College Park 80 Exceptional
College Park Livability #47 ranked city in Maryland#1,601 ranked city in the USARanks better than 94% of areas

Pros and Cons of Living in College Park

PROS
  • Amenities

    An abundance of amenities, including restaurants, coffee shops, grocery stores and fitness facilities, are conveniently situated within walking distance of the area.

  • Commute

    High commute scores indicates that public transit should be easily accessible in this area and the average commute time to work is less than average.

  • Employment

    The combination of higher than average median home income, income per capita and low unemployment rates results in a score that is well above average in the employment category.

  • Housing

    This area has received high scores in the housing category. This could be due to a positive home affordability ratio, high appreciation rates or elevated home values.

  • Health & Safety

    A high score in the health and safety category is a result of good air quality and the accessibility to health facilities such as hospitals, clinics, doctors, pharmacies and fire stations.

CONS
  • Cost Of Living

    Based on the most recent cost of living data, this area is more expensive to live in. You can expect to pay more for everyday goods and services, housing, groceries and utilities.

  • Crime

    This area is reporting high crime rates per 100,000 people and could signify that it is a dangerous place to live. Crime rates include both violent and property crimes.

  • Schools

    Lower than average education levels, poor reading and math scores, as well as the inaccessibility of local elementary and high schools could all be factors in the low schools score.

New Real Estate Listings in College Park Area
Search Homes for Sale in College Park, MD

What's it like Living in College Park?

College Park, Maryland is a medium-sized city with a population of 32,221 residents. With a population density of 5,742 people per square mile, College Park is well above the nation's average density level. The median age of all College Park residents is 22, which is well below the national average. This is a good indication that this city could be ideal for a younger demographic. In College Park, only 21% of people over the age of fifteen are married. This city could be a good option for singles ready to mingle. On a daily basis, the typical American spends approximately 26 minutes on their one-way work commute. Reduced travel times not only contributes to increased overall happiness, but also affords more opportunities to cherish moments with family and friends. If you're living in College Park, your commute time will align closely with the national average, spanning a one-way duration of approximately 29 minutes.

Are you trying to ascertain if living in College Park is the right fit for your lifestyle? To ensure a good experience before relocating to any new city in Maryland, you will probably want to make sure that you check all of the most important boxes. Several key factors deserve attention. For one, safety is paramount, ensuring that your new area is low in crime is key. Proximity to workplaces or schools minimizes commute times and fosters convenience. Access to essential amenities like parks, grocery stores, food, fitness, shops and healthcare facilities enhances daily life. Efficient public transportation options provide mobility and connectivity. The sense of community creates a welcoming and supportive environment. Lastly, the overall atmosphere, encompassing the vibe, aesthetics, and lifestyle offerings, contributes to a fulfilling living experience. Considering these elements helps identify the ideal neighborhood for your needs and preferences. The best areas in College Park and in surrounding cities are easier to find when you are able to make informed decisions. Using data from cost of living, commute, health & safety, education, housing, you will see a detailed breakdown of the most important information as well as comparisons to the Maryland and national averages.

Using data and statistics College Park has received a livability score of 79 out of 100. This score is ranked in the 94th percentile when compared to all other cities. Pack your bags! This is a very high score in comparison to other US cities. Living in College Park could be a great choice! Another exciting tidbit, is that College Park ranks better than 90% of all US cities! Based on the grades for each individual category, College Park has been rewarded with high marks for employment (A) and housing (B+). On a less positive note, College Park does not have favorable grades for the following: crime (D-), cost of living (F) and education (F). If we take a look at the data, we can find out why.

If you're considering living in College Park, it comes with numerous advantages, particularly in the form of an extensive selection of local amenities. These amenities play a pivotal role in elevating the quality of life within this vibrant community. From easily accessible grocery stores, to conveniently located fitness facilities, a diverse range of dining establishments and a multitude of shopping options, College Park provides a comprehensive array of resources for its residents. This ensures the effortless fulfillment of your daily needs and creates ample opportunities for relaxation and recreation. The convenience of these local offerings greatly contributes to the overall appeal of the area, making it an enticing destination for those in search of convenience, diversity, and a gratifying lifestyle. If you're contemplating a move, the abundance of local amenities could very well be a defining characteristic of this area.

The College Park unemployment rate of 2.64% has continued to decrease over the years and is now well below the national average. The result could lead to reduced poverty and inequality in the area, higher wages and increased economic growth. This is a positive sign in the overall health of the local economy.

Finding affordable real estate and housing in College Park can be tricky. Having said that, this area might be the place to get the best of both worlds. Based on factors like home/rental affordability and appreciation rates, this area has received an above average score in the housing category. A healthy real estate market can lead to wealth appreciation for property owners, as rising property values can contribute to homeowners' equity, financial stability and the ability to build long-term wealth.

Certain items on your wish list like shopping, restaurants, nightlife, parks and proximity to public transportation are all important things to look for. Having said that, perhaps the most important metric to consider when contemplating a move to College Park is real estate affordability. Median real estate prices in College Park come in at $345,800, which is 19.1% higher than the Maryland average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In College Park, the home price to income ratio is 5, which is 31.6% higher than the Maryland average.

Best Places to Live in and Around College Park

See all the best places to live around College Park

How Do You Rate The Livability In College Park?

1. Select a livability score between 1-100
0
Awful
25
Poor
50
Average
75
Good
100
Great
2. Select any tags that apply to this area
View results

Compare College Park, MD Livability

      vs

      College Park transportation information

      Statistic College Park Maryland National
      Average one way commute29min32min26min
      Workers who drive to work51.1%73.7%76.4%
      Workers who carpool7.6%9.3%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit13.4%8.9%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle2.6%0.3%0.6%
      Workers who walk15.9%2.4%2.8%
      Working from home7.3%4.4%4.6%
      Source: The College Park, MD data and statistics displayed above are derived from the United States Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).