Capitol Heights

There’s an unofficial rule that governs the housing markets in the Capital Beltway suburbs immediately surrounding Washington, D.C., one that local realtors regularly share with potential buyers: You can have location or you can have square footage, but you can’t have both. According to Rashaan Jennings of RE/MAX Leading Edge, however, the Pepper Mill Village is an exception to the rule. “The obvious draw is the location,” Jennings says. “It’s minutes from D.C., it's on the Blue Line, and it’s a five-minute walk to FedEx Field. The difference with Pepper Mill is that you don’t usually find houses this large and well-maintained so close to the capital.” Walking among the quiet streets, manicured lawns, tree-lined trails and colorful greenspaces in Pepper Mill, it’s easy to forget that you’re barely a mile outside of Washington. But this boyhood home of NBA star Kevin Durant supports a number of local amenities, accommodations and activities right outside residents’ front doors, making it far more than just a satellite city. The Pepper Mill Community Center promotes a variety of education and wellness programs for residents by providing access to a fitness center, athletic fields, tennis courts and event spaces. Swim a few laps at the J. Franklyn Bourne Memorial Swimming Pool, or schedule a playdate at one of the two playgrounds next to the facility. On Sunday mornings, football fans can pick up supplies from Friendly Market neighborhood store and host the pre-game tailgate party in their own driveway before walking a few blocks to FedEx Field, home of the Washington Commanders. During the bye week, organize a pick-up game of your own on the large football field behind Carmody Hills Elementary School. Travel just a little further afield, and you’ll find a number of other daily essentials, modern conveniences and historical sites near Pepper Mill. The University of Maryland Capital Region Medical Facility lies just east of I-95, along with the new Woodmore Town Center, an open-air shopping mall featuring 47 stores, including Costco, Wegmans, Best Buy and a 12-screen AMC movie theater. Traffic in Washington is notoriously unpredictable, but Pepper Mill’s proximity to the Metro Blue Line – which runs from Alexandria to the Reagan International Airport – allows residents access to points throughout the D.C. area. The homes in Pepper Mill Village demonstrate all of the quintessential charm familiar to the D.C. suburbs, including colorful two-story colonials, regal federal-style houses with broad columned porches, updated luxury townhouses and single-story ranches built into one of the many rolling hills dotting the residential streetscape. Outdoor living spaces, garages and finished basements are common; and with prices ranging from $300,000 to $400,000 for four-bedroom houses, it’s easy to understand why most homes spend fewer than ten days on the market. Jennings always appreciates when he lands a listing in Pepper Mill Village. “These houses are large, well-maintained and move-in ready,” Jennings says. “I really don’t have to do too much.” Pepper Mill Village is part of the Prince George's County Public Schools system, which boasts nationally recognized college and career-readiness programs, thanks in large part to its immediate access to the museums, historical sites and experiential education programs in Washington. Children living in Pepper Mill typically enroll in Carmody Hills Elementary, Walker Middle School and Central High School, which hosts the county’s only French Immersion magnet program, as well as an International Baccalaureate magnet program. Pepper Mill Village combines sports, shopping, entertainment and accessibility with an address inside the Beltway. With Washington at your fingertips and a quiet residential suburb under your feet, it’s easy to picture yourself in Pepper Mill Village.