Upper Marlboro, MD

Local Insights

We help buyers sort through the wide Upper Marlboro area by neighborhood, commute, HOA rules, lot size, and utilities, so you understand what each section offers before you make an offer.

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The Town of Upper Marlboro was established in 1706 and has served as the Prince George's County seat since 1721. The town itself is small, with the county courthouse, the County Administration Building, law offices, and a handful of older homes and churches along Main Street and the Western Branch of the Patuxent.

Most people with an Upper Marlboro mailing address live outside the town limits. The ZIP codes 20772 and 20774 cover a broad area that includes Kettering, Largo, Marlton, Brock Hall, and stretches of open countryside, which is why homes with the same city name can feel very different.

Many residents work for county, state, or federal agencies, at Joint Base Andrews, or in Washington and the surrounding suburbs. The farm and equestrian traditions of the area still show at the county fairgrounds and the equestrian center.

Brick and siding colonials in planned subdivisions make up much of the inventory, many built from the 1980s through the 2010s. Most of these neighborhoods have an HOA, and some include pools, clubhouses, or golf course settings.

Townhomes are common closer to Largo and Kettering and can offer a lower entry price. Check the HOA dues and what they cover.

Rural homes, farms, and horse properties come up in the southern and eastern parts of the area toward the Patuxent. These often use a private well and septic system, so plan for a water test and septic inspection.

Older homes near the historic town center appear now and then. Some properties may be affected by flood zones near the Western Branch, so ask about flood insurance before you buy.

Prices vary with neighborhood, home size, and lot. Instead of relying on old averages, ask us for recent sales near the homes you like.

Marlton

A large planned community south of the town with single family homes, townhomes, and a golf course nearby.

Kettering

An established suburban area near Largo with tree lined streets and easy access to shopping.

Perrywood

A newer community near Route 301 and Route 214 with larger single family homes.

Brock Hall

A rural section east of the town with homes on bigger lots and some acreage.

Rambling Hills

A residential neighborhood of single family homes on quiet streets with mature trees.

Public Schools

Prince George's County Public Schools runs the public elementary, middle, and high schools for Upper Marlboro.

Schools that serve parts of the Upper Marlboro area include:

These are examples, not guaranteed assignments for every Upper Marlboro address. Because the mailing area is so large, buyers should confirm the assigned schools for a specific property with Prince George's County Public Schools before buying.

Private and Alternative

Several private and faith based schools operate in Upper Marlboro, Bowie, and nearby suburbs. Contact each school directly for admissions, tuition, and transportation.

Prospective residents should contact individual schools directly for current information.

Colleges

Higher education opportunities in the surrounding region include:

Shopping and Restaurants

The historic town center has a few local eateries near the courthouse. Larger shopping and chain dining are close by in Largo, Bowie, and along Route 301 and Route 4, and local markets add fresh produce, baked goods, and deli items.

Parks and Outdoor Recreation

Patuxent River Park at Jug Bay offers trails, boardwalks, and canoe and kayak access through tidal marsh. Merkle Wildlife Sanctuary is known for wintering Canada geese, and Rosaryville State Park has trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. Watkins Regional Park offers a nature center, a small farm area, and a carousel that is popular with families.

Entertainment and Community Activities

The Show Place Arena and Prince George's Equestrian Center host horse shows, concerts, and expos, and the county fair is held nearby each year. Seasonal events at Watkins Regional Park, including its holiday lights display, draw visitors from across the county.

Major Roads

Route 4 (Pennsylvania Avenue) runs west to the Capital Beltway and Washington and east toward the Patuxent River. Route 301 runs north toward Bowie and south toward Waldorf, and Routes 202 and 214 connect to Largo and the Beltway.

Traffic conditions vary by time of day, weather, and construction, so test your route at the times you would really travel.

Nearby Communities

Upper Marlboro is close to several Prince George's County communities:

• Bowie: A larger city to the north with shopping, parks, and a university.
• Largo: A growing area with offices, a Metro station, and the community college.
• Mitchellville: Suburban neighborhoods to the north along Route 214.
• Clinton: A residential community to the southwest near Joint Base Andrews.
• Brandywine: A fast growing area to the south along Route 301.
• Croom: A rural area to the southeast near the Patuxent River.

Commuting and Employment

Common commutes include county offices, Joint Base Andrews, Largo, and Washington. Route 4 and the Beltway can be busy at rush hour, so test your drive at the times you would really travel.

Actual commute times depend on the property's location, workplace entrance, traffic, and schedule. Buyers should test their intended route during normal commuting hours.

Public Transportation and Airports

The Downtown Largo Metro station is on the Blue and Silver lines, and TheBus provides local county service. Check current routes and schedules before relying on them. Reagan National and BWI Marshall are both within driving range.

1.  County Seat

The courthouse and county offices are right in town.

2. Choice of Settings

Buyers can pick between suburban subdivisions and rural acreage.

3. Commuter Access

Route 4, Route 301, and the Beltway connect to Washington and beyond.

4. Parks and River

Jug Bay, Merkle, Rosaryville, and Watkins offer trails and wildlife.

5. Equestrian Tradition

Horse properties and the equestrian center reflect the area's roots.

6. Range of Homes

Townhomes, colonials, and farms give buyers several options.