Conveniently nestled between Baltimore and Washington, DC, the town of Laurel, MD boasts a population of just over 25,000 and an average commute time of just 34 minutes. A mere 18 miles southwest of Baltimore and 20 miles northeast of Washington, D.C., Laurel serves as the halfway point that makes it a hot real estate commodity. For those who work inside the Baltimore/Washington corridor, Laurel is an escape that boasts plenty of fresh air and green spaces.
The average age of people residing in Laurel, MD is a young 34. Most have 4-year college degrees and work in white-collar industries such as office administration, management, finance, sales and business. Most are Black with the Caucasian and Asian demographics following close behind. The cost of living in Laurel is high -- 23 points over the national average, which is surprising, compared with average annual household incomes. The typical family in this DC suburb brings home roughly $66,000 per year.
The crime rate in Laurel MD is high, factoring in at about 65 in comparison with the national average of 41. Homes in this area costs a moderate $269,000.
Several of Laurel's public schools rate an 8 or higher on a scale of 1 to 10 by Greatschools.org, including Bond Mill and Gordon Crossing Elementary Schools and Hammond and Murray Hill Middle Schools. The area is served by the Prince Georges County Public School District and has a student-to-teacher ratio of 16 to 1.
Things to do in Laurel, MD include stopping by Montpelier Mansion, a Georgian-style home built in the late 1700s. Now operated as a museum that's open to the public, Montpelier Mansion sits on 70 scenic acres just perfect for exploring.
The Dutch Country Farm Market on Fort Meade RD in Laurel is another hot spot beloved by the locals. Featuring a wealth of home-cooked foods, crafts, furniture and organic meats, this market is the go-to place for healthy, organic foods and hand-crafted decor in Laurel.
Other fun family outings can be had at the Laurel Skate Center, Rocky Gorge 4-Seasons Golf, and The Gardens Ice House. Laurel also offers good access to the outdoors through a number of parks and recreation facilities, like those listed below.
The living is good for those relocating to this medium-sized suburb of our Nation's Capital. Decent salaries, easy commutes and a wealth of fun and cultural things to do make this area a popular spot on the new home tour. Major employers that serve the Laurel area include the Department of Defense, Fort Meade Army Base, the University of Maryland, Johns Hopkins University, World Wide Technology, and the Gilbane Building Company.
And for those who love the great outdoors, the City of Laurel Parks and Recreation Department oversees more than 23 community parks, wildlife areas, athletic fields, pools, playgrounds, and tennis courts for residents to enjoy. You can walk your dog, enjoy a picnic lunch, play a competitive game of tennis on your lunch hour or take the tots to spend the day on one of the generous playgrounds located around the city. Laurel also boasts a river walk trail that parallels the Patuxent River for 2.5 miles through attractive, suburban, wooded areas.
One downside to living in Laurel, however, is the traffic congestion from infrastructure that hasn't kept up with the population. Residents of this pretty Maryland town spend more time than they'd like waiting in traffic.
Laurel is famous for its dinosaurs. Featuring the "most prolific' excavation site in the whole of the Eastern United States, Laurel boasts a nearly 8-acre plot of land from which an abundance of fossils and fossilized teeth dating to the Cretaceous Period have been harvested. In fact, there's an actual Dinosaur Park built on this land to commemorate the findings.
Laurel also offers a wealth of old historic sites that have been registered with the National Register of Historic Places. Duvall Bridge, Laurel High School, the Laurel Railroad System, Snow Hill, and Snowden Hall are registered historic sites found in and near Laurel, making this area the perfect hideaway for history buffs.
When your next home search centers around the Washington, DC/Baltimore Metropolitan Area, be sure to check out the many gorgeous old homes available in lovely Laurel, MD. Whether you're a career-minded professional working to leave your mark on the worlds of business or technology, or you're the parent of a young family looking to find somewhere safe and secure to put down roots, you'll find that this laid-back town has everything to offer you and more. Ask your realtor about the many benefits to be had when you buy a home in Laurel, MD.
