Cheverly, Maryland: A Comprehensive Town Profile

History

The Town of Cheverly, Maryland, has a rich history rooted in the early 20th-century movement toward planned suburban communities accessible to Washington, D.C. The area was first platted in 1904 as "Cheverly Gardens," but its true development began in **1918** when **Robert Marshall**, president of the Washington Suburban Realty Company, purchased the land. Marshall envisioned an "island of green" that preserved the area’s natural beauty and rolling contours, advertising it specifically to **commuting government workers** with the promise of a rapid commute: “10 cents and 12 minutes to downtown Washington, D.C.” by rail via the Pennsylvania Railroad line and its proximity to the newly opened Union Station. Early housing construction, commencing around 1921, famously featured a number of **mail-order homes** from Sears & Roebuck and the McClure Homes Company, contributing to the town's diverse architectural heritage of Cape Cods, Colonials, and bungalows. Economic turmoil, specifically the Stock Market Crash, led to the developer's bankruptcy, prompting residents to take control. Incorporation was officially granted in **1931** to address pressing community needs like street improvements and enhanced services. This move cemented Cheverly's tradition of strong civic involvement and local control, a defining characteristic that persists to this day.

Founders

The pivotal founder of Cheverly is recognized as **Robert Marshall**, an investor from Ohio who arrived in the Washington region with a vision for a unique, wooded residential suburb. In 1918, Marshall purchased the land and established the initial subdivision, purposefully designing its streets to curve and follow the natural topography, a stark contrast to the rigid grid patterns of many contemporary developments. Marshall also became the town’s first resident, restoring and living in the historic **Magruder family homestead, Mount Hope** — built in 1839 and an official historic site — which served as the literal and symbolic centerpiece of the new community until it was removed from the Town Seal in 2020. While Marshall set the physical groundwork, the true institutional founders were the early residents who pushed for formal governance. Following the developer's financial failure in 1929, the community banded together to incorporate the town in 1931. This act of self-determination by the citizenry marked a crucial second wave of founding, ensuring Cheverly's continued commitment to local services, road maintenance, and preserving its small-town charm near the nation's capital.

Economy

Cheverly's local economy is primarily residential, functioning as a vital commuter suburb for the massive employment hubs of the greater Washington-Baltimore metropolitan area. The town itself has a very limited commercial district, a deliberate effort by residents over the decades to retain its quiet, residential character and avoid heavy commercial traffic. The majority of working residents are employed in **white-collar sectors** in nearby D.C., and major Prince George's County employment centers, with a significant number of careers in **Federal Government**, **Health Care**, and **Education**. Key regional employers influencing Cheverly's economy include the **University System of Maryland**, large Federal Government installations like **Joint Base Andrews**, and major Prince George's County medical facilities. Local business activity is concentrated along major arteries like Landover Road and within the commercial properties established on the west side of town near U.S. Route 50. This reliance on external employment centers is balanced by the stable income levels of its residents, contributing to a high median household income, providing financial resilience despite the minimal internal tax base from large-scale commercial entities.

Prominent Neighborhoods with Hyper-Local Details

Cheverly is often viewed as one unified, tree-filled community, but it is internally structured into several distinct, informally recognized wards and areas that reflect its development over time:

• Cheverly East: This area is particularly popular with commuters, as it offers the quickest access to the **Cheverly Metro Station** , making for an effortless trip into D.C. It features a concentration of the older, character-filled historic homes and original developer-built houses.
• Old Fourth Ward: One of the larger residential sections, this area is known for its quiet, winding streets and **more spacious properties**, often featuring later-period mid-century ranch and split-level homes developed in the post-WWII housing boom. It is often cited as the most family-friendly section due to its proximity to the main **Cheverly Town Park**.
• Cheverly West: Situated closer to the U.S. Route 50 interchange, Cheverly West has seen more recent development, including some modern updates and quick access to the main regional highway network. This section also borders the small area of commercial and industrial properties on the town's far west side.
• The 'Hill' Section (Around Cheverly Avenue): This area encompasses the highest points of the town and is where the historic **Mount Hope** and other very early homes were built, featuring some of the community's grandest and oldest residences along the winding, heavily treed lanes.

Housing and Taxes

Cheverly's housing market is known for its collection of attractive, single-family, detached homes, including classic Cape Cods, Colonials, and various mid-century styles, all set on generous, tree-shaded lots. The market is moderately competitive, with the **median sale price** for a home recently trending around **$467,000**. Housing values are generally higher than the Prince George's County average, reflecting the town's highly desirable location and strong community appeal. Regarding property taxes, Cheverly residents pay the Prince George's County tax rate. The median effective property tax rate in Cheverly is approximately **1.60%** of the assessed market value, which is notably higher than the national median property tax rate (around 1.02%). This translates to a median annual property tax bill of approximately **$7,165**. Maryland property owners can apply for the **Homestead Property Tax Credit**, which limits the annual increase in the taxable assessment of their home, providing a measure of relief and predictability in their yearly tax burden.

