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Suitland, MD

Suitland is an unincorporated community and census-designated place in Prince George's County, Maryland, United States. Located just southeast of Washington, D.C., it serves as a suburban residential area with a significant presence of federal government offices, most notably the Suitland Federal Center.

About the city

Official status and administrative affiliation

The community is officially designated as Suitland (CDP) , an unincorporated census-designated place. It holds no administrative status as a city but is a recognized community within Prince George's County, Maryland, in the United States. Its exact position is within the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria metropolitan area, located approximately one mile (1.6 km) southeast of Washington, D.C. .

Historical names and nicknames

Suitland is named after Samuel Taylor Suit, a 19th-century landowner and businessman from Virginia whose estate, also named "Suitland," was located near the present-day intersection of Suitland and Silver Hill Roads .

Date founded and age

The area became known as Suitland after Samuel Taylor Suit purchased more than 800 acres of land there in 1867 . This makes the community approximately 158 years old as of 2025. Prior to the Civil War, the land was part of large tobacco plantations, with half of Prince George's County's population enslaved at that time .

Geographic location and coordinates

Suitland is located in the Atlantic coastal plain at geographic coordinates 38°50′55″N 76°55′28″W . The terrain is generally flat to gently rolling, with the center of the CDP at an elevation of approximately 290 feet (88 meters) above sea level . It is situated inland, approximately 7 miles from the Anacostia River.

City type and economic specialization

Suitland is primarily a suburban residential community and an important administrative and government center. Its economy and identity are significantly shaped by the Suitland Federal Center, a large complex of government offices constructed starting in 1941. Key tenants include the U.S. Census Bureau, which has its headquarters there, and other federal agencies . This makes Suitland a hub for data and statistics for the United States. The local economy also includes retail trade, healthcare, and social assistance .

Population and demographics

As of the 2020 census, the population of Suitland was 25,839, classifying it as a small-to-medium sized community . The population is notably diverse, with the largest ethnic group being Black or African American (Non-Hispanic) at 88.4% as of 2023 . A significant portion of the population commutes to work, with an average commute time of 39.3 minutes .

City's "business card" (brief)

Suitland is best known as the home of the U.S. Census Bureau and the gateway to the Suitland Parkway, a scenic wartime road connecting the community to Washington, D.C. . It offers a suburban base with convenient access to the nation's capital, blending local parks and historic sites with the proximity to the Smithsonian museums and the National Mall just across the D.C. line .

Transport

Main airports in the city and region

Suitland is served by three major airports in the Washington-Baltimore region.

Rail

Suitland does not have its own Amtrak or MARC train station. The nearest MARC (Maryland Area Regional Commute) train station is the Seabrook MARC station in nearby Seabrook, MD, which provides service on the Penn Line between Washington, D.C., and Perryville, MD. For access to the Washington Metro system, residents and visitors typically use the Branch Avenue station on the Green Line, located just west of Suitland.

Main highways and roads

Several key roadways serve Suitland, connecting it to Washington, D.C., and the wider region.

Landmarks

Suitland Federal Center

The Suitland Federal Center is the most significant landmark in the community. Construction began in 1941 on 437 acres of former farmland to consolidate federal office space for the war effort . Today, it is a sprawling complex of government buildings, most notably the headquarters of the United States Census Bureau. The center also houses other agencies like the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the Bureau of Labor Statistics . The property includes the historic Suitland House, a colonial-revival style home that once served as a residence and now functions as office space for the Census Bureau .

Suitland Parkway

The Suitland Parkway is not just a road but a historic and scenic byway. This 9.35-mile highway was built in 1944 to connect military installations (Bolling Field and Andrews Air Force Base) and was initially restricted to military use . Today, it is a parkway under the jurisdiction of the National Park Service, lined with trees and providing a beautiful, green corridor into Washington, D.C. . The adjacent Suitland Parkway Trail is a paved, 1.7-mile multi-use path popular for walking and biking .

Historic Cemeteries

Suitland is home to two significant historic cemeteries.

