Coral Hills, MD

Coral Hills is an unincorporated community and census-designated place in Prince George's County, Maryland, located just east of Washington, D.C.

About Coral Hills

Official Status and Administrative Affiliation

Coral Hills is an unincorporated area and census-designated place (CDP) located in Prince George's County, Maryland, United States . As an unincorporated community, it does not have its own municipal government but is governed by the county. Prince George's County is a diverse and populous region bordering Washington, D.C., known for its historic sites, numerous parks, and as a key part of the Washington metropolitan area.

Date of Foundation and Age

Unlike incorporated cities, Coral Hills does not have an official founding date. Its identity as a community developed over time, and it was first designated as a CDP by the U.S. Census Bureau for statistical purposes. Its population and boundaries have been recorded in census data since at least the year 2000 .

Geographic Position and Coordinates

Coral Hills is located in Prince George's County, Maryland, at the geographic coordinates 38.8706° N, -76.9215° W . It is situated just east of Washington, D.C., placing it firmly within the Washington metropolitan area. The center of the community lies at an elevation of 89 meters (292 feet) above sea level . The total area of the CDP is 1.64 square miles (4.24 km²) , consisting almost entirely of land .

City Type and Economic Specialization

Coral Hills is primarily a residential community within the larger Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. Its economy is intrinsically linked to the capital region, with many residents commuting to jobs in government, defense contracting, education, and various service industries throughout Washington, D.C., and its surrounding suburbs. Local commerce consists of small businesses and services catering to the immediate community.

Population and Demographics

According to the 2020 United States Census, the population of Coral Hills is 9,997 . It is classified as a small community. Demographically, it is a predominantly African American community, with this group making up 80.64% of the population in 2020. The Hispanic or Latino community is a significant and growing demographic, representing 14.04% of residents . The community has a household population with a mix of family types and ages .

"Visiting Card" of the City

Coral Hills is a classic residential suburb in the Washington, D.C., metro area, offering a quieter, community-focused environment just a short distance from the nation's capital. Its proximity to the district provides residents and visitors with easy access to the world-renowned monuments, museums, and cultural institutions of Washington, D.C., while maintaining a distinct, local character.

Geography

Water Bodies (Rivers, Lakes, Waterfalls)

While there are no major water bodies within the immediate boundaries of Coral Hills, the community is close to the Anacostia River. The river, which flows into the Potomac River, is a significant natural feature in the Washington, D.C., area and is located just to the west. Its parklands offer opportunities for recreation and trails .

Natural and National Parks

Coral Hills does not host any national parks within its limits, but it is surrounded by the extensive park systems of Prince George's County and is in close proximity to the monumental parks of Washington, D.C. Locally, residents have access to the John E. Howard Community Center, which provides recreational facilities including an athletic field, a playground, and a tennis court . Just a few miles to the west lies the heart of the National Mall, home to the nation's most famous memorials and museums .

Climate and Weather

Climate Type and General Characteristics

Coral Hills has a humid subtropical climate (Cfa), characterized by warm, muggy summers and cold, wet winters . The area experiences four distinct seasons with moderate precipitation throughout the year. It is partly cloudy year-round on average .

Average Monthly Temperatures

Temperatures in Coral Hills vary significantly between seasons. The warmest month is July, with average highs of 31.7°C (89°F) and lows of 22.6°C (72.7°F) . The coldest month is January, with average highs of 6.1°C (43°F) and lows of -1.6°C (29°F) .

Month Avg. High (°C / °F) Avg. Low (°C / °F)
January 6.1 / 43 -1.6 / 29
February 8.9 / 48 0.0 / 32
March 13.4 / 56 3.7 / 39
April 20.4 / 69 9.9 / 50
May 25.3 / 78 15.7 / 60
June 29.3 / 85 20.0 / 68
July 31.7 / 89 22.6 / 73
August 30.1 / 86 21.2 / 70
September 26.8 / 80 17.7 / 64
October 20.3 / 69 11.5 / 53
November 13.9 / 57 4.8 / 41
December 8.6 / 47 1.4 / 35

Precipitation and Humidity

Rainfall is distributed fairly evenly throughout the year, with a total annual average of 969 mm (38 inches) . May is typically the wettest month . Snowfall is common in winter, with an average annual total of 66 mm (3 inches) . The heaviest snowfall occurs in January and February .

Sunny Days and UV Index

The area experiences a moderate amount of sunshine, with clearer skies more common in the late summer and early autumn. September and October are the sunniest months . The UV index can reach high levels during the summer months.

Seasonality and Best Time to Visit

The best times to visit Coral Hills for warm-weather activities are during the late spring (June) and early fall (mid-August to late September) .

