Greenbelt, MD
- About the City
- Geography
- Climate and Weather
- Landmarks and Attractions
- Transport
- Museums
- Universities and Educational Institutions
- Sport and Outdoor Activities
- Healthcare Facilities and Services
Greenbelt is a historic planned community in Maryland, built in 1937 as a New Deal experiment. Just 10 miles from Washington, D.C., it offers unique architecture, NASA's Goddard center, and lush parks.
About the City
Official Status and Administrative Affiliation
- Official Name: Greenbelt, Maryland.
- Administrative Role: Greenbelt is an independent city within Prince George's County, Maryland, USA. It is not a county seat but holds its own municipal charter. The county itself is a diverse and populous region directly bordering Washington, D.C., known for its urban suburbs, research corridors, and historical significance .
Historical Names and Nicknames
While Greenbelt has no significant historical names, its identity is deeply tied to its origin.
- "A New Deal Town": This is the most accurate descriptor. Greenbelt was one of three "Greenbelt Towns" planned and built by the federal government in the 1930s as part of President Franklin D. Roosevelt's New Deal. The goal was to create affordable, cooperative communities for low-income workers .
- "An Experiment that Ought to be Copied": This phrase, spoken by President Roosevelt himself, highlights the city's original purpose as a model for progressive urban planning and cooperative living .
Date of Foundation and Age
- Founding Date: The city was established in 1937 as a federal project under the Resettlement Administration. Construction began in 1935 .
- Age: As of 2026, Greenbelt is 89 years old.
- Founder: The city was not founded by an individual but created by a federal government program, the Resettlement Administration, as part of the New Deal .
Geographical Position and Coordinates
- Geographic Coordinates: Latitude 38.9953° N, Longitude -76.8885° W .
- Location: Greenbelt is situated in the Atlantic coastal plain, approximately 10 miles (16 km) northeast of Washington, D.C. It is surrounded by a mix of suburban development and protected parkland .
- Elevation: The city's elevation is approximately 121 feet (37 meters) above sea level .
City Type and Economic Specialization
Greenbelt is a unique hybrid.
- Residential/Administrative Center: It functions primarily as a residential suburb of Washington, D.C., with its own local government.
- Scientific & Research Center: The city is home to the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, a world-renowned hub for space research and Earth science, which is a major economic driver and employer .
- Historic Tourist Destination: Its status as a National Historic Landmark District draws visitors interested in architecture, urban planning, and New Deal history .
Population and Demographics
- Population: Greenbelt has a population of approximately 23,000 residents .
- City Class: Based on its population, Greenbelt is classified as a small city. It is a densely populated inner suburb of Washington, D.C., known for its diverse and community-oriented population.
City's "Calling Card" (In Brief)
Greenbelt, Maryland, is far more than a typical suburb. It is a living museum of New Deal idealism, a National Historic Landmark where 1930s cooperative principles meet modern life. Visitors and residents alike are drawn to its unique Streamline Moderne architecture, historic pedestrian underpasses, and the groundbreaking science at NASA's first space center, all while being nestled within a green oasis just minutes from the nation's capital .
Geography
Mountains and Mountain Ranges
Greenbelt is located in the Atlantic coastal plain, a relatively flat region. There are no mountains within the city limits. The nearest significant geographic feature is the fall line, where the Piedmont region meets the coastal plain, located to the west towards Washington, D.C.
Water Bodies (Rivers, Lakes, Waterfalls)
Greenbelt is characterized by small lakes and creeks rather than large rivers.
- Buddy Attick Lake Park: This 100-acre park features a 38-acre lake ideal for fishing (stocked with trout, bluegill, and largemouth bass), boating (non-motorized), and birdwatching. A 1.3-mile trail encircles the lake .
- Lake Artemesia Natural Area: Located just north of Greenbelt, this 38-acre man-made lake is a scenic spot for hiking, biking, and fishing. It was created during the construction of the Washington Metro and is now part of the Anacostia Tributary Trail System .
- Patuxent River: The Patuxent River forms part of the boundary for the nearby Patuxent Research Refuge, located a short drive from Greenbelt. It contributes to the local hydrology and provides opportunities for wildlife viewing .
