Edmonston - Hyattsville, MD Area Guide

The town most likely attained its name from landowner Captain James Edmonston, who owned a large ship and was active in Revolutionary War efforts. As the town developed and incorporated in 1924, residents sought to find a name that would establish it as an independent region from Hyattsville. With each war, new subdivisions were built, but the largest population boom occurred during and just after World War II, which also prompted the largest growth in planned subdivisions.

No museums reside within in the neighborhood’s boundaries, but the Prince George African American Museum and Cultural Center sits just outside Edmonston on Rhode Island Avenue. Locals also depend on Brentwood for nearby access to an arts scene, since it houses galleries and performing art studios. Aside from annual Edmonston Day, residents look forward to the Hyattsville Arts Festival for the best of local culture.

A blooming food scene overshadows most other aspects of life in Edmonston, with the most popular options forming a circle rather than a central grub hub.

Start your search for the perfect meal on Decatur Street, beginning with La Fondita — a hole-in-the-wall Mexican cafe reputed for its spicy chorizo and tender beef tacos. With prices running less than $3 per taco, this restaurant's visitors feel compelled to try a variety of menu items, including the famed carne asada tacos. Wash your perfectly seasoned meal down with an agua fresca for a satisfying finish to a meal fit for the border.

For a taste of local flavor, sip a beer from Franklins Restaurant, Brewery and General Store on Baltimore Avenue. This location doubles as a popular late-night hangout and a famed dinner spot. Cuisine constantly rotates with the season, so locals recommend stopping in frequently to sample the best dishes. Start with fried oysters or the legendary beer-battered onion rings before devouring a plate full of St. Louis-style ribs. Local farms supply Franklins with all its meat and produce, ensuring patrons get dry-aged beef raised naturally in Maryland. This award-winning brewery attracts beer mavens with a thirst for hoppy brews straight from the tap. Locals recommend the Private IPA or Old Miser though many tasty options grace the establishment's impressive list.

For delectably cheesy pizza, head to Three Brothers Pizza on Kenilworth Avenue. This buffet-style pizza joint serves up some of the best slices in town. An authentic Italian deli gives hungry diners the option to build meaty sandwiches or savor a tangy Italian ice. Though the restaurant's name honors its flavorful pizzas, the Italian classics deserve just as much praise.

Although Edmonston lacks a prominent nightlife scene, residents still find fun things to do on weekend evenings nearby. Have a happy hour pint at Old Dominion Brewhouse or enjoy hookah with friends at Cafe Hookah Lounge.

The majority of residents choose driving as their primary means of transportation, including carpooling and ride shares such as Uber. Residents in need of temporary wheels call ahead to one of several taxi services in the area. Otherwise, public transportation is one of the most efficient and popular choices. A commute to the city involves at least one bus transfer, so residents take the T14 route to connect to the Metro Red Line at Rhode Island Metro Station in Brookland. The entire process takes about an hour, which doubles the commute compared to using a car.

Navigating the neighborhood by other means, such as walking or biking, is easiest along Kenilworth Avenue. However, the bike infrastructure remains limited, so cyclists keep to Decatur Street and the Anacostia Tributary Trail System, which runs for miles along the Anacostia River.

Despite the Anacostia River slicing through the middle of Edmonston, no parks have sprung up around the waterfront. In fact, only one neighborhood park resides inside the area’s boundaries, so locals in need of fresh air head south to Bladensburg to partake in the festivities offered by the Bladensburg Waterfront Park on Annapolis Road.

Cyclists and joggers enjoy the paved riverside path, while the community boat ramp gives fishers access to the water. Entering the park is free, but locals recommend bringing some extra cash to rent equipment, such as bicycles or canoes. The park also features interpretive pontoon tours to showcase the best of the scenic river, in addition to regular events such as the A-May-Zing Animal Fest and Annual Port Towns Day.

With miles of winding trails that link to the Anacostia River Trail, residents can explore for hours, especially if they bring along their furry friends on leashes. Families with children frequent Fletchers Field, Edmonston’s sole park at the northernmost point in town. This field combines the best of sports fields and courts with a playground and trail system. Athletes appreciate the exercise-centric park just as much as rambunctious kids.

Compared to D.C., residents of Edmonston get quite a bargain on general living costs. At almost 19 percent more affordable than the District, Edmonston residents pay significantly less for their homes. The average rental prices hovers around $1,200 a month for a standard one-bedroom apartment. However, other facets of life, such as utilities and groceries, cost the same as they do in the District. Beer costs locals between $4 to $6, and fuel prices typically trend about 3 percent higher than the national average. Otherwise, overall prices remain affordable, especially since residents can pick up a one-day WMATA bus and rail pass for $3.50.

The primarily residential make up of Edmonston results in limited shopping options within the area's boundaries, although all necessities can be found within a few miles of the neighborhood. Most clusters of shops and larger stores occur along major roadways, such as Annapolis Road in Bladensburg. Additionally, the proximity to Hyattsville means locals only need to travel a few minutes outside their homes to reach chain department stores, such as JCPenney and Target.

A few local options give residents an alternative to big-name suppliers, such as Arrow Bicycle and Nisey’s Boutique, which sells women’s accessories and jewelry in Brentwood. Locals who prefer a one-stop shop for a multitude of items head to the Hyattsville mall at Prince George’s Plaza.

Scattered grocery and convenience stores make it easier to pick up food and pit stop items. Chain stores such as 7-Eleven primarily operate in Edmonston, but larger supermarkets such as the Yes Organic Market sell food in Hyattsville. Locals who prefer hand-selecting their produce and meat patronize the Riverdale Park Farmers Market since Edmonston doesn’t host a market of its own.