Pros and Cons of Living in Greenbelt

Greenbelt's core trade-off pairs a genuinely distinct historic identity and strong transit access against a disclosed elevated crime figure and above-average property taxes.

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Pro: a genuinely distinct New Deal planned-community history

Greenbelt's real 1937 founding as one of only three federally built Greenbelt towns, its National Historic Landmark status, and the still-operating GHI cooperative give it a genuinely distinct identity within this project's Maryland markets.

Pro: strong transit access and NASA Goddard employment

The Greenbelt Metro station (WMATA Green Line terminus) with adjoining MARC service, plus NASA Goddard Space Flight Center's direct presence within the city, give Greenbelt genuine transit and employment advantages.

Con: a real, disclosed elevated crime figure

One named source found Greenbelt's crime index running 151% higher than the Maryland statewide figure this pass -- a real, disclosed negative, though carrying single-source uncertainty.

Con: an above-average property tax rate

Prince George's County's 1.12%-1.20% effective property tax rate runs above both the national median and Maryland's own statewide average.

Key takeaways

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Last reviewed: 2026-08-27. Independent research; not financial, tax, or legal advice -- confirm current figures with a local professional before making a decision.