Written By Malcolm Lawson

Just south of Washington D.C. is Waldorf in Charles County, Maryland. The suburb is densely populated, although quiet, and home to many young professionals. It has 15 distinct neighborhoods, each with its own characteristics.

About Waldorf, Maryland

Starting out as a rural community at a crossroads, Waldorf was settled just before the turn of the 20th century. The town sprung up around the train station and was named Beantown after one of the local families. It changed to Waldorf in 1880, a name chosen for William Waldorf Astor.

For several decades, Waldorf was best known as a tobacco market. This changed in 1949 with the legalization of slot machines in Charles County. Throughout the 1950s and 1960s, Waldorf was a prime destination for gambling, but all this ended in 1968 when gambling was outlawed.

The town went through a subsequent transition in 1970, when it received a loan package from the Department of Housing and Urban Development. This allowed for the construction of a planned community and the town became a residential center.

Things to Do in Waldorf

The most important place of interest in Waldorf is St. Catharine (also called Dr. Samuel A. Mudd House). The historic farmhouse is listed on the National Register of Historical Places and is a great place to learn about the history of the region.

Other top activities include bowling at AMF Waldorf Lanes and attending a Southern Maryland Blue Crabs baseball game at Regency Furniture Stadium.

If you are looking for something fun to do with your kids, check out Scary Stroke, an indoor mini golf course, and arcade.

You can also do some window showing or watch a movie at the mall known as the St. Charles Town Center.

Living in Waldorf

The majority of residents in Waldorf work in the Washington metropolitan area, although there are many local jobs as well, particularly in services, sales, healthcare, and construction.

Several major routes pass through Waldorf, including US Route 301, heading to Brandywine in the north and La Plata in the south. There are businesses along the entire stretch of the route. Maryland Route 5 joins the US 301 to reach Washington D.C. and Governor Harry W. Nice Memorial Bridge connects Waldorf with Virginia.

There is also public transportation in Waldorf, offered by the Van-Go buses that operate in most of Charles County. In addition, Waldorf is just 15 miles from Alexandria, Virginia, which has an Amtrak station.

Schools in Waldorf, MD

Waldorf is popular with families for its above-average public schools. For elementary, some of the largest include C. Paul Barnhart Elementary, Daniel of St. Thomas Jenifer Elementary, Arthur Middleton Elementary, Dr. Gustavus Brown Elementary, and Dr. Samuel A. Mudd Elementary. The middle schools in Waldorf are Benjamin Stoddert Middle School and John Hanson Middle School. The public high schools are Westlake High, Thomas Stone High, North Point High, and St. Charles High.

There is also a branch of the College of Southern Maryland in Waldorf and the for-profit college Aaron’s Academy of Beauty.

Parks in Waldorf, Maryland

A characteristic of Waldorf is its green spaces. A favorite is Pinefield Community Park, which has soccer fields and a playground and is ideal for picnics. Another is Accokeek East Community Park, which is great for families and dog walking.

Another favorite of mine which I used to walk often with my wife and kid is the Indian Head Rail Trail. This was once a railroad track which they have now paved over and turned into a 13-mile bike/jogging trail.

Shopping in Waldorf

Waldorf has a large number of shopping centers. The two-story St. Charles Towne Center receives visitors from all over Maryland, from Washington D.C., and even from some parts of Virginia. Other shopping centers include Waldorf Shoppers World, Pinefield Shopping Center, Charles County Plaza, and Waldorf Shopping Mall.

Cost Of Living In Waldorf, Maryland

More than two-thirds of residents in Waldorf own their homes. The median home value is $299,300. This is lower than Maryland as a whole, where the median is $332,500. Median gross rent is $1,669.

Finding a Home in Waldorf, MD

If you work in Washington D.C., another nearby city, or even Waldorf itself, living in Waldorf may be the perfect choice for you. Find your ideal property by reaching out to our team of real estate agents.

Check Out These Latest Waldorf, Maryland Homes For Sale

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