Marlow Heights - Temple Hills, MD

The majority of Prince George’s County was originally tobacco farms until developers saw value in its proximity to the District and began planning urban communities as transportation methods expanded. Marlow Heights itself grew from the area’s need for a local shopping district, which was established with a few small shopping strips in Marlow Heights. Today, it houses a large rental community in addition to its function as a small shopping hub.

No museums lie within the neighborhood boundaries, so locals interested in history travel east to Suitland to visit the Smithsonian Institute or the Airman Memorial Museum. Marlow Heights also lacks a prominent art and music scene, so locals in search of a bit of local flare head north of Hillcrest Heights to access cultural festivals and performing arts studios. The D.C. Beer Festival remains a long-time favorite, especially since no other annual events occur in the area.

Dining options within the neighborhood are restricted primarily to fast food chains, though a few local eateries reside along St. Barnabas Road. Marlow Heights itself seems to be the chicken capital, with at least three unique restaurants competing for the title of best chicken in town. However, locals say the trophy goes to Country Style Chicken and Waffles for the affordable platters that pair the sweet with the savory. Fluffy and sweet waffles get served up alongside wings or fingers with a touch of hot sauce on the side. If you aren’t in the mood for poultry with your breakfast staples, opt for the morning platter that loads eggs, pancakes, sausage and house cut fries onto a plate for less than $8.

Locals in need of a little more spice head north on St. Barnabas Road to Silvestre Chicken, a Latin American café known for flavorful seafood staples and hearty fajitas. Regular visitors say each and every Peruvian chicken dish gets seasoned to the bone, but the real showstoppers at Silvestre’s are the massive Red Snappers, with tender black beans and sweet fried plantains on the side, which leave you licking your fingers. Inexpensive prices make dining at Silvestre’s a bargain.

Sushi and hibachi lovers flock to Branch Avenue to dine at Fuji Mountain Steakhouse. Specialties include deep-fried spicy Calamari, though locals consistently praise the spicy girl and dancing shrimp rolls. Meat mavens leave satisfied too, since they can get a hunk of juicy steak alongside their perfectly cooked shrimp. A generous happy hour also plays and important part in the area’s nightlife since it is otherwise void of clubs or popular bars.

In fact, most local hangouts for late-night fun are restaurants that also serve excellent beers and strong cocktails. A popular establishment in this category includes the Rio Buffet and Bar, which prides itself on unique drinks such as the exotic Long Island and the Scorpion bowl. Friday nights persist as the best time for drinks, since a close time well past midnight allows thirsty residents to indulge in specialty cocktails for hours. No music venues reside in the area, but Rio Buffet frequently hosts live bands or a DJ for a bit of dancing.

Living in Marlow Heights without a car proves nearly impossible, since residents depend heavily on cars for their transportation needs. The nearly 80 percent of residents who use automobiles also employ temporary lift services, such as Uber and calling ahead to local taxis. Temporary rides also prevent riders from having to locate a safe and free parking spot around the neighborhood.

Car shares become an especially important aspect of life in Marlow Heights since they allow locals to navigate the neighborhood after dark in a more safe way than walking. However, most destinations span across long stretches of major roads, so most locals don’t get around on foot unless they’re in residential areas. Cyclists aren’t common since bike infrastructure dwindles to almost nothing beyond the D.C. border.

Luckily, public transportation bridges the gap for those who don’t have cars. Four bus lines pass through the area, and a commute to the city takes about an hour using public transportation. Professionals who work in the District take buses H11, H12 or H13 to connect to the Green Rail line at Naylor Road Station before connecting to the Red Line at Chinatown Metro Station. Locals who drive cut their commute times in half by accessing I-295 from I-95 in Oxon Hill. For significant distances outside the neighborhood, hop on Branch Avenue.

Sunny weekends are best spent outdoors, especially since Marlow Heights sits just a few minutes away from the North Barnaby Recreation Area, 75-acre community area off Iverson Place. Families flock to the area for its facilities catered to kids, such as the splash park with pools and slides. Entrance fees vary with age, but don’t exceed $6 a person.

Athletes and who enjoy participating in year-round recreation favor the Marlow Heights Community Center Park. Fees for the center depend on the facilities used, but the impressive list includes a gym, game room and fitness center. Outside, residents can play a game of tennis before settling into the grassy areas for a picnic, though the playground distracts most kids from taking in the natural views.

Since most green spaces in or around the neighborhood don’t host events, locals appreciate the wide selection offered by the community center. Activities from tournaments to workshops fill the event schedule, as well as after-school programs and seasonal events.

Bikers and joggers stick to the perimeters of designated green spaces, though the area isn’t known for a large outdoor recreation presence. Locals with pets must also leave Marlow Heights to find parks that accommodate their furry friends.

Living in Marlow Heights certainly takes your dollar farther, since the average cost of living levels out about 15 percent less than D.C.’s. However, this stark difference comes from the affordable price of housing in Marlow Heights, which has a particularly large rental community. The average monthly rate sits a $988 for a standard one-bedroom apartment. Otherwise, residents pay similar prices for groceries, utilities and health care that they would in the city.

Fuel prices hover about 11 percent higher than the national average, but locals can save on gas by opting for a one-day MTA bus and rail pass for $3.50. Additionally, beer from a local bar for $3 to $5.

Despite Marlow Heights’ beginnings as the home of D.C.’s largest and most expensive shopping center, retail options are limited. In fact, residents opt to purchase most goods in nearby towns since the reputation of the Iverson Mall has slipped in recent years.

Locals primarily use big-name retailers and department stores to meet their needs since no local boutiques or shops congregate in the area. Forest Heights remains the nearest and most popular location for one-of-a-kind retailers. However, a few consignment boutiques and highly praised thrift shops sit within driving distance along Allentown Road in Temple Hills and Camp Springs.

Picking up groceries, on the other hand, remains quite easy with the frequent presence of chain convenience stores and 7-Eleven and Giant Foodstore. Locals who prefer specialty grocers travel to the Jumbo Food International Supermarket in Temple Hills, though Forest Heights provides additional chain options such as Aldi and Safeway.

A local farmers’ market operates in the Iverson Mall parking lot on weekends. The Branch Avenue In Bloom farmers market features all Maryland grown products, which aligns perfectly with the message of the BAIB mission of rejuvenating the community’s commercial section.