Preferred School Systems Highlighting Schools with Better Ratings

Cheverly is served by the **Prince George's County Public Schools (PGCPS)** system. While Cheverly is the home of **Gladys Noon Spellman Elementary School** and its middle school students typically feed into **G. James Gholson Middle School** and **Bladensburg High School**, many families in the area often seek highly-rated magnet and public charter school options within PGCPS or the neighboring D.C. system. Highly rated options favored by families in the Cheverly commuting radius include **Academy of Health Sciences at PGCC** (A+ Niche Grade) and **College Park Academy** (A- Niche Grade), both within PGCPS and known for their specialized academic tracks. For a comprehensive, local experience, Gladys Noon Spellman Elementary is consistently cited by residents for its dedicated teachers and active parental involvement, making it a strong neighborhood school. The proximity to D.C. also allows access to specialized charter schools, further diversifying the highly competitive options available to Cheverly residents seeking rigorous academic environments for their children.

Local Clubs and Organizations

Cheverly’s strong civic life is defined more by hyper-local and veteran organizations than national clubs. The most prominent is the **Cheverly American Legion Post 108**, which serves as a vital community gathering place and veteran support hub.

• **Cheverly American Legion Post 108** (Official Post Number: 108):
  Physical Address: **3608 Legion Dr., Cheverly, MD 20785**
  Phone: (301) 773-0108. The Legion hosts numerous community events, dinners, and civic functions.

Community Attractions

Cheverly’s main attractions revolve around its abundant **green space** and its historic, small-town atmosphere. The town’s defining feature is its commitment to nature, exemplified by the **Cheverly Nature Park**, which offers a protected wooded area, and the various small green spaces scattered throughout the town. The central hub for family and recreation is the **Cheverly Town Park** — featuring sports fields, a playground, and picnic areas — which often serves as the site for community-wide events. A unique, lesser-known historic attraction is the **Magruder Spring**, a natural spring located in the western section of the town, noted as an original natural feature of the Magruder family homestead. The **Cheverly Swim & Racquet Club** is another major center of social life, offering a pool and tennis facilities that become a central community attraction during the warmer months, embodying the town's focus on suburban leisure and neighborly interaction.

Local Events Calendar Showcasing Regular and Upcoming Events

Cheverly fosters a lively community calendar that maintains its small-town feel. Regular events include the **Cheverly Community Market**, which runs seasonally, typically from May through October, and brings residents together for local produce, baked goods, and artisan crafts. Annually, the town celebrates with major festivals like the **Cheverly Day**, a popular tradition in the spring or early summer that features parades, food, live music, and family activities, cementing community bonds. Holiday celebrations are also highly anticipated, including the town's annual **Halloween Parade** and various Christmas/holiday events organized by the Town Council and civic groups. The **Cheverly American Legion Post 108** regularly hosts dinners, bingo nights, and special events, serving as a consistent social fixture. The active nature of the **Cheverly Boys & Girls Club** also ensures a calendar full of local sports tournaments and league games, especially on weekends at the town park, contributing to the town's energetic family environment.

Transportation and Accessibility

Cheverly's excellent transportation network is key to its desirability as a D.C. commuter suburb. The town is directly served by the **Cheverly Metro Station**, which is located on the **Orange Line** of the WMATA system. This provides residents with a critical rail link to key employment centers in Downtown D.C., including the Federal Triangle and Capitol Hill, as well as connections to Virginia and other points in Prince George's County. Major roadways that define Cheverly's borders and offer vehicular access include **U.S. Route 50 (John Hanson Highway)**, which runs along the northern edge, providing a fast connection into Washington, D.C., and toward Annapolis. The **Baltimore-Washington Parkway (MD 295)** is also easily accessible, offering a direct route north toward Baltimore. Local public transportation is further supplemented by the **WMATA Metrobus** and **TheBus (Prince George's County Transit)** routes that service the area, connecting the residential sections to the Metro station and adjacent towns. This multimodal transit access ensures that Cheverly, while quiet and residential, is never isolated from the greater DMV region.

Local Government and Services Overview

Cheverly is an incorporated municipality with a strong tradition of self-governance, operating under a **Mayor and Council** system. The **Mayor, Micah Watson** (term ending 2028), is elected at-large, and the **Town Council** members are elected by ward to two-year terms. The local government's structure emphasizes direct community engagement and control over local matters, including town services, zoning, and parks management. The Town provides its own dedicated services, which include a **municipal police department** that maintains a visible presence and focuses on local community policing, and a robust **Public Works Department** responsible for maintaining the town's extensive network of streets, parks, and tree canopy. Residents rely on Prince George's County for certain regional services, such as public school administration and general judicial services. The Town Hall serves as the center of civic life and is a hub for official meetings, community events, and administration of local affairs, reflecting Cheverly’s strong commitment to local political involvement.

