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Temple Hills, MD

Temple Hills is an unincorporated suburb of Washington, D.C., in Prince George's County, Maryland, known for its convenient access to the Capital Beltway and Metro rail.

About the City

Official Status and Administrative Affiliation

Temple Hills is an unincorporated area and census-designated place (CDP) in Prince George's County, Maryland, United States . This means it does not have its own municipal government and is administered directly by the county. The community was named after Edward Temple, a 19th-century resident whose home, Moor Park, was located beside Henson Creek . It is part of the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area, a region globally known as the nation's political and administrative center.

Date of Foundation and Age

The community's name dates back to the 1860s, when Edward Temple lived in the area . However, its development into a suburban residential area began much later. The majority of the housing—garden apartments, duplexes, and single-family homes—was constructed during the post-World War II boom, primarily from the 1950s through the 1970s, shaping the community's current character .

Geographic Position and Coordinates

Temple Hills is located in Prince George's County, Maryland, at the coordinates 38.8106° N, 76.9495° W . It sits immediately southeast of Washington, D.C., bordering the communities of Hillcrest Heights, Marlow Heights, Camp Springs, and Oxon Hill . The center of the CDP lies at an elevation of approximately 269 feet (82 meters) above sea level . It is a suburban residential area situated on a coastal plain near the Potomac River.

City Type and Economic Specialization

Temple Hills is primarily a residential suburb and a bedroom community for the neighboring Washington, D.C., and Northern Virginia job markets . Its economy is intrinsically linked to its role as a commuter base. Key economic functions include retail and services centered around local shopping plazas like the Marlow Heights Shopping Center and Iverson Mall . Its location near the Capital Beltway (I-95/I-495) and Andrews Air Force Base also makes it a strategic residential and logistical point within the region .

Population and Demographics

According to the 2020 U.S. Census, the population of the Temple Hills CDP was 8,350 . Based on this figure, it is classified as a small town or small community. The demographic profile shows that the population is predominantly African American (81.83% in 2020), with a growing Hispanic or Latino community making up 9.80% of residents .

City's "Business Card" (Brief)

Temple Hills is a quiet, well-established suburban community that serves as a convenient and practical gateway to the nation's capital. Its identity is defined by its quiet residential streets, its proximity to the amenities of the Washington, D.C. metro area, and its excellent transport links via the Capital Beltway and the Washington Metro's Green Line, making it a classic "bedroom community" for the capital region .

Transport

Temple Hills' identity is fundamentally shaped by its role as a commuter hub, and its transport infrastructure reflects this.

Main Highways

The community's most critical transport artery is the Capital Beltway (I-95/I-495) , which provides direct access to Washington, D.C., Northern Virginia, and other parts of the Maryland suburbs . The widening of the Woodrow Wilson Bridge on I-95 in 2008 significantly improved commuter access to Northern Virginia's job market .

Public Transit

Temple Hills is exceptionally well-connected to Washington, D.C., via the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) system. The Branch Avenue Metro Station on the Green Line is a primary transit hub for the area, providing rail service directly into the heart of the city . The Naylor Road and Southern Avenue Metro Stations also serve the region . Bus services complement the Metro, making public transit a practical option for commuting and getting around the region .

Airports

For air travel, Temple Hills is conveniently located near two major airports. Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) is the closest, offering many domestic flights . Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) and Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) are also within reasonable driving distance, providing a full range of domestic and international flight options.

Local Transportation

Within the community, driving a car is the most convenient mode of transport due to the suburban layout and sufficient parking availability . Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft are also readily available and widely used for trips to Metro stations, shopping centers, and airports . Walking and biking are options in some neighborhoods, though infrastructure and distances can make them less practical for longer trips .

Climate and Weather

Temple Hills experiences a humid subtropical climate (Cfa) , typical of the mid-Atlantic region, characterized by four distinct seasons .

General Characteristics

Summers in Temple Hills are hot, humid, and muggy, while winters are generally mild to cool with cold spells and occasional snow. Precipitation is plentiful and fairly evenly distributed throughout the year . The city enjoys a good amount of sunshine, with an average of over 3000 hours annually .

Average Temperatures

Precipitation and Humidity

The average annual precipitation is substantial, measuring around 47.7 inches (1210 mm) . Rainfall is distributed throughout the year, though late spring and summer months (May through August) tend to be the wettest, often bringing thunderstorms . Snowfall is common in winter, with January and February typically seeing the most accumulation, averaging 5-6 inches .

