Is Hyattsville A Good Place To Live?

Kayla Eaton
by Kayla Eaton

Maryland is typically not a place we would think of, especially when thinking about moving to a new location. Hyattsville is a city in Prince George’s County with a decent-sized population. If you are curious to learn more about Hyattsville, look no further. We have come up with the research you need to know about the area before moving.

If you work in Washington DC and need a short commute to work, Hyattsville is one of the best areas you could possibly live in. It is more affordable than living in DC and about a 20-minute drive to the city’s borders. You will learn that the cost of living is lower in Hyattsville than in the surrounding areas. The area is full of diversity and a fun atmosphere. Like with any city, you will see some crime and need to be aware of your surroundings.

Many people would never consider moving to Hyattsville. Still, the truth is if you’re looking for a decent house to live in and a way to easily commute to Washington, this should be your first choice. The area is filled with parks, friendly neighbors, and yummy restaurants. This guide will help you understand what to expect if you’re thinking about moving to the area.

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Why Is Hyattsville A Good Place To Live?

Hyattsville is an up-and-coming town with a lot of amazing food, fun sights, and friendly faces. This is a town that is good for young professionals and small families. Here is everything you need to know about Hyattsville, Maryland.

Reasonable Living Cost

No matter who you are, the cost of living in Hyattsville is reasonable compared to the surrounding areas. This is one of the reasons this city is so attractive for young and old alike. The median home price in Hyattsville, Maryland, is $265,600. This is 44% higher than the United States average, but the quality of life matches such costs. This may be one of the highest expenses compared to other costs of living. Many other areas are around the same price as the national average.

A Scenic Experience

People often move to Hyattsville if they need an affordable place to live near Washington DC and easy to commute to. What they do not consider is how beautiful this area actually is. The city has a unique charm to it, and you will see the beauty built into every building. Moving to Hyattsville means that you get to view beautiful art, tons of trees, and historic homes. All of these make for a very scenic experience.

There is plenty of parks nearby that are safe for children to run around and play in. There are also tons of nature trails around the city that can be explored. Lastly, there are tons of entertainment options. If you are a big foodie, there are a variety of restaurants known for their fabulous food.

Low Crime Rates

Hyattsville is safer than 11% of the cities in the United States. Your chance of becoming a victim of violent crime in this area is 1 in 216, which may seem high but is actually safer than many other surrounding areas. In Hyattsville, Maryland, the overall crime rate is 162% higher than the national average.

This may deter you from moving to the area. Still, it is important to remember why the crime rate may look higher than the national average. Firstly, there is a larger population than other areas resting at 18,242, which is big for a smaller area. Secondly, it is closer to a big city that can draw in a rough crowd, this does not mean you have to worry, but you have to stay aware. Keep in mind that this city has an amazing police force who are incredibly responsive.

Loads Of Recreation

The best news about living in Hyattsville is that there are loads of recreational activities to choose from. No matter what you find, you won’t be disappointed. One of the main reasons people choose to visit Hyattsville, Maryland, is the impressive art district where you can view astounding murals and other public art. There are parks like Magruder Park, where you can choose a place within the 32 acres to have a family picnic.

The city has new wine tours, and occasionally the city will host wine festivals that draw in a large crowd. If you are interested in something that happens regularly, you may want to check out the local farmer’s markets. This typically happens once a week and can be one of the best ways to get to know a new area and meet the locals. Overall, this is a place where you can kick back and relax or enjoy the chaos of a small city.

Low Unemployment

Hyattsville has a lower unemployment rate than many of the surrounding areas. In Hyattsville, the unemployment rate is 4.1% which is above the national average. However, this should not scare you into not moving to the area. Many people who live in Hyattsville work in Washington DC affecting how we see the unemployment rate.

You are sure to find a job in this area no matter what your degree is or where you live in the city. The median household income of Hyattsville is $77,097. With this amount, you can expect to live comfortably.

You will find that the top industries in this area include automobile manufacturing, IT, and retail. If you are looking to move up in the tech world, this may be one of the best places to start. This area is also good for people who work in construction and looking for a place where growth can easily happen within a company.

What Are The Pitfalls Of Living In Hyattsville

Though Hyattsville has a lot of perks and attractions there are always downfalls to a city. If you start looking through reviews the city’s pitfalls become very apparent. There are a few problems to be aware of while living in Hyattsville.

  • Vandalizing properties happens a lot in Hyattsville. Though many people do not experience crime, personally, but it does happen. Many properties especially store properties, will get vandalized at some point in Hyattsville. This can be unnerving for some people, but many people report never having it happen to them.
  • Fewer community amenities are available for everyone to use. You will see that many people dislike that there are no basketball courts, local swimming pools, or tennis courts. However, there may be local gyms where you can pay to access to these types of amenities if you are interested.
  • There is a high poverty percentage here. One of the biggest complaints you will see there is a clear separation between the rich and the poor.  The poverty rate is 12% in Hyattsville, which is also above the national average. Many jobs are available, but having a job does not ensure a comfortable living in this area.
  • The homeless population is large. Like any city, you will find a decent number of homeless in the city, which can be frustrating for people. Over the last few years, there has been a massive increase in homeless people in the city. The good news is that Maryland has over 217 encampments and a lot of transitional housing options for people.
  • The crime rate may be higher than you are comfortable with. Though we talked about how this area is safer than many other areas, the crime rate is still high. If you are not used to living in the city, you may have a higher chance of becoming a victim of any crime. You will have to learn where to walk and the best places to avoid when moving to Hyattsville.

What Is The Cost Of Living In Hyattsville?

You may expect that living near Washington DC would be as expensive as living downtown, but this is simply not true! Here is what you need to know about the cost of living in Hyattsville. You may be pleasantly surprised.

  • The median home price of Hyattsville is $265,600. If you choose to rent in this area, you will find the average rental to be between $1,200-$1,433 per month. 53% of this community chooses to rent over the 47% who decide to buy. Both renting and buying are affordable in this area. Much more reasonable to live in Hyattsville and commute to Washington DC.
  • Food and groceries are just above the national average. The ranking for food and groceries in this area is 108.5, and you may find that things are relatively the same price in other areas.
  • Transportation is way above the national average, and utilities are close to the average. You may need to worry about how much transportation is going to cost, it is ranked at 142.3%. Utilities are closer to the national average ranking at 109.4.
  • Healthcare is below the national average in Hyattsville. If you are worried about healthcare, don’t be! The health price index sits nicely at 93.0.

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Related Questions

What is the cheapest Eastern state to live in?

If you are looking for affordable or cheap places on the East coast, you should check out Florida, South Carolina, Georgia, and Maryland. Places like Baltimore and Charleston have a lower cost of living but also some fun communities to live in.


Does Hyattsville have a racism problem?

No matter which city you live in, there will be mixed beliefs. The great thing about Hyattsville is that it’s really diverse, and you will get a variety of outlooks on life. You may run into someone with racist beliefs, but it should not be a daily experience in this city.


What are the most in-demand jobs in Hyattsville?

You will find that the most in-demand jobs and biggest industries are automobile manufacturing, IT or technology, and retail services in this city. If you are in one of these industries, you may find your dream job in Hyattsville, Maryland.

Kayla Eaton
Kayla Eaton

Kayla is a full-time content creator and her passion is everything green. When she's not writing city-based content at UpgradedHome, her focus is on the environment and sustainability. Kayla loves to travel and is always looking forward to her next vacation!

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