Beaches and Coastlines
As a landlocked city in central Maryland, Greenbelt has no beaches or coastlines.
Deserts, Canyons, and Unique Landscapes
Greenbelt does not feature deserts or canyons. Its landscape is defined by the mid-Atlantic temperate forest.
National and Nature Parks
Greenbelt is renowned for its abundance of protected green spaces.
- Greenbelt Park: A 1,176-acre unit of the National Park Service located within the city's southwest border. It offers 172 campsites, a 5.3-mile main hiking trail (the Perimeter Trail), and picnic areas. It provides a rustic, wooded camping experience just ten miles from Washington, D.C. .
- Patuxent Research Refuge: Located about 15-20 minutes from Greenbelt, this is one of the largest forested areas in the mid-Atlantic region, spanning over 13,000 acres. It's dedicated to wildlife conservation and research, with the National Wildlife Visitor Center offering exhibits and miles of trails .
Islands and Archipelagos
There are no islands or archipelagos associated with Greenbelt.
Climate and Weather
Climate Type and General Characteristics
Greenbelt has a humid subtropical climate, characterized by hot, humid summers and mild to moderately cold winters . The city experiences four distinct seasons and is partly cloudy year-round.
Average Temperatures by Month
Temperatures vary significantly between seasons. The hottest month is July, with an average high of 88°F (31°C) and a low of 68°F (20°C). The coldest month is January, with an average high of 44°F (7°C) and a low of 28°F (-2°C) . The average annual temperature is around 13°C (55°F) .
Precipitation and Humidity
- Annual Precipitation: Greenbelt receives a consistent amount of rainfall throughout the year, averaging about 44.5 inches (1131 mm) annually . May tends to be the wettest month .
- Snowfall: Winter snowfall is significant, averaging 5.5 inches in February, the snowiest month. The snowy period typically lasts from late November to late March .
- Humidity: Humidity levels are high, particularly in the summer, averaging around 80% , which can make the heat feel more oppressive .
Sunny Days and UV Index
The cloudiest months are in the winter (December-January), while late summer and early fall (August-October) are the clearest, with up to 63% sunny days in September .
Water Temperature (for coastal cities)
Not applicable.
Seasonality and Best Time to Visit
Based on weather alone, the best times to visit Greenbelt for warm-weather outdoor activities are the entire month of June and the period from early August to late September .
- Spring (March-May): Temperatures warm up nicely from the 50s°F to the 70s°F. It's a beautiful time as flowers bloom, but it can also be one of the wetter periods.
- Summer (June-August): Hot and humid with average highs in the mid-to-upper 80s°F (around 30°C). Afternoon thunderstorms are common. This is peak season for outdoor festivals and camping.
- Fall (September-November): Mild and pleasant with decreasing humidity. September is often the sunniest month, and fall foliage peaks in October, making it an ideal time for hiking in Greenbelt Park .
- Winter (December-February): Cold and windy, with average highs in the 40s°F. Snow is common, and the city can look picturesque, but many outdoor activities are limited.
Specific Weather Phenomena
The region can experience powerful thunderstorms, particularly in the summer, which may bring heavy rain, lightning, and strong winds. Occasional hurricanes or their remnants can pass through the area in the late summer and fall, bringing significant rainfall.
Comparison with Other Cities
Greenbelt's climate is typical of the mid-Atlantic region, very similar to that of nearby Washington, D.C. and Baltimore. It offers a true four-season experience, unlike the more extreme climates found further north or south.
Landmarks and Attractions
Greenbelt Historic District
The entire original section of Greenbelt is a National Historic Landmark District, listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1980 (Ref. #80004331) . It is a remarkable, intact example of early American planned communities and the "Garden City" movement.
- Architecture and Design: The district features the distinctive Streamline Moderne and International Style architecture, designed by architects like Douglas Ellington and Reginald Jeffrey Wadsworth. The layout prioritizes pedestrian walkways and features unique pedestrian underpasses beneath Crescent Road, allowing safe passage without crossing traffic .
- Historic Housing: The original housing units, many of which are still cooperatively owned, are a key part of the landmark's significance .
