Langley Park, MD City Profile 🌎🚉

History

The history of Langley Park stretches back to a 540-acre estate established in 1923 by the McCormick-Goodhart family in the Chillum District of Prince George's County. They christened the property "Langley Park," named after the Goodhart family's ancestral home in England, Langley Fields. The most significant shift came after World War II when a large portion of the estate was sold off for residential development to accommodate the booming population of returning veterans and federal workers. This resulted in the construction of numerous garden-style apartment complexes that characterize much of the area's housing stock today. The late 20th century marked another profound transformation: beginning in the 1980s, Langley Park experienced massive immigration, primarily from Central American nations, particularly El Salvador, as people sought refuge from conflict and better economic opportunities. This wave of immigration cemented Langley Park's status as a major cultural hub and the widely recognized center of the Latino community in the D.C. region, leading to its current vibrant, international character. This history highlights a continuous evolution from rural estate to post-war suburb to a thriving immigrant-majority community.

Founders

The initial development of the area now known as Langley Park is attributed to the McCormick-Goodhart family, who established the original "Langley Park" estate in 1923. The family’s mansion, historically a landmark, now houses the regional headquarters for CASA, one of the largest Latino-focused non-profit social service organizations in the state, symbolizing the community's evolution. Following the post-World War II housing boom, various private developers purchased and transformed the estate land into the multi-family and garden apartment complexes that define the area's physical landscape. While there is no single municipal "founder" since Langley Park is an unincorporated census-designated place (CDP), the modern identity of the community has been largely forged by the generations of Central American immigrants who settled here starting in the 1980s. Key civic leaders and local non-profits like CASA and organizations such as the Takoma-Langley Crossroads Development Corp. are often considered the community's modern "founders," as they have worked tirelessly to advocate for and invest in the residents and businesses along the critical International Corridor (University Boulevard).

Economy

The economy of Langley Park is distinctively characterized by a focus on small, entrepreneurial businesses and a large service-based workforce. Unlike some neighboring communities reliant on white-collar commuters, Langley Park's workforce is heavily concentrated in industries that support the regional service economy. Key employment sectors include Construction (employing the largest number of residents), Administrative & Support & Waste Management Services, and Accommodation & Food Services. The local economy is driven by the vibrant International Corridor along University Boulevard, a major commercial hub featuring a wide array of ethnic markets, restaurants, remittance centers, and small retail shops that cater directly to the local immigrant community and attract shoppers from across the region. The median household income is approximately $82,038, reflecting the working-class nature of the community. The pending construction of the Purple Line Light Rail is poised to be the largest economic development project in the community's history, bringing construction jobs, and later, enhancing commerce and accessibility, though it also raises concerns about gentrification and housing affordability.

Prominent Neighborhoods

Langley Park is a singular, recognizable neighborhood defined by its commercial heart, but it also contains distinct, interconnected residential areas:

• The International Corridor (University Boulevard): The commercial spine and the widely known "heart of the Salvadoran diaspora" in the D.C. region.
• Langley Gardens/Langley Towers: The dense residential core, characterized by 1940s/50s garden-style apartment complexes and high population density.
• Chillum Manor: A quieter residential section on the border with the Chillum community, often cross-referenced by its proximity to community parks and green spaces.
• Purple Line Station Sites: The sites of the future Takoma-Langley Park Station and Riggs Road Station, future-focused hubs driving development discussions.

Housing and Taxes

Langley Park is predominantly a community of renters, with a relatively low homeownership rate of approximately 22.1%. The housing stock is dominated by a large supply of older, garden-style apartment complexes built mid-century, which historically offered market-rate affordable housing, though affordability has become a rising concern. The median property value is around $348,700. As an unincorporated area within **Prince George's County**, residents do not pay a municipal property tax but are subject to the county and state property tax rates. The primary financial concern for most residents is the high cost burden of rent, with many households paying more than 30% of their income toward housing. This issue has intensified as the community prepares for the Purple Line, leading to significant local efforts to implement strategies to preserve the existing stock of affordable rental units (locally known as "anti-gentrification efforts").