Suitland Bog

The Suitland Bog is a unique 20-acre wetland area preserved by the Maryland National Capital Park and Planning Commission. Local resident Walter Coley organized a committee in 1975 to save this rare ecosystem, which features distinct flora and fauna, from development . It offers a glimpse into the region's natural pre-suburban landscape.

Geography

Parks and natural areas

While Suitland itself is a suburban community, it is located near several larger parks and natural areas.

Climate and weather

Climate type and general characteristics

Suitland has a humid subtropical climate, characteristic of the mid-Atlantic region of the United States. It experiences four distinct seasons: hot and humid summers, cool to cold winters, and mild springs and autumns. Rainfall is distributed fairly evenly throughout the year .

Average temperatures by month

The warmest month is July, with average high temperatures around 31°C (88°F) and average lows near 21°C (70°F) . The coldest month is January, with average highs around 7°C (45°F) and average lows near -2°C (28°F) .

Precipitation and humidity

Suitland receives an average of about 43 inches (1,100 mm) of precipitation annually, spread relatively evenly throughout the year . Summer months (June-August) are often humid, with frequent afternoon thunderstorms that can bring heavy rain . Winter precipitation can sometimes fall as snow, though heavy snowstorms are intermittent.

Seasonality and best time to visit

The best times to visit Suitland are during the spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) when temperatures are mild, and the humidity is lower .

Local Cuisine and Culinary Traditions

Silvestre Chicken's Peruvian-Style Rotisserie Chicken

Silvestre Chicken #1 (Silvestre Chicken #1) is a local gem in Suitland, celebrated for its authentic Hispanic cuisine, particularly its Peruvian-style rotisserie chicken . The chicken is roasted over a charcoal flame daily, giving it a distinctive flavor that regulars rave about . The restaurant, which opened its current location at 4737 Silver Hill Road after being relocated due to redevelopment, blends Salvadoran favorites and Tex-Mex classics with its Peruvian core .

The name "Silvestre" isn't a person's name, as many customers ask, but an adjective meaning "The Wild." It describes the area in El Salvador where the family-owned business had its beginnings, serving as a reminder of their roots . Patrons consistently praise the superb seasonings, generous portions that often provide leftovers, and the warm, community-centered atmosphere. The staff are known to remember guests even years between visits and carefully accommodate allergies by using a separate, clean grill for preparation . This is everyday dining at its most welcoming, a place where the local chain vibe feels wonderfully personal.

Ribs-N-Things Southern American Comfort Food

Ribs-N-Things (Suitland) offers a taste of Southern American cuisine right in Suitland, available for delivery through services like DoorDash . This spot is known for its hearty meat dishes, with the ribs being a standout item—often described as so tender they are "practically falling off the bone" . The menu features pork chops, brisket, and pulled pork alongside classic Southern sides. Customer reviews suggest that while the main dishes are consistently well-cooked and flavorful, the experience with sides can vary . For those seeking familiar Southern comfort food like a pork chop sandwich or a half-slab of ribs, this is a go-to local option for a casual meal.

Museums

While Suitland itself is not home to a large number of museums, its location in Prince George's County, Maryland, places it within easy reach of a wealth of cultural and historical institutions in the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area. A short drive opens up a world of renowned museums.

Museums and Historic Sites Nearby

Surratt House Museum (Surratt House Museum) in nearby Clinton, MD, is a significant historical site . Built in 1852 as a middle-class plantation home, the museum recaptures life during the mid-19th century and delves into the fascinating web of the Lincoln assassination conspiracy, offering a unique glimpse into a pivotal moment in American history .

College Park Aviation Museum (College Park Aviation Museum) , located in College Park, MD, is another nearby attraction . It celebrates the history of aviation, located at the world's oldest continuously operating airport.

World-Class Museums in Washington, D.C.