Roosevelt Center
Located in the heart of the Historic District, the Roosevelt Center is one of the first planned shopping centers in the United States, opened in 1937 .
- Cooperatives: True to the city's roots, several businesses are still cooperatively owned, including the CO-OP Supermarket & Pharmacy and the New Deal Cafe .
- Old Greenbelt Theatre: This charming, restored single-screen cinema first opened in 1938 and now shows a mix of classic and new-release films in a modernized Art Deco setting .
NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Visitor Center
Greenbelt is home to NASA's first and oldest space center, established in 1958. The free visitor center offers engaging exhibits on space exploration, including the Hubble and James Webb Space Telescopes, and features an outdoor Goddard Rocket Garden with historic artifacts .
Greenbelt Museum
This unique museum offers an immersive experience into the city's history. It consists of two parts: a temporary exhibit space in the Greenbelt Community Center and a historic house furnished with objects from 1936-1952, allowing visitors to step back in time and see how the first residents lived . The museum also offers guided walking tours of the Historic District.
Greenbelt Community Center
A striking Streamline Moderne/Art Deco building (1937) that was originally an elementary school. Today, it serves as a community hub and houses artist studios and local government offices. Outside, it features notable bas-relief panels by artist Lenore Thomas Straus that illustrate the Preamble to the U.S. Constitution .
Transport
Main Airports in the City and Region
Greenbelt does not have its own commercial airport but is conveniently located near three major airports serving the Washington, D.C. region.
- Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA): Located approximately 14 miles from Greenbelt, this is the closest major airport, offering many domestic flights .
- Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD): Situated further west in Virginia, about 30-40 miles away, it is a major hub for international travel.
- Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI): Located about 30 miles northeast of Greenbelt, BWI is a major airport serving both domestic and international destinations, often popular with low-cost carriers.
Main Railway Stations and Stops
Greenbelt is well-served by rail.
- Greenbelt Station: This is a major multimodal transit hub served by the Washington Metro (WMATA) and MARC Train .
- Metrorail: The station is the eastern terminus for the Green Line and, as of 2026, is also served by the Yellow Line, providing a one-seat ride into downtown Washington, D.C. .
- MARC Train (Camden Line): Provides commuter rail service between Greenbelt and Baltimore's Camden Station, with a travel time of about 45 minutes .
Marine and River Ports
Not applicable.
Public Transport System (Metro/Tram/Bus)
- Metrorail: As mentioned, the Greenbelt station is a key hub on the WMATA system, offering frequent and convenient service to Washington, D.C., and other Maryland suburbs .
- Bus: The Greenbelt station is also a major hub for local Metrobus routes and TheBus, Prince George's County's public bus system, connecting the city to the wider region.
Major Highways and Roads
Greenbelt's location provides excellent access to the regional highway network.
- Interstate 95/495 (Capital Beltway): The city is directly adjacent to the Capital Beltway, which encircles Washington, D.C., and provides connections to all major highways in the region.
- Baltimore-Washington Parkway (MD 295): This major parkway runs near Greenbelt, providing a direct scenic route to both Baltimore and Washington, D.C. .
- Kenilworth Avenue (MD 201): A key artery connecting Greenbelt to the District line and providing access to the Beltway .
Museums
Greenbelt Museum
The Greenbelt Museum offers a unique glimpse into the city's origins as one of the first New Deal greenbelt towns, created in 1937 under President Franklin D. Roosevelt's administration . The museum tells the story of how this experimental planned community changed the local landscape during the Great Depression. Visitors can learn about local history and explore historic houses and gardens that reflect the era's innovative social and architectural concepts . The museum stands as a testament to Greenbelt's distinct heritage as a model for cooperative living and community design .
Universities and Educational Institutions
While Greenbelt itself is home to a learning center, its prime location in Prince George's County places it within a rich ecosystem of higher education, with several major universities just a short drive away.
Lancaster Bible College | Capital Seminary and Graduate School
Located within Greenbelt at 7852 Walker Drive, Suite 100, this institution offers graduate and seminary programs, providing advanced theological education to the community .