Preferred School Systems Highlighting Schools with Better Ratings

Langley Park is served by the Prince George's County Public Schools (PGCPS) system. Local schools are notable for their extensive language support services, particularly for Spanish speakers, and their cultural diversity. The area's elementary and middle schools are essential neighborhood anchors, with schools such as Langley Park Elementary School providing strong foundational education and critical ESOL programs. Residents are generally zoned for high schools in nearby areas. Within PGCPS, options like the highly-rated Academy of Health Sciences at PGCC are competitive magnet programs that offer strong academic pathways and receive excellent ratings (A+ on Niche). Proximity also allows some students to access highly-rated options like Montgomery Blair High School (in Montgomery County) via special programs or transfers, though this requires specific qualifications.

Local Clubs and Organizations

Langley Park’s civic life is heavily organized around non-profit social service groups and recreational facilities that support its diverse, largely immigrant population. Traditional clubs like Rotary are less prominent than the following organizations:

• CASA (Centro de Acción Social Autónoma): The most prominent immigrant advocacy and social services non-profit. Provides legal aid, job training, health services, and educational programs. Address: 8151 15th Street, Hyattsville, MD 20783 (Historic McCormick-Goodhart Mansion).
• Langley Park Community Center: The key recreational and civic hub, offering classes, youth programs, and meeting spaces. Address: 1515 Merrimac Dr, Hyattsville, MD 20783.
• Langley Park Senior Activity Center: Provides programs, nutrition, and social opportunities for older residents. Address: 1500 Merrimac Drive, Hyattsville, MD 20783.

These non-profits and county facilities are the backbone of community support and cohesion.

Community Attractions

Langley Park's primary attraction is its **International Corridor** along University Boulevard, a vibrant streetscape that offers an authentic, hyper-local experience of the region's diverse Central and South American cultures, famed for its authentic cuisine, groceries, and businesses. The community lacks major historic tourist sites but compensates with vibrant daily life and cultural richness. The **Langley Park Community Center** is a key social hub, offering extensive indoor and outdoor recreational facilities for families and youth, including basketball courts and a ceramics room. The **Historic McCormick-Goodhart Mansion**, now the headquarters for CASA, is an important architectural and historical landmark, symbolizing the area's shift from a wealthy estate to an immigrant advocacy center. The community's essence lies in its unique cultural atmosphere, celebrated through its diverse culinary scene and entrepreneurial spirit.

Local Events Calendar

Langley Park's events calendar is primarily focused on community engagement, cultural celebrations, and programming through the Prince George's County Parks and Recreation Department and local non-profits like CASA.

Transportation and Accessibility

Langley Park is a significant regional transportation hub that relies heavily on bus transit. **Major Roads** include **University Boulevard (MD 193)** (the International Corridor) and **New Hampshire Avenue (MD 650)**, which connects to the Capital Beltway (I-495) and D.C. The area is a major transfer point for both **WMATA Metrobus** and **Prince George's County The Bus** services, with routes connecting directly to nearby Metro Red and Green Line stations. The community's future is tied to the **Purple Line Light Rail** (currently under construction), which will include two local stops: the **Takoma-Langley Park Station** and the **Riggs Road Station**. This project is expected to radically improve regional accessibility and reduce the long average commute time of approximately 39.4 minutes by connecting Langley Park to major job centers without transfers.

Local Government and Services Overview

Langley Park is an unincorporated census-designated place (CDP), meaning it does not have its own municipal government (no Mayor or City Council). It is fully governed by **Prince George's County, Maryland**. All services, including police, public works, and planning, are administered through the county government in Upper Marlboro. Residents are represented by a member of the Prince George's County Council, who advocates for local needs. Langley Park has been a focus of the county’s **Transforming Neighborhoods Initiative (TNI)**, a program designed to concentrate government resources, services, and capital investment into communities with high needs. This initiative is the county's hyper-local effort to enhance services and quality of life, which is supported by vital non-profit advocacy groups that act as powerful voices for the community.

