ABOUT TAKOMA PARK

We residents of Takoma Park like to think  our community is unique in its proximity to Washington DC and in having its own vibrant Old Town neighborhood with shops and restaurants. In many ways, however, Takoma Park is a typical early American suburb. It was part of the late nineteenth-century movement away from the cities, made possible by new transportation methods.

Large numbers of the middle class for the first time could escape the disadvantages of urban life and find peace, space, and a healthy environment for raising a family. Hundreds of real estate developments built near railroad lines after the Civil War have the same grid pattern of streets as Takoma Park (later varied in North Takoma by curving roads) and the same simple frame houses. Even the prohibition of alcohol, repeatedly mentioned with pride by early Takoma residents, was a common feature of these new communities.

Takoma Park's subsequent development followed the usual pattern of other railroad suburbs. First, large houses were built, widely spaced on ample lots; later, infill dwellings of smaller dimensions on lesser parcels of land appeared. Successive changes in transportation affected Takoma's physical plan and way of life - the steam railway was supplanted by electric streetcars, which were replaced by buses and automobiles, which most recently have been supplemented by a rapid transit system. Once again the town is connected to the city by rails

The population, which in the early years was predominantly white and middle class, gradually became more varied as people of different income levels and ethnic origins settled here. Like many other towns, Takoma Park has made a series of transitions over the years, changing from a fashionable new place to live at the turn of the century, to a comfortable stability in the 1920s and 1930s, to a disquieting shabbiness after World War II. Recently, revitalization has occurred due in part to the new rapid transit system and to a vogue for Victorian and early twentieth-century homes. The Park is once again flourishing.  ( excerpted  from Marsh, Ellen R. and Mary Anne O'Boyle, Takoma Park: Portrait of a Victorian Suburb. Historic Takoma Inc., Takoma Park, Maryland, 1984 )

Today´s Takoma Park is vibrant, diverse and one of the most highly sought after neighborhoods in the DC metropolitan area.  Easy access to downtown DC by car or public transportation, Montgomery County public schools and more affordable housing prices compared to other Montgomery county neighborhoods contribute to its popularity with home buyers.  Takoma Park residents are highly committed to retaining the town´s unique character and small town feel.  Even our postal workers are cheery and helpful!

Takoma Park is governed by a mayor and a councilmember from each of the cities six wards.  The town meetings are always well attended and spirited  Other city services include our own library,police department,recreation department and sanitation crews.  Popular events in Takoma Park are the annual Fourth of July parade and fireworks, the sunday farmer´s market in Old Town, the annual  Jazz festival in Jecqui Park and the annual folk festival and street festivals. Our charming "old town" comprises a few blocks of shops and restaurants,including a food coop,antique and gift shops, gourmet shops and video store.  We are one metro stop away from the theaters,shops and restaurants of the new Silver Spring downtown project. 

       Known for its towering shade trees and azealea gardens, Takoma Park is also home to many parks and recreation areas.  Among these is Sligo Creek Park with miles of hiker/biker trails.  We have a wide variety of sports offered through the Recreation center and the Takoma Park/Silver Spring Babe Ruth League: baseball,softball,soccer and girls fastpitch are offered, among others.