University of Phoenix Greenbelt Learning Center
This learning center, situated at 7852 Walker Drive, caters to students enrolled in online and on-campus classes . It offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs, including an MBA, a BS in Communication, a BS in Criminal Justice Administration, an MA in Education, and a Master of Health Administration .
University of Maryland, College Park
Just a short distance away in neighboring College Park is the flagship University of Maryland (UMD) , one of the best universities in the world . As a premier public research institution founded in 1856, UMD is renowned for its programs in engineering, computer science, business, agriculture, and journalism. Its proximity to the nation's capital provides students with immense opportunities for research, internships, and social activities .
Nearby Universities in Prince George's County
Greenbelt is surrounded by a variety of other higher education options within Prince George's County . These include:
- Bowie State University in Bowie: Maryland's oldest historically Black college or university (HBCU), known for programs in education, technology, and business .
- Capitol Technology University in Laurel: An independent college dedicated to engineering, computer science, information technology, and business .
- Prince George's Community College in Largo: Offers a wide array of programs, including those in technology, public safety, law, and transfer studies .
- University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC) in Adelphi: A major public university focused on adult and online education .
Sport and Outdoor Activities
Greenbelt and its surrounding area offer a wealth of opportunities for outdoor recreation and sports, from local community courts to expansive state parks.
Local Parks and Recreation
The City of Greenbelt maintains local facilities for residents and visitors. For example, the playground and courts at 7 Court Southway offer amenities including a basketball court, baseball/softball area, and a playground for children ages 5-12 . The city is known for being a serene oasis close to Washington D.C., hosting over 20 special events throughout the year, such as a Fall Fest and a Labor Day festival .
Outdoor Adventures Nearby
The area around Greenbelt is rich with parks and trails for hiking, biking, and paddling. Many notable spots are within a reasonable drive .
- Great Falls and the Billy Goat Trail (Potomac, MD): A highly-rated destination just outside Washington D.C., this area offers beautiful views of the Potomac River and a popular, challenging 4.61-mile hike with a rock scramble .
- Black Hill Regional Park (Boyds, MD): This 1,300-acre park features oak forests with views of Little Seneca Lake, where visitors can canoe and stand-up paddleboard. The park has a 2.78-mile loop trail open to hiking and mountain biking .
- Burke Lake Park (Fairfax Station, VA): A versatile destination with a 4.7-mile trail circling the lake, perfect for trail running, hiking, and biking. The park also offers fishing, canoeing, Frisbee golf, and picnicking .
- Paddling the Patuxent River: One of the best places to explore the 115-mile Patuxent River is by putting in at Kings Landing Park in Huntingtown, Maryland, offering a scenic paddle experience .
Sports and Attractions in Nearby Annapolis
The historic city of Annapolis, about 21 miles away, provides additional sports and recreational options . The U.S. Naval Academy offers guided tours of its campus, which includes museums and a visitor center . Visitors can also enjoy boat tours of the harbor and waterfront .
Healthcare Facilities and Services
Greenbelt has a network of medical practices and clinics providing primary and specialized care to the community. It is also located near major medical centers in the larger Washington D.C. and Baltimore metropolitan areas.
Community Clinic (Primary Care)
The Community Clinic at 7474 Greenway Center Drive, Suite 350, offers basic medical care for adults and children, regardless of income . Their services include preventative and chronic care, immunizations, and referrals to specialists. The clinic operates on a sliding-scale fee and accepts Medical Assistance (Medicaid) and private insurance .
Metro Healthcare
Located at 7525 Greenway Center Dr Ste 202, Metro Healthcare is a multi-specialty practice with physicians specializing in Internal Medicine, Obstetrics & Gynecology, and Nurse Practitioner services .
Greenbelt Allergy And Asthma Center
This specialized center at 7501 Greenway Center Dr Ste 440 brings together a team of 11 physicians with expertise in a broad range of specialties, including Allergy & Immunology, Adolescent Medicine, Family Medicine, Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, and Neurology .
HMS MEDICAL GROUP I PA
HMS MEDICAL GROUP I PA is another medical group practice in Greenbelt, staffed by three physicians offering coordinated care across specialties, including Geriatric Medicine and Cardiovascular Disease (Cardiology) .