Bowie, MD Homes For Rent

Homes for Rent in Bowie, MD: What You Need to Know

If you’re moving to Bowie, the first thing you need to know is how to pronounce the name. It's BOO-ee, not BOH-ee. The city is located in Prince George's County in central Maryland. 

Transportation

Many people who live in Bowie work in Washington, D.C. (18 miles away), and commute daily. They can take Metro bus or train operated by the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority. There are multiple bus stops in Bowie while the closest subway stop is in New Carrollton (seven miles away). The Maryland Area Regional Commuter (MARC) Train Service runs between Baltimore and Washington, D.C. There’s a stop, with parking, at Bowie State University for MARC commuters. The closest airport is the Baltimore-Washington International Airport.

Cost of Living

It’s no surprise that Bowie’s cost of living rate and housing costs are 55.9% and 37.1% higher than the national average, respectively. The median gross rent in Bowie (population: 58,6430) is $1,885. Its proximity to the nation’s capital comes with a price. At least, food cost in Bowie is 0.9% lower than the national average. Maryland levies 2% to 5.75% in income tax plus counties charge a separate 1.75% to 3.20% in income tax. The combined taxes are among the highest in the country. The good news is, the 6% statewide sales tax is considered low.

Know Your Neighborhoods

As a suburb of Washington, D.C., Bowie is primarily residential. There’s no nightlife, but there are other forms of entertainment such as Six Flags America and there are many parks and trails in the area. Laurel and University Park are bedroom communities like Bowie. In Laurel, 55% of all residents rent. University Park offers a free shuttle for commuters who ride the Metro.

Local History

Around 1745, an estate called Belair was built for Gov. Samuel Ogle. The farming community that grew in the area was named Huntington. In the 1870s, the town’s growth accelerated after it became the site of a major rail junction. Huntington changed its name to Bowie in 1880 in honor of Gov. Oden Bowie. The city was incorporated in 1916.

Schools and Higher Education

There are 60 universities within 50 miles of Bowie, the closest being Bowie State University (6,320 students). Founded in 1865, it’s the oldest historically Black university in Maryland. The university offers 23 undergraduate majors, 20 master's degree programs, and two doctoral programs. Bowie’s 19 public schools (10,641 students) boast of a reading proficiency score of 42% versus the 41% statewide average. Top-ranked schools include Bowie High School and Heather Hills Elementary School.