Laurel – A City Where Time Passes Slowly
A city in Maryland, Laurel is conveniently located halfway between Baltimore and Washington, DC. Nonetheless, it is also far enough from the larger cities to have unique suburban vibes and a slower pace of life. Laurel is mostly made up of residential communities, and the living costs in the region are lower than in those areas closer to the capital. If you have been wondering what it is like to live in Laurel, here is everything you should know.
Brief Overview of Laurel
Laurel is an ideal city for anyone looking to start a family or find rewarding employment opportunities. Baltimore and Washington, DC, are conveniently located just 20 minutes away from Laurel and can be easily accessed through Routes 95 and 295. This opens up plenty of opportunities for employment and recreation. However, Laurel is still a family-friendly city wrapped in a suburban aura.
Laurel has a good mix of neighborhoods featuring a wide range of housing options, from apartments to duplexes, condominiums, single-family homes, and townhouses. In addition, you will also find older home styles, such as Cape Cods and Tudors. The median home value in Laurel is $401,100, and it is an affordable city in Maryland. The neighborhoods popular among homebuyers include City Center, North Laurel, and Scaggsville. Scaggsville is a pricier neighborhood that is home to several government workers. Similarly, home prices in City Center are relatively higher than in other parts of Laurel. However, living here means you will be at the heart of everything happening in the city. North Laurel is a commuter-friendly neighborhood perfect for professionals or people starting a family.
When it comes to amenities and recreational opportunities, Laurel is home to numerous shopping centers, grocery stores, restaurants, cafes, museums, and more. In addition, there are more than 200 acres of parks and open spaces in the city, meaning residents have ample places to picnic, hike, or simply take a stroll.
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Education in Laurel
Laurel residents are served by Prince George’s County Public Schools. Most parts of the city are zoned to Laurel Elementary or Scotchdown Hills Elementary School. Other regions of Laurel are zoned to schools outside the city limits, such as Bond Mill Elementary School, Vansville Elementary School, Deerfield Run Elementary School, and Oaklands Elementary School. Middle and High Schools serving Laurel include Martin Luther King Jr. Middle School, Dwight D. Eisenhower Middle School, and Laurel High School.
Furthermore, numerous private schools exist in the city, including Augsburg Academy, First Baptist School of Laurel, Kiddie Academy of Laurel, Pallotti Day Care Center, and St. Vincent Pallotti High School.
The Climate in Laurel
Laurel sees 207 days of sunshine annually that the residents take advantage of by getting outdoors to explore the downtown and indulge in recreational activities. During summer, the average temperature in the city shoots up to 88 degrees, and in winter, it sinks to around 24 degrees. The colder months see 13 inches of snow per year, turning the city into a mini winter wonderland. Laurel also receives ample rainfall throughout the year–45 inches–which keeps the city green.
Public Transportation in Laurel
To begin with, the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) operates four bus routes into Laurel, and the Regional Transportation Agency of Central Maryland (RTA) connects Laurel with Northern Prince George’s County, Anne Arundel County, and Howard County.
In addition, the MARC Train System is a commuter rail service with two stations on the Camden Line–Laurel Station and Laurel Racetrack Station–to Baltimore and Washington, DC. Residents also often leverage taxicab and shuttle services to get around the city and to neighboring towns.
Make Your Home in Laurel
Laurel is a fantastic city with a quiet, suburban lifestyle perfect for raising kids or starting a family. It rests closer to the highways, allowing residents easier access to the larger cities in Maryland and DC. While there aren’t a great lot of entertainment options compared to other areas in Maryland, you will find a decent collection of parks, walking/hiking trails, surprisingly good restaurants, plenty of grocery stores, a few malls, and small plazas. For instance, the Laurel Racetrack, Fairland Aquatics, the roller-skating rink, etc., are great spots to have fun with your family. So, though laid-back and has a slower pace, Laurel is a great place to lay down your roots.
