East Riverdale

With right at nine miles distance and about 30 to 40 minutes of drive time between East Riverdale and Washington D.C., proximity to the nation’s capital is one thing that brings prospective homebuyers to this residential suburb. “It’s very close to D.C.,” says Tiffany Stone, a realtor with RE/Max. “A lot of people who commute really like that. I would say that’s a big draw.” Also, someone seeking diversity and celebration of cultural heritage would appreciate the rich blend of ethnicities this community offers.

Homes here are of the cozier, smaller variety. Some are attached, but many are single-family houses. “The houses are smaller, some would say ‘starter homes,’ under two thousand square feet,” Stone shares. “Cape Cods, ramblers and split-levels.” Spread among the homes, you’ll find expanses of commercial retail spaces where neighbors can get ahold of everyday items and foodstuffs.

Lately, East Riverdale’s been enjoying a bit of a growth spurt, with the recent acquisition of a major supermarket chain and metropolitan area light rail located nearby. “They just put in a new metro, the Purple Line, at Riverdale station. That Purple Line is really adding value,” Stone says. The WMATA rail line shrinks the distance between the city and this suburb. That’s a selling point for anyone who's ready to leave Washington but not entirely ready to detach. “My client who purchased here was leaving D.C. She wanted to live in a suburban community, but she wanted to remain close to friends and family in D.C. She was looking for a home she could afford in the $300,000 range,” Stone explains.

The median home price here is around $375,000. Most attached homes are priced from $300,000 to $500,000. The addition of WMATA’S Purple Line, providing service between Montgomery and Prince George’s County, plus construction of a new Whole Foods appears to have added value to home prices. “This is a great place for first-time buyers,” Stone says.

East Riverdale Students attend Bladensburg Elementary School, William Wirt Middle School and Parkdale High School. All are in Prince George's County Public Schools, which Niche rates a C. The district is a massive one that educates 136,500 students at 208 schools, making it one of the nation's 20 largest school districts.

With the Anacostia River a short jaunt away, there are plenty of opportunities nearby for outdoor activities like fishing and kayaking. Ellen Linson Splash Park, just north of East Riverdale, is a great way to cool off during hotter months, with swimming and waterslides galore, but you’ll also enjoy picnic shelters, basketball courts and trail access. Riverdale Community Park has playing fields, tennis courts, picnic areas and its own dog park. Or in East Riverdale proper, there’s lots of room to roam at the Riverdale Hills Neighborhood Park.

When you’re done at one of the parks, you’ll want to roam on over to Taqueria La Placita, one of the many local spots to fuel up on something delicious. Even more prestigiously, the Washington Post recognized the restaurant as one of the 25 best taco spots in Washington, D.C., raving over their “gelatinous” cueritos tacos.

Something so scrumptious is likely a challenge for the average home cook to recreate. But they can try if they’d like. No doubt the new Whole Foods in town would have the necessary provisions to prepare most meals. To be sure, a number of the ethnic food shops in numerous shopping centers would stock your pantry too. If you prefer a closer connection with growers, there’s a Riverdale Park Farmers Market and Megamart nearby too.

Proximity to it all is what sells here. Stone sums it up this way, “You’re close to shops, transportation, you’re close to all the transportation highways – I-295, I-495, the beltways. It’s a real draw for young families.”

Written By

Jonathan Clarke

Photography Contributed By

Jack Adams

Video By

Samantha Houtchens