For art enthusiasts, the National Gallery of Art (National Gallery of Art) in Washington, D.C., houses a vast collection of paintings, sculpture, and decorative arts from the Middle Ages to the present . Visitors can see masterpieces by artists like Leonardo da Vinci, Rembrandt, and Vermeer. The Smithsonian American Art Museum (Smithsonian American Art Museum) and the Hirshhorn Museum (Hirshhorn Museum) , both in D.C., offer extensive collections of American art and modern contemporary art, respectively . The National Museum of African Art (National Museum of African Art) is also nearby, showcasing the diverse artistic heritage of Africa .

Science and history museums are equally accessible. The National Museum of Natural History (National Museum of Natural History) , part of the Smithsonian Institution, is a world-famous museum featuring the Hope Diamond and countless specimens from the natural world . The National Museum of Health and Medicine (National Museum of Health and Medicine) in Silver Spring, MD, established during the Civil War, houses a unique collection of artifacts and specimens related to the history of military medicine . The United States Capitol (United States Capitol) itself offers tours that delve into the nation's political history and architectural grandeur .

Sport and Sports Legends

Suitland offers community-based sports facilities and is in close proximity to the major professional sports scene of Washington, D.C.

Local Sports Facilities

Suitland Community Center (Suitland Community Center) features two outdoor tennis courts that are open to the public . Located at 5619 Regency Ln, District Heights, MD, this facility provides a place for local residents to enjoy the sport in an outdoor setting. While it lacks lights for evening play and an on-site pro shop, it serves as a key local hub for tennis enthusiasts .

Suitland is also home to high school sports. Suitland High School (Suitland High School) has athletic programs, including a cross-country team, fostering local talent and community spirit .

Professional Sports Nearby

Residents of Suitland are fans of the major professional sports teams based in nearby Washington, D.C., and Maryland. These include:

While no major sports museums are located directly in Suitland, the region offers attractions like the National Museum of American History (National Museum of American History) in Washington, D.C., which houses extensive collections on the history of American sports.

Universities and Educational Institutions

Suitland is home to a campus of a major university and is surrounded by a rich array of higher education institutions in Prince George's County.

Strayer University - Prince George's Campus

Strayer University - Prince George's Campus (Strayer University - Prince George's Campus) is located in Suitland at 4710 Auth Place . This is a private, proprietary institution offering 4-year undergraduate, upper-division, and graduate programs . It serves working adults and traditional students seeking flexible schedules and career-oriented degrees in fields like business, accounting, information technology, and public administration. The campus enrollment is around 1,905 students . Its main telephone number is (877) 445-7180, and more information can be found on its website at www.strayer.edu/campus-locations/maryland/prince-georges .

Colleges and Universities in Prince George's County

Suitland is part of a county with a strong higher education presence. Nearby institutions include:

Healthcare Facilities and Services

Suitland is well-served by major healthcare providers, offering residents access to comprehensive medical services and specialized care.

Kaiser Permanente Marlow Heights Medical Center

The Marlow Heights Medical Center (Marlow Heights Medical Center) , part of the Kaiser Permanente network, is a significant healthcare facility located in Suitland at 5100 Auth Way . This medical office building offers a wide range of services to Kaiser Permanente members. It provides flu and COVID-19 shots, and features self-service check-in for laboratory services. Patients can also access virtual care 24/7 by video, phone, or email through the Kaiser Permanente website or app, including options for urgent care (Care Now), E-visits, and chatting with a nurse . The center accepts a variety of insurance plans, including Signature, Select, Medicare Advantage, and Maryland Medicaid . For assistance with health information or medical forms, members can call 1-800-777-7904.

Southern Prince Georges County VA Clinic

The Southern Prince Georges County VA Clinic (Southern Prince Georges County Va Clinic) provides essential healthcare services to veterans in the area . Located at 5801 Allentown Rd Ste 104, Suitland, MD 20746, this clinic offers a range of specialties, including Family Medicine, Internal Medicine, Psychiatry, Neurology, and General Dentistry, staffed by 10 practicing physicians . It accepts a wide array of insurance plans, including various Aetna, Anthem BCBS, CIGNA, Humana, and UnitedHealthcare options, ensuring broad access for eligible veterans .

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