Southern Maryland offers DC-area access at significantly lower price points than Northern Virginia or Montgomery County. Prince George's County borders the District of Columbia directly, giving Metro-accessible neighborhoods at half the price of DC proper. Charles County, further south, delivers large suburban homes, semi-rural character, and strong military community. Together these counties represent one of the most underrated relocation destinations in the DC metro.
The largest county by population in Maryland, Prince George's County shares a 40-mile border with Washington DC. The county seat, Upper Marlboro, anchors a strong economy built on federal and defense sectors — Joint Base Andrews (home of Air Force One), NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, and major federal agencies provide stable, well-paying employment for thousands of residents.
Home to the University of Maryland (College Park), the state's flagship institution, Prince George's County combines urban accessibility with suburban diversity. Communities range from highly urban and Metro-accessible (Hyattsville, Riverdale, College Park) with walkable neighborhoods, vibrant arts scenes, and young, diverse populations, to large-lot suburban areas (Bowie, Mitchellville, Crofton) offering more space per dollar than almost anywhere else in the DC metro.
Metro Green Line access, dynamic arts scene, University of Maryland energy, and the most walkable communities in Prince George's County. Young, diverse, and oriented toward students, young professionals, and families seeking walkability over sprawl.
Search Listings →Large suburban homes, exceptional value per square foot, and strong community identity. Home to excellent schools and established neighborhoods with mature trees and generous lots. Perfect for families seeking space and suburban comfort.
Search Listings →Home to NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, Metro Green Line access, and a distinctive New Deal-era planned community with strong civic engagement. Known for environmental consciousness and close-knit neighborhood character.
Search Listings →Upscale suburban communities featuring the county seat of Upper Marlboro, golf courses, and larger lots. Appealing to those seeking premium suburban living with established community amenities.
Search Listings →Located across the Potomac River from Alexandria, near National Harbor with its mixed-use development, entertainment, and dining. Moderate prices with proximity to both DC and Virginia.
Search Listings →South of Prince George's County, Charles County offers a more suburban and semi-rural character, bisected by US Route 301. La Plata, the county seat, is located in the heart of the county. A strong military presence—including Naval Support Facility Indian Head and proximity to Patuxent River Naval Air Station—supports a stable economy and tight-knit community.
Waldorf is Charles County's commercial hub, with extensive retail, dining, and modern subdivisions. Many DC-area workers choose Charles County for maximum space and newer construction at the lowest prices in the entire DC metro region.
The commercial and population center of Charles County, Waldorf features extensive shopping, dining, and entertainment. Newer suburban subdivisions offer modern construction and family-friendly amenities.
Search Listings →The county seat with a small-town feel and excellent Charles County Public Schools. Historic downtown area with local character and community events.
Search Listings →A large planned community featuring lakes, trails, and abundant community amenities. Modern residential development appealing to families seeking newer construction and recreational opportunities.
Search Listings →Prince George's County Public Schools (PGCPS) serve a large, diverse student population with selective magnet programs at several high schools. The University of Maryland College Park, located in Prince George's County, is the state's flagship university and offers research opportunities and cultural programming to the community.
Charles County Public Schools operate a smaller, more suburban district with consistently improving academic ratings. Both districts offer strong foundations for families relocating to Southern Maryland.
Setting up utilities in Southern Maryland is straightforward. The providers listed below serve the region. Contact them 1–2 weeks before your move-in date to ensure service is ready when you arrive.
Metro Green Line Access (Prince George's County): College Park, Greenbelt, Hyattsville, and other stations provide 30–40 minute commutes to downtown DC via the Metro system. This makes Northern Prince George's County an excellent choice for DC metro workers seeking shorter commute times and lower housing costs.
MARC Commuter Rail: Penn/Camden lines run through Prince George's County, offering commuter rail service to Union Station and beyond.
From Charles County: The I-495 Beltway, US Route 301, and I-95 provide vehicle commute options to DC (approximately 45–60 minutes during rush hour depending on destination). The VRE Fredericksburg Line serves Woodbridge, adjacent to Charles County. No Metro service reaches Charles County, so a personal vehicle is typically necessary for regular DC commuting.
Beyond residential appeal, Southern Maryland offers entertainment, recreation, and cultural attractions:
Change Real Estate specializes in helping clients find homes in Prince George's County, Charles County, and throughout Southern Maryland. Whether you're seeking Metro-accessible walkability or spacious suburban comfort, we can guide your relocation journey.
License & Registration Note: Virginia and Maryland require you to transfer your driver's license and vehicle registration within 60 days of relocating. Visit mva.maryland.gov to schedule your appointment.