Fort Meade - USNA - Andrews AFB: April 2010

TOP THREE REASONS MILITARY FAMILIES CHOOSE BOWIE:

If you have PCS orders for duty in the D.C. area, you're probably both excited about the opportunity and nervous about the cost of living.  Even though I grew up in the area, that's exactly how my husband and I felt when we were faced with a move from San Diego CA to Annapolis, where he would teach at the U.S. Naval Academy.

One of the first places we looked for a home was Bowie MD, and here's why:

1.  LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION -

Bowie MD is less than a half hour to Andrews AFB, Fort Meade and the US Naval Academy.  It's also home to military personnel stationed at the Pentagon, Bethesda Naval Medical Center, Walter Reed,and other installations in the Baltimore-Washington area.  From the intersection of Routes 3 and 50 in Bowie, it's a straight shot to Washington, Annapolis and Baltimore.  Talk about a convenient location! 

2.  AFFORDABLE HOMES -

Detached homes on quarter-acre lots, now priced under $300,000, are the norm in the Levitt-built community of Belair at Bowie.  Larger and newer homes at a higher price point are available, as well, and it's not impossible to find a bank-owned or short-sale property closer to $200,000. 

3.  FUN THINGS TO DO -

Oh my goodness... the list takes at least three hands when I start counting the options!  Parks, playgrounds, shopping, golf, tennis, swimming, ice-skating, skate-boarding, dining out, movies, live theatre, minor-league baseball, Bowie Boys & Girls Club, paddle-boating, walking/jogging trails, museums, and more.  In fact, I recently started a series of blog posts highlighting "Fun Things to do in Bowie MD", so be sure to watch for them here on the Maryland Real Estate Blog.

No doubt those same factors are important to you!  Who wouldn't want to live in an affordable home in a convenient location where there are plenty of fun things to do?

For a personal tour of Bowie MD - the neighborhoods, homes and fun things to do - give me a call.  I'm always pleased to welcome military families to Maryland and help make the transition a smooth one!

There's no shortage of places to dine in Bowie MD when your taste buds get tired of the same ol' thing.  Whether you're looking for burgers or fajitas, seafood or salad... it's all here in Bowie, within five minutes of Belair at Bowie. 

One of my family's favorite restaurants in Bowie is Rip's, although you can find almost any national franchise eatery your heart desires.

Why Rip's?  First of all, it IS unique - you won't find one in or near every shopping mall in the country.  The food is home-style and home-cooked on site... recipes the locals have enjoyed for years, some since the 50's.  And the decor honors Bowie's place in history as the cradle of thoroughbred racing.  Ask for a booth, where you'll see the name of a champion thoroughbred posted overhead.

We frequent the franchise restaurants in Bowie, too: Bob Evans, especially for breakfast; Outback Steakhouse, Texas Roadhouse, and Texas Longhorns for steak; On the Boarder and Chili's for Tex-Mex; Carrabbas, Applebee's, Olive Garden, Uno's, DeClaw Brewery, Panera Bread, and countless fast-food restaurants, too.  One thing for sure, you know what to expect at each of these places, so you're rarely disappointed.

After dinner, head on over to Regal Bowie Crossing Cinema.  With 14 screens, there's bound to be a show that interests you.  Seating is stadium style, and you can purchase your ticket online in advance or in the lobby when you arrive.  If you're still hungry you can grab some popcorn, candy or beverages before heading into a show.  (Click Bowie Movie Times and Tickets)

Yes, you could cook a frozen dinner and watch a movie on DVD, but it's just not the same as going out and doing something fun in Bowie, is it?

MORE FUN THINGS TO DO IN BOWIE MD:

1. Dinner and a Movie - Fun Things To Do In Bowie MD - There's no shortage of places to dine in Bowie MD when your taste buds get tired of the same ol' thing.  Whether you're looking for burgers or fajitas, seafood or salad... it's all here in Bowie. One of my family's...
2. Let's Play Golf - Fun Things To Do In Bowie MD - Looking for things to do in Bowie, Maryland?  Local residents love Bowie Golf and Country Club, a city-owned facility on Route 197 in North Bowie operated as a semi-private club. This 18-hole golf course...
3. Take a Walk Through History - Fun Things To Do In Bowie MD - Take a walk through history right here in Bowie MD as you explore several sites listed on the National Register of Historic Places, including the Belair Mansion, Belair Stable, and Bowie Railroad Museum...
4. Spend an Afternoon with a Good Book - Fun Things to Do In Bowie MD - Whether you prefer a best seller or a literary classic to read, you'll find it at BOWIE LIBRARY, located on Route 450 adjacent to Bowie Sr. High School.  But books aren't the only thing you'll find…
5. Enjoy a Lazy Day at Allen Pond - Fun Things to do in Bowie MD - Enjoy a lazy afternoon at Allen Pond with family and friends... or even by yourself.  There's something to be said for "getting away" for a little peace and quiet.  Bowie residents love Allen Pond...
6. Take Fido to the Dog Park - Fun Things To Do in Bowie MD - Take your dog to the Dog Park on Northview Drive in Bowie MD, and you'll both enjoy it!  Bowie residents find that it's a great opportunity to spend some quality time with your pet, for your dog to get some...
7. One, Two, Three Strikes You're Out at the Bowie Baysox - Fun Things to Do in Bowie MD - How lucky are we to have the Bowie Baysox right here in Bowie MD, not to mention the fact that we live about a half hour from major league baseball in both Washington, D.C. and Baltimore!
8. Live Performances - Fun Things to do in Bowie MD - Bernard Slade's Same Time, Next Year opened this weekend at Bowie Playhouse and runs through August 14. Bowie Playhouse - known for many years as Bowie Theatre in the Woods - is located near Belair in Bowie, in Whitemarsh Park off southbound Route 3, between Routes 50 and 450.  It's a 150-seat indoor theatre owned and operated by the City of Bowie.