Demographics with Key Population Statistics

Langley Park's demographics are its most defining characteristic, highlighting its role as a major hub for immigrants in the D.C. region. The community is remarkably young and predominantly of Central American heritage. The population is around **22,057**, with a median age of approximately 29.4 years, significantly younger than the state average. The vast majority of the population, approximately 74.4%, is Hispanic or Latino (predominantly from Central America). The homeownership rate is low at about **22.1%**, reflecting the area's dense, garden-style rental housing stock. Only around **42.6%** of residents are U.S. citizens, indicating a high concentration of foreign-born individuals. This data confirms Langley Park's status as a dynamic, youthful, immigrant-majority community that has built a strong cultural identity around its Central American roots.

Historic Landmarks and Cultural Sites

Langley Park's historical significance is tied to its 20th-century development. The most important historic site is the **McCormick-Goodhart Mansion**, the original seat of the estate that lent the community its name. This historic building, located at 8151 15th Street, is now the headquarters for **CASA**, a non-profit immigrant advocacy group—a powerful symbol of the area's evolution. While not a single building, the **International Corridor (University Boulevard)** is a significant cultural landmark. It is the tangible expression of the area's Central American cultural presence, serving as the primary cultural site for cuisine, music, and social interaction. Furthermore, the future **Purple Line Corridor** is being developed as a new cultural site, incorporating public art and plaza spaces designed to celebrate the community's unique heritage.

Local Economy Details Highlighting Major Employers and Business Hubs

The local economy is decentralized, relying on numerous small businesses rather than a few large corporate employers. The **International Corridor along University Boulevard (MD 193)** is the undeniable economic center. It hosts hundreds of small, locally-owned businesses, including **Ethnic Markets/Groceries**, authentic **Latin American Restaurants** (e.g., pupuserias), and **Remittance/Financial Services** catering to the large immigrant population. Major employers include **Prince George's County** (schools, public services) and the non-profit **CASA**, which employs professional staff and advocates. The economy is heavily service-oriented, with a large concentration of construction, maintenance, and food service jobs, providing essential labor for the greater D.C. metro region. The upcoming **Purple Line construction** is a current major source of temporary employment and capital investment, poised to reshape the commercial landscape.

Recreation and Outdoor Activities

Recreation in Langley Park is centered around community-accessible facilities and local parks managed by Prince George's County. The **Langley Park Community Center** is the key facility for indoor and organized activities, featuring basketball courts, exercise areas, and classrooms that host a variety of youth and adult programs. Local green spaces include **Langley Park Park**, which provides playgrounds and picnic areas, and proximity to the **Sligo Creek Trail** system along the western edge, offering multi-use paths for biking and running. The **Prince George's County Parks and Recreation Department** organizes various sports leagues through the Community Center, with high participation in local soccer leagues and basketball, reflecting the community's cultural background. The **Langley Park Senior Activity Center** also provides specialized recreational activities for older adults.

Healthcare Facilities

Langley Park residents rely on major regional hospitals in neighboring communities for comprehensive care, though local clinics are vital. **Adventist HealthCare White Oak Medical Center** (Silver Spring/White Oak) is the closest major, modern hospital facility, offering comprehensive emergency, cardiac, and surgical services, making it a critical regional healthcare resource. Further south, the **University of Maryland Prince George's Hospital Center** (Cheverly) provides major trauma and medical services for the county. Several community-focused health and social service organizations, including those affiliated with CASA, offer accessible primary care, screening, and health education services, often with multilingual staff, to address the immediate and preventative health needs of the diverse local population. Accessibility to these regional centers via public transit is a continuous focus for local advocacy.

Notable Residents or Alumni

Langley Park's history is best represented by the family who established the estate and the civic leaders who have shaped its modern identity. These include: **Frederick E. McCormick-Goodhart**, the historic figure who, along with his family, established the original "Langley Park" estate in the 1920s; **Gustavo Torres**, the long-time Executive Director of CASA, whose leadership and advocacy for immigrant rights have made him a highly influential figure and spokesperson for the community; and **Carlo Sanchez**, the founder of CASA. The most enduring "notable residents" are the thousands of resilient, working-class immigrants who have transformed the area into a major cultural and economic engine for the region, embodying the community’s current identity and spirit.