Haviland Hills, Laurel, MD

Haviland Hills Neighborhood Overview

Overview

Nestled in the northern part of Laurel, Maryland, Haviland Hills is a well-established, residential neighborhood prized for its quiet, suburban atmosphere and strong sense of community. Developed primarily in the 1960s and 1970s, the area features winding, tree-lined streets and a mix of classic mid-century architectural styles, offering a settled, mature feel while remaining conveniently accessible. Its location provides a peaceful retreat from busier commercial corridors, yet it maintains excellent connectivity to major employment centers via routes like I-95, the Baltimore-Washington Parkway, and MD-198.

The neighborhood's history is intertwined with the broader growth of Laurel as a commuter hub between Baltimore and Washington, D.C. Haviland Hills emerged as an attractive option for families and professionals seeking spacious homes and larger lots compared to newer, more densely packed subdivisions. This established character is evident in the neighborhood's mature canopy of trees and well-maintained properties. Residents enjoy a location that feels distinctly residential and private, while still being part of the vibrant, diverse city of Laurel and just a short drive from the amenities of both Columbia and Fort Meade.

Housing & Real Estate

The housing stock in Haviland Hills is predominantly composed of single-family homes, featuring classic designs such as split-levels, colonials, and ramblers built from the 1960s through the 1980s. Lots are typically generous in size, often a quarter-acre or more, providing ample backyard space and a sense of privacy not always found in newer developments. The architectural consistency and mature landscaping contribute significantly to the neighborhood's cohesive and attractive streetscapes.

As a highly sought-after neighborhood within Laurel, real estate prices in Haviland Hills tend to be above the city's median, reflecting the desirability of the location, lot sizes, and community feel. The market is primarily owner-occupied, with a very low percentage of rental properties, which reinforces neighborhood stability. Recent trends have shown steady demand, with homes often receiving multiple offers, driven by the area's excellent schools, convenient location, and the enduring appeal of established, leafy suburban communities.

Schools & Education

Haviland Hills is served by the highly regarded Prince George's County Public Schools system, with students typically zoned for a strong educational pathway. The neighborhood feeds into Bond Mill Elementary School, which is known for its active parent community and solid academic programs. From there, students advance to Martin Luther King Jr. Middle School and then to Laurel High School, which has seen significant investment and programmatic enhancements in recent years.

For families seeking alternatives, there are several well-regarded public charter and magnet school options within a reasonable commute, including the International Baccalaureate program at Eleanor Roosevelt High School in Greenbelt. The neighborhood's proximity to major highways also provides relatively easy access to a variety of private and parochial schools in both Howard and Anne Arundel counties. Higher education opportunities are abundant, with campuses of the University of Maryland, Howard Community College, and Johns Hopkins University's Applied Physics Lab all within a 20-30 minute drive.

Parks & Recreation

Residents of Haviland Hills enjoy direct access to several quality green spaces. The neighborhood itself is anchored by the Haviland Hills Neighborhood Park, a community-owned and maintained amenity featuring tennis courts, a basketball court, a playground, and open fields—a central hub for casual sports and social gatherings. This private park is a key feature that fosters community interaction and provides safe, convenient recreation right within the neighborhood boundaries.

Just beyond, the larger municipal park system offers extensive options. Granville Gude Park, less than two miles away, provides a lake, walking trails, sports fields, and a dog park. The nearby Patuxent River and its associated trails offer opportunities for hiking, fishing, and kayaking. For organized sports and activities, the nearby Fairland Regional Park and Sports Complex, as well as the Laurel Boys and Girls Club, offer a wide range of athletic leagues, classes, and facilities for all ages.

Local Dining & Shopping

While Haviland Hills itself is strictly residential, its perimeter and immediate surroundings offer robust convenience. A short drive down Fort Meade Road or Contee Road leads to shopping centers with essential retailers like Giant Food, Safeway, and ALDI. The Laurel Lakes Shopping Center, one of the region's largest retail hubs, is easily accessible and features big-box stores such as Target, Costco, and Lowe's, alongside a diverse array of smaller shops and services.

Dining options cater to a wide range of tastes, from casual family-run eateries to popular chains. Residents frequent local favorites for pizza, Chinese cuisine, and diner-style breakfasts. For a more expansive culinary scene, the vibrant downtown Laurel historic district offers an evolving mix of breweries, gastropubs, and international restaurants, while the dining and entertainment complexes in Columbia and Arundel Mills are a straightforward 15-20 minute drive away.

Who Lives Here

Haviland Hills attracts a mix of established families, long-term residents, and professionals who value tranquility, space, and community. The demographic tends to be diverse, with a significant population of government employees, contractors, and professionals working at nearby installations like Fort Meade, the NSA, NASA Goddard, or commuting to Washington D.C. and Baltimore. The high rate of homeownership and the presence of the private neighborhood park foster a strong, neighborly vibe where residents often know one another.

The community is drawn to the area for its perfect balance of suburban serenity and practical convenience

Haviland Hills Market Data

Top Real Estate Agents in Haviland Hills, Laurel

Nearby Neighborhoods in Laurel, MD

← Back to all Laurel, MD real estate agents

← Back to all Maryland real estate agents