Is Suitland Safe, Pros and cons of living in Suitland
Suitland, Maryland, offers a unique blend of suburban tranquility and urban accessibility, situated just outside the bustling heart of Washington, D.C. This Prince George’s County community provides residents with a distinct lifestyle, balancing the conveniences of city living with the more relaxed pace of suburban surroundings. Its strategic location makes it an attractive option for those seeking proximity to major employment centers and cultural attractions while desiring a more affordable and perhaps less congested place to call home.
The area is characterized by a diverse population and a developing economic landscape. Suitland is home to significant federal government facilities, influencing its job market and demographic makeup. As the community continues to evolve, understanding its various facets—from safety and cost of living to educational opportunities and local amenities—is crucial for anyone considering a move to this dynamic Maryland enclave.
Is it Safe to Live in Suitland?
Suitland faces challenges regarding crime rates, with statistics indicating a higher prevalence than the national average. Property crimes, including motor vehicle theft, are notably high in Suitland, with a chance of becoming a victim of such crimes being one in 30 (according to NeighborhoodScout analysis of FBI crime data). This rate is significantly higher than in many other communities across the nation.
Violent crime also presents a concern, with a chance of being a victim of violent offenses like rape, murder, armed robbery, or aggravated assault estimated at one in 181 (according to NeighborhoodScout analysis of FBI crime data). Within Maryland, Suitland’s crime rate is higher than in over 93% of the state’s communities. The overall crime rate in Suitland is 39 per one thousand residents, placing it among the higher rates for communities of all sizes (as reported by NeighborhoodScout).
Housing Costs and Availability
The housing market in Suitland presents a more accessible entry point compared to the pricier real estate markets of nearby Washington, D.C. The median sale price for a home in Suitland was approximately $376,000 as of last month, showing a slight increase of 3.6% from the previous year (as reported by Redfin). This median price is also noted as being 36.5% higher than the national average (according to Point2Homes).
Rental prices in Suitland are also competitive within the broader D.C. metropolitan area. The average rent for all property types in Suitland-Silver Hill is around $1,606 per month, which has seen a slight decrease month-over-month and a more significant decrease year-over-year (as reported by Zillow). For a one-bedroom apartment, expect to pay around $1,500 per month, while a two-bedroom apartment averages about $1,800 per month (according to LivingInMaryland.com).
Cost of Living and Affordability
Suitland’s overall cost of living is notably higher than the national average. The cost of living index for Suitland stands at 137, indicating it is 37% more expensive than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes). This figure is also higher than the average city in Maryland, being 12% more expensive than the state average (according to ERI Economic Research Institute).
Housing costs are a significant driver of this higher cost of living, being 40% higher than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes). While food costs are generally comparable to the national average, other expenses like utilities, transportation, and miscellaneous goods can contribute to the elevated cost of living. To live comfortably in Suitland, a salary range of approximately $55,000 to $70,000 per year is suggested (according to LivingInMaryland.com).
Job Market and Major Employers
Suitland’s job market is significantly influenced by its proximity to Washington, D.C., and the presence of federal government facilities. The unemployment rate in Suitland is approximately 6.1%, which is higher than the U.S. average (as reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics). The employment rate is currently around 92.02% (according to BestNeighborhood.org).
Key employers in the area include federal agencies located within Suitland, such as the U.S. Census Bureau and NOAA facilities. Other significant employers in the broader Prince George’s County include the University of Maryland and NASA Goddard Space Flight Center (as noted in Wikipedia’s overview of Prince George’s County). The average annual salary in Suitland is approximately $71,383, with a wide range of salaries depending on the profession and experience level (as reported by ZipRecruiter).
Climate and Weather Patterns
Suitland experiences a climate typical of the Mid-Atlantic region, with distinct seasons throughout the year. Summers are generally warm and humid, with average high temperatures reaching around 87°F in July, and the warm season typically lasts from late May to mid-September (according to a description of Suitland’s climate). Winters are cold and can be snowy, with average low temperatures in January around 29°F, and the cold season extends from early December to early March.
The area experiences partly cloudy conditions year-round. Over the course of a year, temperatures typically range from 28°F to 87°F, rarely dropping below 15°F or exceeding 95°F. Rainfall is a common occurrence, with the National Weather Service providing daily forecasts and precipitation chances for the Suitland-Silver Hill area.
Education and School Ratings
Suitland offers a range of public educational institutions, though school ratings can vary. Suitland High School has an overall Niche Grade of D+, with a rating of 3.34 out of 5 based on student and parent reviews (according to Niche). State test scores indicate that 5% of students are proficient in math and 40% in reading at Suitland High School.
Suitland Elementary School also receives a C-minus overall Niche Grade. State test scores show that 6% of students at this elementary school are proficient in math and 26% in reading (according to Niche). For families seeking alternative or higher-rated options, there are other public and charter schools in surrounding areas that may offer different educational experiences and performance metrics.
Demographics and Population
Suitland is a community with a rich demographic tapestry. As of the most recent Census data, the population of Suitland is approximately 23,793 residents (according to Point2Homes). The racial makeup is predominantly African American, with 88% of the population identifying as such (as reported by Census Reporter). Smaller percentages include White, Asian, and individuals of two or more races.
The median age in Suitland is around 40 years, indicating a balanced age distribution across different life stages (according to Point2Homes). The community consists of approximately 10,686 households, with an average of two members per household. A significant portion, 57.5%, are family households, while the remainder are individuals living alone or with non-relatives.