Being a Bowie resident is like living in a delightful fairy tale. Bowie is in Prince George's County and has been rated one of the best places to live in Maryland - and that's not just my opinion! Living in Bowie offers residents a sparse suburban feel and 86% of the people here own their homes. Bowie is a nature lover's delight because there are tons of parks. Here are 10 enchanting reasons why I adore calling this magical place my home:

1. Abundant Parks and Nature Trails
   Nestled among the neighborhoods in Bowie are bike trails, playgrounds, ball fields, passive meadows, and several large and small parks with a variety of amenities. You will find that they also offer all sorts of opportunities for fun, exercise and communing with nature. It's not unusual to find deer and a host of small creatures in the woods at Whitemarsh Park, ducks and Canada geese swimming at Allen Pond Park, or a Great Blue Heron taking off from the pond behind City Hall. With over 24 miles of trails and more than 1,100 acres of parkland, it’s easy to stay active and enjoy the great outdoors. I may not be a hiker, but I love to walk, and a stroll around Allen Pond Park lake is an existential experience not to be missed.

2. Proximity to DC, Annapolis and Baltimore
   Bowie is conveniently located near Washington, D.C., Annapolis, and Baltimore, and has easy access to major highways like Route 50, Route 301, and I-495. This makes it a good location for commuters who work in these cities or at nearby destinations like NASA and Andrews Air Force Base. Bowie is also accessible by the Marc train and nearby Metro stations. It’s like having three magical kingdoms just a short journey away, while living in a peaceful suburban haven.

3. Rich Historical Heritage
   Bowie enjoys a rich and diverse historic and cultural heritage, which offers an opportunity to explore our past and better understand our future. The City of Bowie has restored and maintains several historic sites like the Belair Mansion, Belair Stable Museum, Bowie Railroad Station, and Old Town Bowie Welcome Center. The City also joins with the Radio History Society to present the National Capital Radio and Television Museum. And let’s not forget Old Bowie, the oldest part of the city, brimming with historical charm. If you're a history buff, Bowie will make you feel like you've died and gone to heaven!

4. Fun Activities for Kids of All Ages
   From ice skating at the Bowie Ice Arena to riding rescued horses at the Big Purple Barn Horse Sanctuary there are a number of activities to keep the kiddos engaged. The Horse Sanctuary is a nonprofit organzation that provides a permanent home with a lifetime of compassionate care for special needs horses, ponies, minis (all equines), as well as sheep, goats and pigs. My goodness, who knew there were special needs animals? I certainly didn't! I went to their Unicorn Festival this Spring and had a ball so it's not just for kids, believe me. Not to worry, Bowie has plenty of whimsical activities for kids. Bowie also has a host of playgrounds like the Medieval Dragon Playgrounds and a wealth of parks designed for family fun.

5. A Foodie’s Delight
   Bowie is a culinary wonderland, with a plethora of restaurants offering diverse cuisines. Whether you’re craving Southern comfort food at Ruby’s Southern Comfort Kitchen or exploring international flavors at Blessed Hands Cuisine, there’s something for every palate. Feeling decadent? Enjoy a yummy dessert or milkshake at The Dessert Junkie. With all this great food in such close proximity, there's a reason I walk!

6. Shopping Galore
   With shopping centers like Bowie Town Center and it's adjacent town center sister Bowie Town Center Strip and the trendy Woodmore Towne Center (which is technically in Lanham but is so close to Bowie we "Bowiezens" claim it!), residents have access to a treasure trove of retail stores, boutiques, art galleries, spas, and specialty bakeries.

7. Diverse and Lively Community
   Despite being predominantly residential, Bowie is a vibrant tapestry of diversity. If you’re into the arts, you can visit The Bowie Playhouse or the Bowie Center for Performing Arts, or enjoy paddle boating with the Swans or Summer Sunset Concerts at Allen Pond Park. You’ll find a lively and exciting neighborhood with a strong sense of community, with plenty of bars, cafes, and nightlife options to enjoy.

8. Great Walkability
   With a walk score of 7, some errands can be accomplished on foot. The area is bike-friendly and has several parks and recreational areas within walking distance. Now if I can finally learn how to ride a bike (no rude comments, please!).

9. Strong Community Spirit
   Bowie is known for its strong community spirit, with numerous events throughout the year. Highlights include Bowiefest, the annual Memorial Day Parade, the Bowie International Festival, and the Green Bowie Veterans 5K. These events bring residents together and celebrate the vibrant culture and history of the area. And as a Foodie, let me not forget to mention the Savor Bowie Food, Wine and Music Festival that's held every Spring. One word - yummylicious!

10. Bowie Is Green
    The City of Bowie’s Green Bowie campaign features a range of initiatives designed to protect and enhance our environment. Green Bowie helps the City government, residents, businesses and more to become greener, cleaner, and more sustainable. Programs like Adopt-A-Road, Backyard Compost Bins, Electric Lawn Care Rebates, Energy Audit Program, Food Waste Curbside Program, and Plant One Tree On Us make Bowie a greener, more sustainable place to live. I like that the City of Bowie is environmentally friendly and is encouraging and even incentivizing "Bowiezens" to get on board. Mother Earth needs all the help she can get and I like to think I'm a small part of the solution.

Living in Bowie offers the perfect balance of suburban tranquility and urban convenience. It’s a place where you can enjoy the best of both worlds. And I should know—I’ve lived in Bowie for more than 20 years!

#BowieLiving #SuburbanBliss #FamilyFriendly #CommunitySpirit