Thinking about settling down in Laurel, Maryland? Old Town Laurel may just be the neighborhood you’re looking for—a vibrant mix of history, walkability, and an authentic sense of community right in the heart of Prince George’s County. As a local, I’m excited to give you an honest, insider’s look at what life is really like in this charming neighborhood.
Community Vibe: Friendly Faces and Local Traditions
The heart of Old Town Laurel is the people who call it home. The neighborhood exudes an old-fashioned friendliness—don’t be surprised to get a wave from folks walking along Main Street or neighbors tending to their gardens along Montgomery Street. Community events are the norm, from the annual Main Street Festival that fills the area with music, food, and crafts, to the beloved Laurel Independence Day Parade.
Local businesses, like the retro-inspired Tastee Diner and the corner coffee shop More Than Java Café, are gathering spots. Residents chat on their morning strolls or while waiting in line for fresh pastries at nearby Laurel Tavern Donuts. This neighborhood feels personal—many families have lived here for decades, but there’s a welcoming openness to newcomers of all backgrounds.
Housing: Diversity in Style and Budget
One of Old Town Laurel’s biggest assets is its mix of housing styles. Walking down streets like Prince George Street, you’ll see classic brick rowhomes, century-old Victorians, cozy Cape Cods, and a handful of tastefully updated townhomes. Apartments and duplexes, such as those on 7th Street and Main Street, provide affordable options for renters and new homeowners alike.
- Historic homes with wraparound porches and original woodwork
- Modern renovations blending old charm with convenience
- Small apartment buildings tucked into leafy streets
- Newer developments near the MARC station
Single-family homes often come with spacious backyards and mature trees, ideal for gardening or summertime barbecues. Housing prices here can be more affordable than in nearby neighborhoods, and there’s a pride of ownership that shows in well-tended yards and decorative front stoops.
Walkability and Getting Around
Old Town Laurel is known for its walkable streets and classic grid layout. Main Street is the spine of the community, lined with boutiques, restaurants, and the iconic Laurel Mill Playhouse. Need groceries or a cup of coffee? Everything’s close—residents often leave the car behind to walk to Harris Teeter or local favorites like Toucan Taco.
- Laurel MARC station is a short walk for commuters
- Bike-friendly — with access to the Laurel Riverfront Trail
- Ample sidewalks and pedestrian crossings
- Street parking is generally easy to find
The proximity to Route 1 and I-95 means you’re just 25 minutes away from both Washington, DC, and Baltimore by car, making this a commuter-friendly spot.
Schools and Family-Friendliness
Old Town Laurel is as family-friendly as it gets. Local children attend schools with strong reputations, like Laurel Elementary School—just a few blocks from the center of the neighborhood. The area is also served by Dwight D. Eisenhower Middle School and Laurel High School.
Families love having easy access to the Laurel Library, a modern community resource with an impressive children’s section and programming year-round. After school and on weekends, you’ll find kids playing soccer at nearby McCullough Field or meeting up at the Laurel Municipal Swimming Pool.
• High walkability to schools and the library
• Variety of after-school programs
• Friendly neighbors who keep an eye out for one another’s kids
Parks and Green Spaces
If you appreciate parks and outdoor recreation, Old Town Laurel delivers. Riverfront Park is a favorite, offering shady walking trails, scenic picnic spots, and a playground with a view of the Patuxent River. It’s just off Avondale Street, popular with joggers and those looking for a place to walk dogs.
Granville Gude Park and Lakehouse, a couple of blocks south, is another gem—ideal for fishing, paddle-boating, or simply relaxing by the lake. During summer weekends, residents gather here for free outdoor concerts and movies.
- Laurel Riverfront Trail: a paved path for walking, running, or biking
- Playgrounds and green fields
- Dog-friendly areas
- Plenty of benches, picnic tables, and shady spots
Safety: A Neighborhood Where Neighbors Look Out for Each Other
Ask any Old Town Laurel resident, and they’ll tell you that feeling safe is one of the neighborhood’s biggest perks. Crime rates here are generally lower than in surrounding areas, and you’ll see plenty of porch lights on in the evening—a sign of community vigilance.
The Laurel Police Department is headquartered right in the heart of Old Town, making for a visible and responsive presence. Active neighborhood watch groups—often organized through Facebook—keep residents informed and connected.
• Regular community meetings with the police
• Well-lit streets and active block associations
• Comfortably walkable even after dark
Proximity to Downtown and Major Employers
In Old Town Laurel, location is everything. The neighborhood sits right between two major metro areas (Baltimore and DC), with easy access to job centers in both cities. Laurel MARC Train Station, just a few blocks east of Main Street, makes commuter rail a breeze, particularly for professionals working in Washington, DC, or at nearby government agencies and Fort Meade.
Downtown Laurel itself has grown in recent years, offering more dining, shopping, and entertainment without leaving the neighborhood. The Towne Centre at Laurel, just a five-minute drive up Route 1, boasts a movie theater, grocery stores, and big-box retailers for convenient errands.
What Residents Love Most
In conversations with neighbors, one theme surfaces again and again: Old Town Laurel feels like home. Residents cherish the relaxed pace, historic character, and the fact that everything they need is right at their doorstep. Whether it’s taking an evening stroll down Main Street, enjoying a picnic at Riverfront Park, or catching a play at the Laurel Mill Playhouse, there’s a comforting familiarity to daily life.
People here care about where they live—and about each other. It’s common to see porch gatherings, kids playing tag until dusk, and neighbors checking in on elderly residents during winter storms. The best advice for anyone considering a move? Come spend a Saturday afternoon here—have lunch, stroll along the river, and chat with the locals. You’ll quickly get the sense that, in Old Town Laurel, you don’t just buy a house—you become a part of something special.