Pros and Cons of Living in Laurel

Laurel's core trade-off pairs a genuinely distinct historic identity and real current economic momentum against a disclosed crime-data tension and above-average property taxes.

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Pro: a genuinely distinct historic Main Street identity

Laurel's status as Maryland's first Prince George's County Main Street district, its real 19th-century mill-town origin, and Laurel Park's century-plus racing legacy give it a real, distinct identity.

Pro: real, current economic momentum

The Konterra Town Center's substantial, current mixed-use build-out (projected 12,000+ new jobs) and genuine NSA/Fort Meade proximity give Laurel real economic tailwinds.

Con: a real, disclosed crime-data tension

One overall figure places Laurel's crime rate 37% above the national average, even as more granular category data runs more mixed -- a real, disclosed uncertainty movers should confirm directly.

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.