Despite the terrors over the last year from bombers to snipers, one Realtor says that Washington D.C. and its suburbs are like nowhere else.

Fort Washington

"Fort Washington is the last city in Prince George's County before you cross the Woodrow Wilson Bridge on Interstate 95 into Virginia," explains Realtor < a href=http://realtytimes.com/rtpages/mktcreport.htm?open&promo=rtfp&link=http://mktc.realtytimes.com/mktc/conditionsviewjs/Maryland~Fort_Washington~johnwmcclain>John W. McClain. "Fort Washington has a population of about 13,000 residing on an area of 13.6 sq. miles. The unincorporated community of Fort Washington bears the name of the famous historic site located southeast of the nation's capital, Fort Washington Park. In fact, the fort stands directly across the river from Mount Vernon, Virginia --- the home of George Washington.

"Newcomers to Fort Washington will find a pleasing residential community that manages to blend progress with reverence for the past," continues McClain. "Even the attractive mix of housing harmonizes beautiful older homes with newer construction in welcoming neighborhoods. Area youth receive a quality education in a public school recognized for its innovative programs. Among the options for a higher education close to home are the University of Maryland, Bowie State University and Prince George's Community College. A wide spectrum of healthcare needs are met locally at the Fort Washington Medical Center. Scattered retail and service establishments province daily conveniences, although residents usually travel to Charles County and other destinations in nearby Virginia for expanded shopping opportunities.

McClain advises, "Because of the demand for housing in Fort Washington, it is now a seller's market with builders putting up new communities."

Adds Realtor Jose Burrello, "In the month of September, approximately 29 homes sold at an average of $197,900 with an average 137 days on the market in Fort Washington."

Bowie

"Bowie is a lovely town comprising of Old Bowie and new," says Realtor Monica Silver. "Its demand has grown tremendously with the acquisition of the new Bowie Town Center, which boasts new restaurants, Hects, Bed Bath and Beyond, and a huge super Safeway and more. It is an ideal location for everything. You are only 20 - 45 minutes away from downtown D.C., Rockville, Annapolis and VA. It is only a 20-minute drive to the Six Flags Theme Park."

Explains Silver, "Bowie is a fast-growing community which features a suburban lifestyle, but with almost every amenity you could want in area. The market in Bowie is very competitive right now because of the low interest rates,the new Bowie Town Center, and the multitude of new homes going up. Bowie has become the place to live and raise your family. However, it looks as though the market is beginning to take a turn down. Many sellers are overpricing their homes, and appraiser are not giving them the values they're looking for. Homes are staying on the market a little longer before going under contract (about 2-3 weeks now). If you want to buy in this area come with preapproval in hand and get in line. Pricing has increased substantially since last year, but again, things are starting to take a turn.

Mitchellville

"Mitchellville is an upscale growing community in high demand," says Silver. "It is a central location for everything. You're only 20 - 30 minutes away from downtown D.C., Rockville, Annapolis and VA. It is also the home of the Six Flags Theme Park.

"The market in Mitchellville is still booming," says Silver. "There are new homes developments throughout the area. Because of the continuing increase in new home developments combined with the low interest rates there are more buyers than sellers, which make this a sellers' market. Most sellers are experiencing multiple contract offers, which makes it very competitive for buyers. Many sellers have been overpricing their homes, which have led to their homes being on the market longer than others."

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Published: October 22, 2002

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