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Silver Spring's Pretty Older Sister - Takoma Park, Maryland - A Victorian Suburb

By
Real Estate Agent with Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc MD 82788

 Takoma Park, or "Granola Park" as some locals call it now, was the first planned suburban community of Washington, DC.  Founded in 1883, by Benjamin Franklin Gilbert, Takoma Park was developed along a branch of the B & O railroad. It was originally conceived as a "summer resort" area, as a healthful clean-water alternative to Washington, DC's malarial swamps. With a population of 18,000 it rests along the upper northeast boundary of D.C. and strattles Montgomery and Prince Georges Counties in Maryland. 

B.F. Gilbert named his community TAKOMA an Indian word meaning "High Up - Near Heaven".  Takoma Park has it's own city government, police department, library and is served by Montgomery County Schools

Religion and politics has shaped the Takoma Park community. From the early 1900's to 1990, Takoma Park was the world headquarters of the Seventh-Day Adventist Church. Two of the church's institutions remain today, The Washington Adventist Hospital, and Columbia Union College. The coming of metro service to Takoma Park has made it a perfect "bedroom community" for young professionals. It is a 15 minute commute to the middle of Downtown D.C. by Metro from the Takoma Station on  the Red Line. 

Takoma Park is a friendly "laid back", independent, small town with liberal politics.  The residents are politically active and have put in place a number of progressive measures such as the declaration of a nuclear-free zone and legal recognition of non-marital partnerships.  

In the historic district you will find grand old Victorians, Bungalows, American Four Squares and other old timey styles, along tree-lined streets. 

Old Town Takoma Main Street offers an eclectic, funky mix of small, locally owned specialty shops and small restaurants, cafes and a very popular FOOD COOP.  From the end of April to mid December there is a farmers market every Sunday in the center of town. To celebrate July 4th, the town puts on its own parade and its own fireworks display.

                                         
              Search all Homes for Sale Now in Takoma Park, Maryland, 20912

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If you are planning a move to or from the Silver Spring or Takoma Park, Maryland area, put my 30 years of local experience and expertise to work for you.  Licensed in Maryland and the District of Columbia. 

Call or email me at: 

DebbieCookRE@outlook.com  

Cell      (301) 233-8309            Debbie Cook - Silver Spring Takoma Real Estate
The Silver Bee Silver Spring Real Estate Blog
Home  (301) 587-3528

www.DebbieCook.net

 

Comments (5)

Margaret Woda
Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc. - Crofton, MD
Maryland Real Estate & Military Relocation

Wonderful description (and photos) of a wonderful neighborhood.  I knew the area was rich in history, but I didn't know about the origins of the name.

Nov 12, 2008 11:34 PM
Eva Dylan
HomeArena
Senior content manager

that's pretty impressive!

May 28, 2014 05:23 PM
Michael J. Perry
KW Elite - Lancaster, PA
Lancaster, PA Relo Specialist

Great Localism post ! Good news for this blog post - http://actvra.in/4hVj !!!

Jun 26, 2014 08:31 PM
Andrew Mooers | 207.532.6573
MOOERS REALTY - Houlton, ME
Northern Maine Real Estate-Aroostook County Broker

Excellent splash on the local slant, what happens there around the sticks and bricks we list and sell. Local is the stuff to mine, blog about.

Jun 26, 2014 10:04 PM
Anonymous
Anthony D. Hinnant

Hello this is great website please add me to your current emails about Silver Spring, Maryland Homes. Thank you I will be looking out for more of this impressive information.

Thank you
Anthony D. Hinnant
Maryland/DC Parent

Jun 27, 2014 01:02 AM
#6