Little District Heights in Prince George’s County turns 75 years old this week and it is throwing itself a big birthday bash to celebrate.
One of county’s smallest incorporated cities, District Heights is home to an estimated 6,200 residents. A hidden gem just 9 miles from the Washington line, the neighborhood offers affordable housing and true sense of community that goes back to its founding.
On May 4, 1936, citizens of District Heights ratified a referendum by the not-so-overwhelming margin of 68 to 26 and became an officially incorporated city. At the time the police department consisted of two bailiffs who patrolled on foot.
| At a glance |
| March 2011 |
| Average sold price for homes sold in ZIP code 20747: $109,233 |
| Average list price for homes sold in ZIP code 20747: $113,562 |
| Average days on market for homes sold: 121 |
| February 2010 |
| Average sold price for homes sold in ZIP code 20747: $165,164 |
| Average list price for homes sold in ZIP code 20747: $164,717 |
| Average days on market for homes sold: 83 |
The town has grown steadily, if not dramatically, since then.
“People used to say this is the best-kept secret inside the Beltway,” said Eddie Martin, a city commissioner and District Height resident for 14 years.
The city’s birthday party will include a jazz and wine social on May 6, a ping-pong tournament on May 7 and 8, a formal affair on
July 2 and the annual parade and fireworks show on July 4.
Most events take place at the municipal building on Marbury Drive, the focal point of the community. The center houses city hall, a recreation center, police station, two outdoor playgrounds, a basketball court, two softball fields and a football field. There’s also a fitness center, a basketball gym, and computer lab.
Nearly a quarter-century ago, Benjamin and Sharon Wright were scouring Prince George’s County looking for a new home. They were in month six of a painfully slow and unfulfilling search when they came upon a home in tiny District Heights.
“We walked up to the house and the couple was sitting on the front porch,” Sharon recalled. “They had lived there since the 1950s, raised their kids there. They looked so comfortable.”
The Wrights joined the majority of residents who live in one of the neighborhood’s comfortable single-family homes. There are rental apartments and townhomes available as well.
Like many other communities, District Heights has been dealing with a foreclosure problem, Re/Max Excellence real estate agent Vashon Hargrove said, but in recent months he has sensed the market has been picking back up.
“It’s close to D.C., and a lot of people don’t like fighting the traffic congestion through the Beltway,” he said. “You have your gyms and shopping nearby.”
The majority of the retail options are in neighboring Forestville and Capital Heights. Marlboro Pike is chock-full of grocery stores, big box outlets, fast food restaurants, drug stores, and convenience stores.
Access to the city and other major shopping outlets is nearby. Getting into the “other District” is easy via Pennsylvania Avenue. Stations on the Metro’s green line, like Addison Road-Seat Pleasant, also are a short drive away.
It’s been 23 years since the Wrights moved into their home, and they’re as happy there now as they were the day they unpacked the first box. Now they’re the ones sitting back, enjoying District Heights.
“We sit in our yard every summer, we have cookouts,” Sharon said. “I appreciate the community. It’s cozy.”
Top Reasons to live in District Heights
Proximity to the District
Less than 9 miles from the city line, District Heighters can get in and out of Washington via Pennsylvania Avenue, avoiding the Beltway altogether.
Affordable Housing
City data show the estimated median house/condo value in 2005 was $243,700, up from $129,700 in 2000. When the housing market bubble burst it affected almost all communities, District Heights included. Last month the average sales price for a home in the 20747 zip code was less than $110,000.
Community Activities
The city sponsors many programs for residents of all ages, including tournaments for the kids on Xbox and ping-pong, college tours, a spring cleaning event, senior line dancing, parental support groups, male mentoring, and bible study. There’s truly something offered for everyone
