Temple Hills, MD

Temple Hills began in the 1860s when the famous Dr. Edward Temple lived in a mansion called Moor Park near Henson Creek. He was a major land owner of this neighborhood, so no wonder that this place is called Temple Hills. More residents began to move in here from neighboring communities, and with the growth of DC, this place also grew. More businesses moved here in the early part of 20th century, and this brought more residents.

Temple Hills has a vibrant arts scene with Pave Performing Arts and Events Center on Branch Avenue and Annie's Art Gallery on Allentown Way. Both these places house the work of local artists and give a glimpse of the local talent.

There are no local festivals here, but you can always drive up to Capitol Hill for the DC Beer Festival, DC Veg Fest and H Street Festival.

You have dining options galore at Temple Hills where you can choose from a wide range of cuisines to match your food cravings. Branch Avenue houses many excellent restaurants, making it a one-stop road for all your culinary delights.

Want to try some authentic Italian food in a warm ambiance? Head to Topolino, an Italian Bistro on Branch Avenue. A specialty of this restaurant is the authentic flavor that comes from cooking on a wood-burning brick oven. The menu has everything Italian, ranging from antipasto salads to veal Parmesan to pasta to pizza dishes and more. Its inviting ambiance and friendly waiters make it a wholesome place to dine with your family.

Grab the tastiest sushi and hibachi at Fuji Mountain Steak House on Branch Avenue. In fact, locals throng here to taste the best sushi on this side of the town. Its interesting environment combines a fine-dining area, a hibachi spot and a sports bar. So, when you want to watch your favorite players in action with a bite of sushi and a sip of Japanese drinks, nothing beats Fuji Mountain Steak House. Friendly owners and knowledgeable bartenders add to a wonderful dining experience.

To get a sample of Temple Hills' cultural diversity, stop by Tropicana Eatery, also located on Branch Avenue. This restaurant specializes in serving authentic Caribbean dishes such as steamed red snapper, escoveitched red snapper, callaloo and catfish, kuntry chicken, jerk BBQ wings, oxtail, pineapple soda and more. Cooked to perfection with flavorful spices and fresh ingredients, this place is another favorite of the locals.

To get a feel of nightlife in Temple Hills, head to Marlow Winghouse and Sports Grill on Branch Avenue. They serve great drinks and the best wings to complement the drinks. Come here with a few friends to watch your favorite teams in action, and sip drinks made by a friendly bartender. If you're in the mood for something more upscale, make the short trip north to Wisdom on Pennsylvania Avenue. Known for its excellent gin selection, Wisdom attracts a crowd of discerning cocktail-lovers. The bar also features a large menu of speciality drinks and a variety of inexpensive "sippers."

Being close to DC, Temple Hills is well-connected by public transport. The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority green line train plies from downtown DC to Branch Avenue, with a train every 40 minutes. A 28-day Metrorail pass costs $237. Most people who work in downtown DC area prefer to take the Metro for work. Locals who work in other neighborhoods take the car due to availability of public parking spaces and proximity to Interstate 95. To run short errands, people like to take a walk or bike through the streets during summer.

Though there are no parks within Temple Hills, drive around a handful miles to get to some of the best parks in this area. Allentown Splash, Tennis and Fitness Park has the best swimming pool and fitness equipment while the Oxon Hill Farm is a great place to spend a fun day with family, especially kids. Several hands-on activities are there which they surely will enjoy.

Unique culture and arts scene, vibrant businesses and safe residential communities surround Washington DC, with Temple Hills being one of them. Such places cost more, so it is no surprise that Temple Hills sits at about 8.5 percent higher than national average. This increase, though not substantial, reflects on amenities that make this community popular. A single bedroom apartment rents for $919.40 while a pint of beer costs $4.05 at the local pub. A gallon of gas sets you back by $2.53, and this is 6.75 percent higher than the national average.

For all your shopping needs head to Iverson Mall or Marlow Heights Shopping Center, both located on Branch Avenue. Both these malls offer a great shopping experience with tons of clothing, beauty, fitness, food and gifts stores. To get to the closest Tanger Outlet mall, drive out a few miles to National Harbor.

To get a personalized shopping experience, go to Forman Mills on Branch Avenue. This store has some of the best branded clothes at the cheapest prices. Friendly staff and quick service add to the pleasure of shopping here.

For plus size women, Ashley Stewart on Branch Avenue boasts of an excellent selection of clothes and accessories. Good customer service and clothes of all designs and sizes make this place every plus-size woman's paradise.

Get your groceries at Jumbo Food on Brinkley Road or Giant on Branch Avenue. To get fresh produce during the summer months, drive up to Capitol Hill to visit Watkins FoodPrints Farmer's Market or the Eastern Market.