," an annual event in which community residents, schools and various organizations plant trees and participate in neighborhood beautification activities, as well as the annual 4th of July celebration at Prince George's Stadium.

The cost of living in the Hill Road/FedEx Field community falls approximately 26 percent below the Washington, D.C., average, with rental rates of approximately $1,300 per month for one-bedroom apartments and condos. One-way RTA bus fares into the city center cost $2, with discounted rates for senior citizens and disabled individuals. Riders also have the option of purchasing bus passes that allow for multiple rides at discounted rates. The cost of domestic and imported beers in local pubs typically ranges between $5 and $8, but specific prices can vary due to special happy hour prices and drink special promotions. Hill Road/FedEx Field residents pay approximately 17 percent more in gasoline costs than the rest of the United States.

Residents of the Hill Road/FedEx Field community enjoy the convenience of living just a short trip away from several grocers and popular retailers located in the Capitol Heights/Largo area, with a nice variety of options located on and around Central Avenue and Martin Luther King Junior Highway.

When shopping for groceries, locals recommend Save-A-Lot on Martin King Junior Highway and Safeway on Central Avenue. If you're looking for natural and organic foods, stop by Natural Choices on Central Avenue. While there aren't any farmers markets within the immediate vicinity, local shoppers suggest taking a short seven-mile trip into neighboring Upper Marlboro to visit the Dutch Village Farmers Market located in the Marlboro Village Shopping Center on Brown Station Road. Open Thursday through Saturday, Dutch Village features a wide variety of locally-grown fruits and veggies as well as nuts, candies, baked goods, and crafts.

The Hill Road/FedEx Field community doesn't house any high-end retailers or luxury shops; however, locals appreciate living in close proximity to a nice selection of well-known retailers featuring trendy apparel and home goods. For stylish shoes at low prices, check out Payless Shoe Source on Central Avenue. Fashionable clothing, home decor items, gifts and more can be found at Ross Dress for Less on Campus Way South, just off of Central.

For unique gifts, floral arrangements and beautiful bouquets, check out Flowers, Tea and Me on Walker Hill Road. This whimsical shop specializes in all things floral, with friendly staff members who are more than happy to put together a lovely gift basket or arrangement.

If you're looking for a little inspiration, pay a visit to Blessed 24:7 Boutique on Central Avenue. Blessed 24:7 features a wide selection of inspirational gifts and clothing to brighten your day. Best of all, the owner of this amazing shop also hosts a mentoring program and workshops to help motivate young entrepreneurs.