Seasonality and Best Time to Visit

The best times to visit Temple Hills for pleasant weather are spring (mid-March to May) and autumn (September to October) .

Attractions and Landmarks

While Temple Hills itself is primarily residential, its location offers easy access to major attractions in Prince George's County and Washington, D.C.

Local and Nearby Points of Interest

Major D.C. Attractions

Temple Hills serves as an ideal base for visiting the world-famous attractions of the nation's capital. The Metro's Green Line provides direct access to sites like the U.S. Capitol, the National Mall, the National Museum of the American Indian, the Tidal Basin, and the National Gallery of Art . The U.S. Capitol, with its iconic dome, is a must-see, and the nearby Ulysses S. Grant Memorial and Capitol Reflecting Pool are part of the monumental core .

Local Cuisine and Culinary Traditions

The culinary scene in Temple Hills is a vibrant reflection of the broader Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia (DMV) region, with a strong emphasis on Southern-inspired comfort food, soul food, and seafood. Local eateries are known for hearty portions and bold flavors that have garnered a loyal following.

Iconic Local Dishes

Fried Fish and Chicken A staple of the local food scene is the classic combination of expertly fried fish and chicken. Establishments like Hip Hop Fish & Chicken have built a reputation on this dish . The catfish is particularly celebrated, often described as "seasoned just right, nice and crispy" and "soft and flaky" . It is typically served with a generous portion of french fries. The key to its local fame is the seasoning and the freshness of the fry, with reviewers consistently praising the food for being "hot and fresh" .

Chicken and Waffles This soul food classic is a signature dish in Temple Hills, with Country Style Chicken & Waffles being a standout destination . The dish features crispy, well-seasoned fried chicken served alongside a waffle with a "crispy crust and soft tender inside" . It's a beloved combination that represents the best of Southern cuisine in the area . Other popular Southern-inspired items from local menus include mac and cheese, collard greens, and banana pudding .

A Regional Favorite: Mambo Sauce

No exploration of the local cuisine is complete without mentioning Mambo Sauce. This iconic condiment is a staple across the DMV. It's a unique, tangy, and slightly sweet sauce that locals drizzle on everything from fried chicken and fish to fries . One enthusiastic reviewer for a Temple Hills restaurant noted that their meal was only missing one thing: "MAMBO SAUCE Come in it's a DMV Iconic sauce!" . It's an essential part of the area's culinary identity.

Breakfast and Brunch Culture

Temple Hills also has a strong breakfast and brunch culture, with options extending beyond the classic chicken and waffle. Local spots offer hearty platters like "The Lumberjack Platter," which can include pancakes, home fries, turkey sausage, turkey bacon, and scrambled eggs . Buttermilk pancakes are another popular choice, praised for their buttery taste and perfect texture . The availability of all-day breakfast items makes these local eateries a popular choice for any meal.

Museums and Cultural Institutions

While Temple Hills itself has a limited number of museums, its location in Prince George's County places it within a short drive of a rich array of historical, aviation, and cultural museums.

Museums Near Temple Hills

College Park Aviation Museum Located just a short drive away in College Park, this museum is an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution and holds a place of honor in aviation history . It is situated on the site of the world's oldest continuously operating airport, where the Wright Brothers trained military aviators. The museum features historic aircraft and interactive exhibits that tell the story of aviation's early years .

Surratt House Museum In nearby Clinton, the Surratt House Museum offers a deep dive into 19th-century Maryland history and culture . The house is famously associated with the assassination of President Abraham Lincoln, as it was the home of Mary Surratt, who was tried and executed for her role in the conspiracy. It provides a fascinating, albeit somber, look at a pivotal moment in American history.

Historic Plantation Homes The area surrounding Temple Hills is home to several historic plantations that are now museums. Riversdale, a National Historic Landmark in Riverdale, is a restored five-part stucco-covered brick plantation home built between 1801 and 1807 . Darnall's Chance in Upper Marlboro, built in the 1740s, offers a glimpse into colonial life and the story of a prominent Maryland family . Further south in Waldorf is the Dr. Samuel Mudd House, the home of the doctor who set John Wilkes Booth's broken leg after the Lincoln assassination, adding another layer to the region's Civil War-era history .

