Temple Hills, MD Area Guide

Temple Hills takes its name from Dr. Edward Temple, a prominent landowner who lived in a mansion called Moor Park near Henson Creek in the 1860s. His estate and influence shaped the community's early identity, and remnants of that era still echo through the area's older street patterns and creek corridors. As Washington, DC expanded throughout the 20th century, Temple Hills transitioned from rural estates into a residential suburb, with most of its housing stock built between the 1950s and 1970s. That postwar development left a landscape of garden apartments and single-family neighborhoods that remain the backbone of the community today.

Rosecroft Raceway, a harness racing track that opened in 1949, stands as one of the area's most visible historic landmarks and continues to operate just south of Temple Hills. The track reflects the region's mid-century leisure culture and has hosted generations of locals and visitors. While Temple Hills itself does not have a formally designated historic district, the proximity to National Harbor and the Potomac River offers access to regional history and museums. Henson Creek Park preserves natural corridors that date back to the area's earliest settlement, providing greenspace that connects past and present.

Temple Hills residents find a practical and varied dining scene anchored largely along Branch Avenue, where a mix of sit-down restaurants and casual spots reflects the area's cultural diversity. Caribbean cooking is well represented, with dishes like jerk chicken, oxtail, callaloo, and escoveitched fish appearing on local menus. Italian wood-fired pizza and pasta, Japanese sushi and hibachi, and American comfort food round out the options closer to home. For a broader range of dining choices, the short drive to National Harbor opens up waterfront restaurants spanning multiple cuisines and price points, making it a popular destination for a more elevated night out.

Temple Hills sits about 10 miles southeast of Washington, D.C., giving residents straightforward access to the region's core job centers. The Capital Beltway (I-495), Maryland Route 5 (Branch Avenue), and I-295 are the primary road corridors, connecting commuters to D.C., Alexandria, and points across the metro. For those who prefer not to drive, the Washington Metro's Green Line terminates at the Branch Avenue station, providing rail service directly into downtown D.C. Metrobus routes also serve the area. Walkers and cyclists can take advantage of the Henson Creek Trail, a paved, 5.7-mile path that winds through the community. Joint Base Andrews and Reagan National Airport are both within a short drive for travelers with regional or national connections.

Temple Hills sits close to several parks that make outdoor recreation accessible without requiring a long drive. Henson Creek Park is a local standout, offering a 5.7-mile paved trail that winds through the area and draws walkers, joggers, and cyclists. Allentown Splash, Tennis and Fitness Park provides a public swimming pool alongside tennis courts and fitness amenities for a well-rounded active lifestyle. Families with children often visit Oxon Hill Farm, a working farm where hands-on activities bring agricultural life to the forefront. The nearby Potomac River waterfront at National Harbor also offers open green space and waterfront paths for those who enjoy scenic outdoor strolls.

Renting in Temple Hills is notably more affordable than in many surrounding areas of the Washington, D.C. metro. Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment sits around $1,436, while studios average approximately $1,150 per month. Two-bedroom units average around $1,624, and three-bedroom homes average roughly $2,031. By comparison, nearby Camp Springs commands significantly higher rents across all unit sizes. Maryland's statewide one-bedroom average is $1,674, placing Temple Hills below that benchmark. The community's housing mix includes apartments, townhomes, and single-family rentals, giving renters options at a range of price points within a compact, densely populated area.

Shopping in Temple Hills centers on Branch Avenue, where Iverson Mall and Marlow Heights Shopping Center anchor the local retail scene with clothing, beauty, and everyday essentials. Both destinations have served the community for decades and remain go-to spots for residents looking to cover a wide range of needs in one outing. Brinkley Road rounds out the local options with grocery stores, banks, and personal care services. For outlet shopping, Tanger Outlets at National Harbor is just a short drive away and draws shoppers from across the region seeking name-brand deals in a waterfront setting.