Landmarks

Local Parks and Recreation

The primary recreational landmark in Coral Hills is the John E. Howard Community Center . Located at 4400 Shell Street, this facility is a hub for local activity. It includes amenities such as a gymnasium, an athletic field, a playground, and a tennis court, serving as a gathering place for community events and programs . The center is housed in a former elementary school, adding a layer of local history to the site.

Proximity to National Landmarks

Coral Hills's greatest landmark is its location just minutes from the heart of Washington, D.C. The community is an ideal base for visiting the nation's most iconic monuments and memorials, all located within a short drive or metro ride . These include:

Transport

Major Airports

Coral Hills is conveniently located near three major airports serving the Washington, D.C., and Baltimore region. Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) is the closest, located approximately 10-12 miles west of Coral Hills. It is easily accessible and primarily handles domestic flights. Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) is located about 30-35 miles to the west in Virginia, serving as a major international gateway. Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) is approximately 25-30 miles to the northeast, offering another major hub for domestic and international travel .

Public Transportation System

Coral Hills is well-served by the public transportation network of the Washington metropolitan area, making it easy to commute to Washington, D.C., without a car.

Major Highways

Coral Hills is situated near several major highways that provide excellent connectivity to the wider region. Interstate 95 (I-95) / I-495 (the Capital Beltway) is the primary highway encircling the Washington, D.C., area and is easily accessible, connecting travelers to Baltimore, Richmond, and points beyond. Other key routes include Maryland Route 4 (Pennsylvania Avenue) and Maryland Route 214 (Central Avenue) , which provide direct access into Washington, D.C., and other parts of Prince George's County .

Local Cuisine and Culinary Traditions

Coral Hills and its surrounding area, particularly in Prince George's County and neighboring Washington, D.C., offer a vibrant and diverse food scene. The culinary landscape is heavily influenced by Southern cuisine, fresh seafood, and international flavors, particularly from the Caribbean, Latin America, and Africa .

The Soul Food and Seafood Experience

A significant part of the local culinary identity is the blend of classic Southern cooking with high-quality seafood. This is a hallmark of the region's eateries.

Unique and Flavorful Fusions

The area's diversity shines through in restaurants that creatively blend different culinary traditions.

Caribbean and International Flavors

The influence of Caribbean cuisine is strong, with several restaurants offering authentic dishes.

International Fare and Comfort Food

Beyond these specialties, the area boasts a wide array of other dining options.

Museums

While specific museums are not located directly within Coral Hills, its position in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area provides residents and visitors with easy access to some of the world's most renowned museums and cultural institutions.

World-Class Museums in Nearby Washington, D.C.

Just a short drive from Coral Hills, the National Mall in Washington, D.C., hosts the Smithsonian Institution, the world's largest museum, education, and research complex. These museums are famed for their vast and invaluable collections and offer free admission.

Sport and Sporting Legends

Coral Hills is situated in a region with a deep and passionate sports culture. As part of the Washington, D.C. and Baltimore metropolitan areas, it is close to a multitude of professional teams, historic venues, and legendary athletes.

Major Professional Sports Teams and Venues Near Coral Hills

Residents of Coral Hills are fans of teams from both Washington, D.C., and Baltimore, making the region a vibrant crossroads for sports.

Washington, D.C. Teams

Baltimore, Maryland Teams

Legendary Athletes with Local Ties

The greater Washington-Baltimore area has been home to numerous sports icons. While not from Coral Hills specifically, these legends are part of the region's rich athletic tapestry:

Universities and Academic Institutions

There are no colleges or universities located directly within the small town of Coral Hills. However, it is surrounded by a wealth of higher education opportunities, with many institutions just a short drive away .

Colleges and Universities Near Coral Hills

The closest college to Coral Hills is Maple Springs Baptist Bible College and Seminary, located just 1.1 miles away in Capitol Heights, Maryland . For those seeking a community college, Prince George's Community College is approximately 5.6 miles from Coral Hills and offers accessible two-year programs .

The region is also home to some of the nation's most prestigious and largest universities within a reasonable driving distance.

Major Research Universities in the Region

Healthcare Institutions and Services

Residents of Coral Hills have access to a range of healthcare facilities, from local medical centers to world-renowned hospitals in nearby Washington, D.C., and Baltimore. While information about specific hospitals within Coral Hills comes from a source of low authority , the broader region is home to some of the nation's top medical institutions.

Major Regional Medical Centers Near Coral Hills

For complex and specialized care, residents can access some of the best hospitals in the United States, located a short distance away in Washington, D.C., and Baltimore.

Potential Local Healthcare Options

Based on a single, low-authority source, there are several hospitals listed as being within Coral Hills itself . This information should be independently verified, but it suggests the presence of local facilities that may serve the immediate community:

Discover new destinations