National Museum of Health and Medicine Located in Silver Spring, this unique museum was established during the Civil War as the Army Medical Museum . It contains a vast collection of specimens and artifacts related to the history of military medicine, including exhibits on battlefield surgery, prosthetics, and the development of modern medical practices. It is a must-visit for those interested in science and medical history.

Children's Museums in the Region

For families, the broader region offers several excellent children's museums. The National Children's Museum in Washington, D.C., focuses on science, technology, engineering, arts, and math (STEAM) with interactive exhibits designed to spark curiosity in children from birth to age 12 . In Baltimore, the Port Discovery Children's Museum is a three-floor, award-winning museum with numerous hands-on exhibits for kids of all ages . Closer to Temple Hills, smaller venues like Play Street Museum in Severna Park offer purpose-built interactive play spaces for young children .

Sport and Local Athletics

While Temple Hills is not home to major professional sports franchises, it is a community with active youth sports programs and is situated very close to the professional sports scene of Washington, D.C.

Local Youth Sports

Community-based athletics are an important part of life in Temple Hills. Institutions like From the Heart Christian School offer a wide range of sports teams for both boys and girls, including baseball, basketball, soccer, track and field, and cheerleading . These programs provide a foundation for youth athletic development and foster community spirit.

Pro Sports in Nearby Washington, D.C.

For residents of Temple Hills, the entirety of Washington, D.C.'s professional sports landscape is easily accessible. Fans can support:

This proximity allows Temple Hills residents to be deeply connected to a full calendar of major league sporting events year-round.

Universities and Educational Institutions

Temple Hills is a suburban community with access to a wide range of higher education opportunities in the surrounding Prince George's County area and the wider D.C. metropolitan region.

Nearby Universities and Colleges

While there are no universities within the immediate borders of Temple Hills, several notable institutions are located just a short drive away.

University of Maryland, College Park Located in nearby College Park, the University of Maryland (UMD) is the flagship public university of the state and a major research institution . It is consistently ranked among the top public universities in the United States and is known for its strong programs in computer science, engineering, and business. The campus is also home to the College Park Aviation Museum, an affiliate of the Smithsonian .

Bowie State University Part of the University System of Maryland, Bowie State University is located in the nearby city of Bowie. It is a historically black university (HBCU) with a long history dating back to 1865. It offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs and is an important educational and cultural hub in the region.

Prince George's Community College With a campus in Largo, Prince George's Community College (PGCC) is the primary two-year college for the county. It provides accessible higher education, workforce development programs, and transfer pathways to four-year universities for residents of Temple Hills and the surrounding area.

Healthcare Facilities and Services

Temple Hills is well-served by a network of healthcare facilities, providing residents with access to primary care, specialized medicine, and urgent care services.

Major Medical Centers

Camp Springs Medical Center Located within Temple Hills at 6104 Old Branch Ave, the Camp Springs Medical Center is a major healthcare facility serving the community. It is part of the Kaiser Permanente network and operates as a multi-specialty medical office building . The center offers a wide range of services, including primary care (Family Medicine and Internal Medicine), laboratory services, and urgent care (by appointment) . Patients can manage their care through kp.org, schedule appointments, and use self-service check-in for lab work . A large team of providers, including Dr. Jennifer Ah-Kee (Internal Medicine), Dr. Elizabeth Coe (Family Medicine), and many others, practice at this location .

AHF Healthcare Center Another key facility is the AHF Healthcare Center, located at 4302 Saint Barnabas Road in Temple Hills . This center specializes in Infectious Disease and Internal Medicine, and is staffed by a team of practicing physicians and nurse practitioners . AHF is a global organization known for providing cutting-edge medicine and advocacy, regardless of a patient's ability to pay. Their presence in Temple Hills ensures access to specialized care for residents. The center accepts a wide variety of insurance plans, including major providers like Aetna, CIGNA, CareFirst BCBS, and UnitedHealthcare .

Access to a Broader Health Network

Beyond the facilities within Temple Hills, residents have access to the extensive medical resources of the greater Washington, D.C./Baltimore metropolitan area. This includes world-renowned hospitals and specialized treatment centers, such as the National Museum of Health and Medicine in nearby Silver Spring, which, while a museum, underscores the region's deep history and focus on medical innovation . The proximity to these major urban centers ensures that Temple Hills residents are never far from top-tier medical care.

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