Takoma Community Guide | Washington DC Area Real Estate

Updated 2/28/2023

History and Flavor

Formerly part of Takoma Park, Maryland, Takoma was developed by Benjamin Franklin Gilbert in 1883 as a suburb for commuters on the Metropolitan Branch of the Baltimore and Ohio railroad line.Gilbert encouraged the Seventh-day Adventist Church to put down roots for their world headquarters and publishing house.

Along with a hospital and college (next door in Takoma Park, Maryland), the community’s reputation improved from being known as the “malaria swamp’” of the city to a place of vegetarianism and “clean living.”

Takoma was formed when it was decided to divide the towns since the D.C. boundary line ran through Takoma Park. Takoma was the retail and exchange hub for the surrounding area. Before the build-up of nearby Silver Spring, Maryland, Takoma featured large shops and industrial buildings in the piece of real estate currently occupied by the Metro station.

Takoma was DC’s first railroad suburb located on the extreme northeastern tip of the District. Today you’ll find many impressive historic homes and lovely tree-lined streets. People often move to Takoma searching for reasonably priced older homes. Many were built between 1920 and 1950.

Many residents of Takoma have lived there for generations. But you’ll find many younger families drawn to the neighborhood too. Takoma offers a free local rec center, parks, and playgrounds. Dining options aren’t quite as plentiful, but the area provides an attractive, community-oriented atmosphere.

Takoma was originally the name of Mount Rainier in Washington State, translated from Lushootseed as “snow-covered mountain.” Gilbert wanted to rename the Brightwood train stop, and it was decided to name it Takoma in 1883 by D.C. resident Ida Summy, who believed it to mean “high up” or “near heaven.”

Entertainment

Music & Parks

Takoma Station Tavern– Soul, jazz & various other artists play on a small stage in a cozy space with pub food & a full bar.
Karma DC Live Music Venue– A truly unique venue. An old warehouse feel with a vast stage and hookah lounge. The ambiance is casual, and the music is always great. This is a cool spot for a night out!
Washington Music Viva– A chamber music non-profit organization based in Takoma Park, Maryland, producing concerts primarily in Montgomery County, MD (Silver Spring, Bethesda, and Takoma Park), northern Virginia, and Washington, DC. WMV is the home base of the Milo Trio, a professional piano trio formed by Celaya Kirchner, violin, Emma Hays Johnson, cello, and Carl Banner, piano.
Union Stage- Small, intimate venue for varied live-music performances & a bar with draft beer & pizza.
The Howard Theatre- The Howard Theatre is a historic theater located at 620 T Street, Northwest, Washington, D.C. Opened in 1910, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1974.
Takoma Dog Park- A gravel clay surfaced park where you can let your four-legged family members can socialize and get some exercise. You’ll find many benches, fun dog obstacles, a separate area for smaller dogs, and a water fountain! There’s also an abundance of shade from a big tree. The park can be found at 300 Van Buren St NW.
Takoma Playground- The play space at Takoma is located at 300 Van Buren Street, NW, in Ward 4. The outdoor play area is adjacent to a field house and across the street from the aquatic center. The site currently features play equipment, fields, and various sports courts.
Takoma Community Center- A full-service facility that serves participants from toddlers to seniors. The building has programs such as fitness classes, personal enrichment, and summer camps. It is home to a beautiful indoor aquatics facility.

Shopping/Restaurants

Popular Shopping and Eats

Takoma Park Shopping Center– Anchored by German-based Lidl, this 17-tenant strip mall has a variety of services from banking to manicures to Mexican food.
Takoma Park Plaza- Get your laundry done, a manicure, and pick up dinner all in one strip mall.
The Covered Market- Unique gifts or home furnishings can be found here. The Covered Market has ceramics, clothing, footwear, and more.
Amano– Amano started in Chile when the owners lived there for eight years. They made their own line of hand-knit sweaters there and sold them in the US. When they moved back to this area, they eventually opened their first store next to the current location in 1998. Inside, you’ll find comfortable shoes, unique clothing, and jewelry for women.
Tabletop- Creative collections for your home, life, and friends.
DCTees.co- Unique art-based clothing for men and women and traditional wall hanging art.
The Big Bad Woof- Pet supply store stocking raw, organic & premium foods, plus eco-friendly grooming services.
Busboys and Poets– Busboys and Poets is a community where racial and cultural connections are consciously uplifted. A place to take a deliberate pause and feed your mind, body, and soul. It’s a space for art, culture, and politics to collide intentionally. Serving breakfast, brunch, and lunch.
ELife Restaurant Takoma Park– Cafeteria-style eatery offering vegan versions of soul food standards, desserts & a full bar.
Kin Da– Green walls & soft lighting set the scene at this storefront, serving sushi, curries & Thai fare.
Horace & Dickies– Locally-owned outfit for seafood takeaway & soul food sides in no-frills surroundings.
Trattoria da Lina– Heirloom recipes for Italian classics served in an old-world room with a family-friendly atmosphere.