South Laurel - Laurel, MD

While Laurel's unofficial beginnings date back to 1634, it was first incorporated as a town in 1870. When Richard Snowden came to the area, Laurel began becoming a popular iron manufacturing destination, and was known simply as the “Laurel Factory” before its name became official. When cotton mills came to the area in 1924, this community began to grow.

You can find information on the history of Laurel at the Laurel Historical Society on Main Street. Down the street at the Montpelier Mansion, residents can tour a former estate filled with historical artifacts that was once visited by George Washington.

Inviting, family-friendly restaurants make up the dining scene in South Laurel, with plenty of locally owned establishments for residents to enjoy. For authentic Mexican cuisine, visit the family-friendly Mango's Grill and Restaurant, which offers an extensive menu of house-made dishes and a fully stocked bar featuring signature margaritas and cocktails. While the menu of enchiladas, tacos and quesadillas satisfies the most particular of palates, locals love the mango banana dessert. Try it with the sweet mango and strawberry sauces for a truly decadent experience.

The bar scene in Laurel features a number of friendly, inviting watering holes that provide residents with a place to meet. Locals in the mood for a drink and a good time often head to Nuzback's. This small but inviting bar attracts a diverse crowd of all ages, and it serves great cocktails. Relax outside in the sun while playing a game of darts or corn hole and enjoying a plate of wings.

The car-friendly community of South Laurel provides plenty of free public and street parking. Thanks to nearby Interstate 95, you can travel to downtown Washington, D.C. or nearby downtown Baltimore simply.

While most residents choose to drive in South Laurel, several public transportation options exist in the area. Metro Bus lines connect South Laurel to Washington, D.C. and area suburbs. The CMRT Bus Transit system services South Laurel with a route that connects Laurel to other nearby cities such as Ellicot City, College Park, Burtonsville and Glen Burnie. If you're looking to travel to Washington D.C., Baltimore or West Virginia quickly, the MARC Train has a stop in Laurel for residents.

Cabs are easy to hail on some of Laurel's main stretches or by phone. The Uber ride-share service also operates in the area, and residents can use their smart phone to contact a car through the company’s app.

Most of South Laurel is relatively walkable, but since the community is so spread out, most people choose public transportation, cars or bikes to get around town. Several bike routes for safe travel and community bike racks are available throughout South Laurel.

Several parks dot the South Laurel community and provide residents with exciting places to explore. The Riverfront Park consists of more than 30 acres of green space across from the Laurel Municipal Pool and adjacent to the Patuxent River. At this park, residents enjoy paved hiking and walking trails, open play areas, picnic tables and more. Bring your leashed dog here for a stroll.

At the Roland B. Sweitzer Community Park, plenty of paved hiking and biking trails, play areas fill more than 25 acres. This free park is home to community fundraisers, school events, and family-friendly events throughout the year.

At the Cypress Street Athletic Fields in Laurel, residents enjoy plenty of green space, two softball fields, football and soccer fields and more. This free public park provides a home for many community adult leagues, kids' sports leagues and school fundraisers.

Life in South Laurel carries an average to below-average cost of living compared to both the state and nearby Washington, D.C. A typical one-bedroom apartment in this neighborhood costs $1,088 per month.

Getting to downtown Washington, D.C. by public transportation costs just $1.60, while gas runs with half a percentage point of the national average. Residents can grab a beer in a local pub for just $4 in South Laurel.

At the center of South Laurel lies the outdoor Laurel Mall. Pick up fun fashions for the whole family at Old Navy or browse for athletic gear at Sports Authority. Browse some of the latest best sellers at Books-A-Million, or pick up a family-friendly game or magazine at this community location.

While everyday essentials are available at the Laurel Mall, those interested in the boutique shopping scene can find a handful of locally owned shops throughout the community. At Bella Bella, enjoy a luxurious shopping experience at Genesis Bridal & Formal, where you can browse designer gowns and fashionable evening pieces for women. When your pooch deserves a good grooming with lots of style, take him to Animal Crackers Pet Boutique and Salon for an individual styling, and all groomers comply with AKC guidelines. Animal Crackers features a boutique crammed with treats, clothing, bedding and other baubles for your fur baby.

Community members can shop for their groceries, produce and everyday home essentials at the local Harris Teeter. Here, shoppers find aisles of grocery items, as well as ready-made meals, sushi, chicken and subs that are perfect for a fast dinner on the go. When looking for local products, visit the Dutch Country Farmers Market in Laurel. In addition to fresh produce, this market carries locally crafted jams and jellies, pies, cakes, and breads, all in one convenient location.