Brandywine, Maryland: A Growing Community With Small‑Town Charm

Situated about 20 miles southeast of Washington, D.C., Brandywine offers a blend of rural tranquility and modern convenience. Originally an agricultural crossroads, the area has seen significant residential growth over the past two decades, yet it still retains a small‑town feel with open spaces, parks and a friendly, close‑knit community.

Demographics and Lifestyle

• Population and Income: Brandywine’s population grew from about 10,088 residents in 2022 to roughly 10,989 in 2023—a nearly 9 % increasedatausa.io. The median household income is high at approximately $158,258datausa.io, well above both Maryland and national medians, reflecting the area’s strong economic base.

• Age and Diversity: The median age is around 43.3 yearsdatausa.io, and Brandywine is predominantly African‑American (about 77.5 %), with White non‑Hispanic residents making up roughly 10.4 % and other ethnicities comprising smaller percentagesdatausa.io. Nearly 97.5 % of residents are U.S. citizensdatausa.io.

• Commute and Car Ownership: Most residents commute to work by car, with an average one‑way commute of 38.5 minutesdatausa.io. Households typically own two vehiclesdatausa.io, reflecting suburban commuting patterns.

Housing and Real Estate

• Homeownership: Brandywine has an extraordinarily high homeownership rate of 98.5 %datausa.io. Homes here are relatively new—median age about 16 – 17 yearsbestplaces.net—and neighborhoods built since 2000 dominate the landscape.

• Property Values: In 2023, the median property value reached $543,000datausa.io. BestPlaces data show a median home cost around $491,600 (significantly above the national median of $338,100) and a 10‑year appreciation rate of 55.5 %bestplaces.net. Home values rose roughly 12.7 % over the last yearbestplaces.net, suggesting strong demand.

• Rental Market: Only about 9.8 % of the population are renters, and available rentals are scarce—just 0.5 % of houses and apartments are for rentbestplaces.net. This limited supply underscores Brandywine’s predominantly owner‑occupied character.

Cost of Living and Economy

• Cost of Living: BestPlaces assigns Brandywine a cost‑of‑living score of 120.8, meaning it is roughly 20 % higher than the U.S. average (but only about 8 % higher than the Maryland average)bestplaces.net. Monthly costs are estimated at $7,860 for a family and $6,567 for a single person—about 45.6 % and 37.8 % higher than national averagesbestplaces.net.

• Income and Jobs: The average Brandywine resident earns about $53,295 per year, while the median household income is $141,076bestplaces.net. These high incomes reflect employment in the nearby Washington–Arlington–Alexandria metro area, including government, defense and tech industries.

Community Amenities and Natural Beauty

Brandywine’s appeal goes beyond numbers. Locals enjoy:

• Parks and Outdoor Spaces: Residents can explore nearby Cedarville State Forest, Patuxent River Park and the Merkle Wildlife Sanctuary. These spots offer hiking, fishing, equestrian trails and picnic areas.

• Shopping and Dining: Brandywine Crossing provides big‑box stores and restaurants. Farmers’ markets, local restaurants and wineries in southern Prince George’s County add to the charm.

• Schools and Family Amenities: Schools serving Brandywine earn high ratingsbestplaces.net, and the community benefits from newer facilities like the Southern Area Aquatics and Recreation Complex.

• Convenient Location: Major routes (MD‑5, U.S. 301) provide quick access to Washington, D.C., Joint Base Andrews, National Harbor and employment centers. Despite suburban growth, there is still plenty of open space and a rural atmosphere.

Why Brandywine Is a Great Place to Live

• Strong Housing Market: With appreciating home values and new construction, Brandywine offers solid long‑term investment potential.

• High Income and Employment Opportunities: Proximity to the nation’s capital means access to stable, high‑paying jobs.

• Quality of Life: Residents enjoy a balance of quiet neighborhoods, natural beauty, quality schools and modern amenities.

• Community Feel: Brandywine maintains a welcoming, small‑town vibe. Local events, equestrian culture and community groups create a sense of belongingbestplaces.net.