Takoma Park, Maryland - A Victorian Suburb  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.
The Old Town 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.
During the year 2008 there were 117 sales of single family detached homes in Takoma Park, sales prices ranging from a low of $215,000 for a five bedroom 2 bath brick Rambler in need of total renovation to a high of $1,005,000 for a completely restored 1890's Victorian. The average sale price for a single family home in Takoma Park in 2008 was $429,000. Search all Homes for Sale in Takoma Park, Maryland
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