Becoming a first-time homeowner is no easy feat; in fact, it will probably be the most significant investment you ever make in your life. Add that to all the money you have to throw down for maintenance, renovations, and normal wear and tear, the price tag might convince you to rent instead. However, if you’re native to, or thinking about moving to Prince George’s County, buying a home may be a smarter investment than renting. As apartment prices surge in busy neighborhoods, giving your money to a renter each month may just not seem particularly practical. Prince George’s County is a great location to look if you are a first-time buyer or scaling back. This county holds a property tax of just 1.33%. Investing in real estate allows for complete creative control and is cheaper in the long run. Here are a few neighborhoods in Prince George’s County worth looking into if you are planning on buying property.

West Laurel

West Laurel lies just outside Washington, DC, but offers housing prices for a quarter of the cost. This neighborhood is very buyer-friendly and is considered one of the best places to live in Maryland. With houses averaging around 300K for a three-bedroom, you’ll find an estimated $1,500 mortgage. If you’re planning on renting, studios can cost up to $1,300 a month, and you’re getting a quarter of the space.

Glenarden

Glenarden is a vibrant neighborhood with tons of parks and attractions to explore. It’s a perfect mix of greenery with a city-feel and is ideal for those in the buyer’s market. Average houses range from 250-400K, giving you a mortgage estimate of around $1,100-2,000 a month. Renting will leave you with prices in the same range at an average of $2,000 a month for a three-bedroom. Not to mention, this area is not currently renter-friendly, and you’ll have better luck finding a long term residence.

Seat Pleasant

Seat Pleasant is an excellent pocket of Prince George’s County for first-time homeowners. The neighborhood is quaint, and Washington Metro’s blue and silver lines’ closeness makes it very commuter-friendly. You can find a home for as low as 225k, putting you at a $1,000 or lower mortgage. Consequently, average rent in this area is more money for less space, coming in around $1,500-2,000 a month for one or two bedrooms.

Springdale

Springdale is a small, unincorporated area in the heart of Prince George’s County. With its population hovering just over 2,000 people, this intimate neighborhood is perfect for buying real estate. Townhomes start at just 246K with mortgages projected below $1,000. Rent is only just below that, with average studios costing you $900 a month.

District Heights

First-time buyers in the area should look no further than District Heights. There are currently a ton of houses on the market in this neighborhood. Most homes are priced in the 250-300k range, making the cost of living very affordable. Rent in this area will have you budgeting for $1,100 - 1,300 a month for a studio.

Cheverly

Cheverly is a small, very safe neighborhood in Prince George’s County. With a clean community pool and some clean, spacious parks, this area is perfect for young families. The houses start at around 300-400k, and there are not a ton of places to rent. Should you find an apartment, you should expect to pay approximately $1,100 in rent for a one-bedroom.

Bowie

Bowie, Maryland, once a small railroad stop, is now one of the most populous cities in the state. As the largest municipality in Prince George’s County, this neighborhood is quickly expanding. Now is the perfect time to look for a home in this area. While some of Bowie’s larger homes can be quite expensive, starter homes can be found for just around 300k. Several houses are three bedrooms or more and have mortgage estimates at about $1,300. Alternatively, renting a one-bedroom in Bowie can be as high as $1,700 with no utilities included. Bowie is another excellent example of a buyer-friendly neighborhood.

Buying a Home: A Worthwhile Investment

Upfront, buying a home is a considerable investment of money. But buying a home truly is an investment. You’ll receive complete control over the renovations, maintenance, and overall look of your home, an advantage that’s not often extended to renters. This long-term expense can eventually turn a profit, another benefit from being a homeowner. And as we noticed, buying in Prince George’s County can be cheaper in the long run. If you haven’t considered homeowning because you felt the investment was out of reach, start looking into your options. You might be surprised by how affordable it can be.