Accokeek is home to the Robert Ware Strauss Ecosystem Farm. Maintained by the Accokeek Foundation, the farm was created in 1991. The learning farm is certified organic and solar-powered. It was designed to address soil issues for regeneration and usage of challenging lands.
Accokeek is an area of Prince George's County in Maryland. Though it is not incorporated, it has an approximate population of 10,500 residents. Though it is urbanized, Accokeek still maintains a large rural area, mixed with residential communities. Its population grew substantially after World War II. In 1942, a roadway now known as Indian Head Highway was constructed, helping to connect Accokeek with Washington, DC. If you are a federal worker, this roadway gives you a convenient route home after a hard day at work.
Moving to Accokeek
If you are planning a move to Accokeek, start your search for apartments early. The area boasts an extensive inventory of apartments and homes for rent to accommodate the large number of federal workers who live there and commute into Washington, DC each day. Before moving, gather your financial information, including pay stubs. If you are starting a new job, get a letter from your new employer stating how much you will be earning. You should also ensure that you have an adequate security deposit available to hold a unit once you have been approved. Nothing messes up a rental application faster than the lack of available funds. Make sure that you have good rental references to strengthen your applications. You want to show your potential new landlord that you cannot only be counted on to make timely rental payments, but also that you will be a good tenant who will care for their property.
If you are in need of a lot of room, rental houses are a viable option in Accokeek. Two and 3 bedroom houses for rent are routinely available due to the area's large military presence. You may also want to consider a basement apartment. They are usually in the basement of a large home, located within a nice residential area. These apartments give you the feeling of a residential neighborhood without the price of an entire house. You may even find some rental agreements with all utilities paid.
Neighborhoods in Accokeek
Accokeek is essentially one big neighborhood in itself, though it has a few different subdivisions worthy of honorable mention.
Summerwood: This is a new community, located just miles from Washington, DC and the National Harbor. With calming, wooded home sites and recently built homes, this is a peaceful community perfect for those looking to get away from the craziness of work and everyday stress.
Horizon Estates: Experience metropolitan living while living in a rural community. With large brick homes and manicured yards, the community offers an upscale environment just miles from the nation's capital.
Eschinger: An established community, with a mixture of two story and rambler houses. Large yards, with wooded lots and huge yards make it a great place for those who love to spend time in the great outdoors.
Living in Accokeek
Accokeek is an abundance of activity, especially if you are a nature lover. The Ecosystem Farm is open to visitors during the weekends for tours and educational presentations. It also hosts a farmers' market on Saturdays for the sale of fruits cultivated there. Every Tuesday evening, you are welcome to get your hands dirty and participate in the Happy Farm Hour, where you can help with planting and harvesting the crops. The Alice Ferguson Foundation also provides a farming experience. The Hard Bargain Farm is aimed toward education and it offers professional development classes for teachers or other environmental educators. Each May, the farm hosts the Spring Farm Festival, complete with food, live entertainment and barnyard adventures!
If farming isn't your cup of tea, you can still enjoy the Hard Bargain Farm with evening theatrical performances at the farm amphitheater. The Hard Bargain Players present Theater in the Woods, showcasing the talent of local actors throughout the summer months. Harmony Hall is another popular venue, offering a wide array of performances for your to enjoy. Dance recitals, musical shows and educational programs are presented and open to the public year round.
One of the best things about Accokeek is its proximity to an endless amount of activities within Prince Georges County. The Beltway Bar-B-Cue classic lights up the summer sky with amazing smells and incredible tastes. While you enjoy the food, you take a look at the annual car show. The governor has even classified it as a state bar-b-cue championship. A short drive will place you at the National Harbor, with more than 300 acres of waterfront shopping, dining and recreation. The new ferris wheel is sure to wake up the kid in you, while the specialty shops are filled with unique finds. Six Flags is also within driving distance. An amusement park that will satisfy the thrill seeker in your household with a variety of roller coasters. Are you a water baby? If so, you will love the water park with huge water slides, wave pools and a rafting river.
Shopping is abundant in and around Accokeek. You will have a number of grocery options and department stores, so you can always catch the best deal. The Mall at Prince Georges County is easily accessible, as is the Iverson Mall. A short ride down Indian Head Highway places you at the St. Charles Town Center, with more than 130 stores to satisfy even the discriminating of shoppers. A short ride in the other direction will lead you into Washington, DC, where you can patronize the upscale Georgetown Park or Gallery Place in downtown.