The neighborhood was platted and developed by individual homeowners, resulting in a community with different styles of houses. Bungalows, Colonials, Cape Cods and Tudor-style houses are mixed throughout the town.
University Park's oaks, maples and other big trees are a "trademark of the town," Brunner said. The town tries to preserve its tree-lined look by planting about 100 trees a year, according to Brunner. In addition, the town reimburses residents up to $300 for planting approved trees, he said.
University Park, near College Park and Hyattsville, has no commercial district within its borders. The Prince George's County town, home to many professors, still features painted street signs. Trees are so prized the town reimburses residents for some planting costs.
(Photos Emilie Sommer For The Washington Post)
|
UNIVERSITY PARK
BOUNDARIES: Wells Parkway and Clagett Road to the north, Route 1 to the east, East West Highway to the south and Adelphi Road to the west.
SCHOOLS: University Park Elementary, Hyattsville Middle and Northwestern High schools.
HOME SALES: Between July 1, 2002, and July 21, 2003, 40 houses sold in the neighborhood for $180,000 to $405,000, according to Dixie Meadows, a broker with Re/Max Sails in College Park. There are four houses actively on the market.
WITHIN WALKING DISTANCE: Prince George's Plaza and College Park Metro stations, the University of Maryland, Prince George's Plaza, and College Park shops and restaurants.
WITHIN 10 TO 15 MINUTES BY CAR: Washington, I-95, I-295, Capital Beltway.
|
| |
|
Because University Park has no commercial district within its borders, residents rely on surrounding areas for dining and shopping. Stuart said she likes the town's proximity to restaurants, concerts, sporting events and shops in nearby College Park and Hyattsville.
Meadows, however, said the area lacks upscale dining and clothing shops for professionals. "We have things that appeal to students," said Meadows, 56.
Still, when residents look for a new home, they often try to stay within University Park's borders.
"The best buyer for a house in University Park is somebody who already lives here," Meadows said. "It's not unusual for someone to move two or three times and not leave the town."
McKee, who plans to sell his home and buy another in University Park, said he wouldn't change anything about the town.
"It's just so darn cute," McKee said. "I just love this town the way it is."