Demographics with Key Population Statistics

Cheverly is a small, stable, and highly diverse suburban town in Prince George's County. Per the 2020 Census, the town's **Total Population** is **6,170 residents**. The area is known for its high degree of racial and ethnic diversity, which is significantly higher than the Maryland state average. The town's demographics include a substantial Black population (approximately **39%**), a large White population (approximately **28%**), and a growing Hispanic/Latino community (approximately **17%**). The median individual income is around **$62,026**, with a high percentage of households (approximately **63%**) earning over $100,000 annually, indicating a relatively affluent, educated commuter base. Educational attainment is also high, with about **51%** of the population holding a Bachelor's Degree or a Post-Graduate Degree. The community has a high percentage of married couples and a strong family-oriented structure, reflected in the large number of single-family homes and active youth organizations.

Historic Landmarks and Cultural Sites

Cheverly's historic landmarks speak to its rural and early suburban past. The most historically significant site is **Mount Hope (1 Cheverly Circle)**, the restored Magruder family homestead dating back to 1839. Though it was removed from the town seal, it is listed on the **National Register of Historic Places (1978)** and represents the original land that became Cheverly. The town’s history is further captured in places like the **Raymond W. Bellamy House (2819 Cheverly Avenue)**, a distinctive example of the area’s early residential architecture. The town’s natural, preserved sites are also considered cultural landmarks, including the aforementioned **Magruder Spring** and **Crawford's Adventure Spring** in the Cheverly Nature Park, both providing a glimpse of the town's pre-development environment. The **Cheverly American Legion Post 108** is a major cultural institution, acting as the primary venue for civic remembrance, social gathering, and community events, playing a central role in the town's modern cultural landscape.

Local Economy Details Highlighting Major Employers and Business Hubs

Cheverly itself lacks a major internal business hub, but its economic character is defined by its strategic position adjacent to Prince George's County’s largest employment clusters. The town's small local commercial area is situated near the Route 50 interchange and along Landover Road, hosting local services and some smaller industrial properties. The true drivers of the Cheverly economy are the massive regional institutions in the county. The largest sector employers for Cheverly residents are those in **Healthcare** (due to the presence of large hospitals like MedStar Southern Maryland Hospital Center and Doctors Community Hospital) and **Federal Government/Military** (with proximity to institutions like Joint Base Andrews and various federal agency offices). The proximity to the **University of Maryland, College Park**, and the **Prince George's Community College** also ensures a strong local base of employment and commuting in the higher education and research sectors, providing stable, well-paying jobs that underpin the town’s high median income and housing values.

Recreation and Outdoor Activities

Recreation in Cheverly is centered on enjoying its extensive green spaces and organized community leagues. The town boasts **12 parks**, with the central **Cheverly Town Park** being the main hub for sports, including youth leagues run by the **Cheverly Boys & Girls Club** (CBGC) and the **Cheverly Soccer Club**. The **Cheverly Swim & Racquet Club** offers residents a private, summer-long recreation spot for swimming and tennis, often hosting local tournaments and social events. For naturalists and hikers, the town is proud of the wooded trails within the **Cheverly Nature Park** and the scenic one-mile wooded trail that conveniently connects the residential center to the Metro station, providing a green corridor for walkers and cyclists. The nearby **Fort Circle Trail** system also offers residents extended multi-use trails for biking and hiking. This abundance of well-maintained parks and active community sports organizations makes Cheverly a highly appealing location for families and outdoor enthusiasts.

Healthcare Facilities with Notable Hospitals and Clinics

Cheverly residents benefit from excellent and comprehensive healthcare access due to the concentration of major medical centers in the immediate vicinity. While the former Prince George’s Hospital Center has transitioned, residents are still minutes away from flagship regional facilities. Notably, the town is a short drive from key Prince George's County medical anchors such as **Doctors Community Hospital** and **MedStar Southern Maryland Hospital Center**, which provide a full spectrum of emergency, surgical, and specialty care. For a quick commute into D.C., the large medical campus that includes the **MedStar Washington Hospital Center** (located near Brookland) and **Children's National Medical Center** is easily reachable via U.S. Route 50 or the Metro. Additionally, the presence of the **University of Maryland, College Park** and its affiliated health systems in the broader region ensures access to academic medical care and specialized clinics, placing Cheverly residents within easy reach of some of the DMV area's best healthcare resources.

Notable Residents or Alumni

Cheverly has been home to numerous individuals who have made a mark on local, state, and national stages, reflecting the town's history as a desirable residential area for professionals. The town's historical founder, **Robert Marshall**, is the most notable early resident, whose influence shaped the town's unique, winding streets and wooded character. More recently, Cheverly has been home to successful athletes, politicians, and media personalities drawn to its quiet streets and commuter access. The town’s rich history of civic engagement often produces notable local political leaders, including those who have gone on to serve in the Prince George's County Council or the Maryland General Assembly, stemming directly from the community's tradition of self-governance that began with the **1931 incorporation**. This small-town environment has provided a foundational setting for successful individuals, whether they are local civic leaders or professionals who go on to impact the broader D.C. region.