Laurel is a city about 14 miles northeast of Washington, D.C., that is located in Prince George's County, Maryland. Parts of three other counties -- Anne Arundel, Howard, and Montgomery – are adjacent to the city limits and are commonly called "Laurel," but they are not part of the city.
The city lies over nearly four square miles of land, and has population of about 20,000. It is a town popular among people who commute to and from work in Washington, DC. Laurel is not only in close driving distance, but is also accessible via two commuter train stations in the directions to both Washington and Baltimore.
Although traditionally Laurel has been mostly a renter's community, in recent years homeownership has been steadily increasing. In January 2006, the average home sold for $339,154. That amount buys a home built in the mid 1900s that is typically two bedrooms and within a complex or high rise building. There are also some, but not many, older and historic homes, along with some smaller apartment buildings and single family-homes. A select few properties sell for up to a million dollars.
Laurel boasts a fairly low crime rate, low unemployment, and good schools. Public schools here offer a higher than the national average teacher to pupil ratio, and smaller class sizes. Most students earn their diplomas, and many go off to pursue a college education.
Laurel in the 18th and 19th centuries the region was known as Laurel Factory, after the iron works along the local Patuxent River. Eventually the town's name was shortened. In 1899, Laurel's seven-time mayor Edward Phelps succeeded in constructing the first high school in Prince George's County, despite several financial obstacles. The school building still stands on the corner of Montgomery and Eighth Streets.
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Laurel is a city about 14 miles northeast of Washington, D.C., that is located in Prince George's County, Maryland. Parts of three other counties -- Anne Arundel, Howard, and Montgomery – are adjacent to the city limits and are commonly called "Laurel," but they are not part of the city.
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