Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Riverdale, MD
Considering a move to Riverdale, MD? This vibrant suburb of 7,500 residents features a diverse community, median home prices around $325,000, and average rents of $1,560. Commute times average 33 minutes, with strong access to public transit and nearby higher education. While the cost of living is moderately above the national average and property crime rates are higher than some Maryland towns, Riverdale offers a friendly atmosphere, 58% sunny days, and proximity to major hospitals and the University of Maryland. Explore schools, housing, and local amenities below to see if Riverdale fits your needs.
Demographics - Riverdale, MD
Demographics - Riverdale, MD
Riverdale is home to about 7,500 residents with a youthful median age of 34.2 and a high population density, creating a vibrant, close-knit atmosphere. The community is notably diverse, with significant Black and Hispanic populations and over a third of residents speaking a language other than English at home. This diversity contributes to a dynamic cultural environment attractive to newcomers.
Population:
7,500
Density:
6,300 per sq mi
Median Age:
34.2
Gender Ratio:
97 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
34%

Ethnic Composition
White:
12.5%
Black:
41.0%
Asian:
4.0%
Others:
42.5%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Riverdale, MD?
The cost of living in Riverdale is moderately higher than the national average, with a median home value of $325,000 and average rents around $1,560. Residents can expect relatively high housing and utility costs, but benefit from moderate state income taxes. Overall, living expenses are balanced by access to amenities and proximity to employment centers.
Median House Value:
$325,000
Gross Rent:
$1,560
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$145
Auto Insurance:
$1,620
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$2,120
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$720
State Taxes:
Low:
2.0%
|
High:
5.75%
Cost Of Living Index:
116.2
Grocery:
112.1
Housing:
122.8
Utilities:
109.4
Transportation:
115.6
Health Care:
108.5
Miscellaneous:
110.0
Crime
Is Riverdale, MD a safe place to live?
Crime in Riverdale is higher than some Maryland suburbs, with a property crime rate of 2,050 per 100,000 residents and a violent crime rate of 425 per 100,000. The chance of experiencing a property crime is about 1 in 49, highlighting the need for standard safety precautions. Despite these rates, many residents find the community welcoming and proactive in neighborhood safety.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
425
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,050
Crime Index:
2,475
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 235
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 49
Weather
What is the weather like in Riverdale, MD year-round?
Riverdale enjoys four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching up to 88°F and mild winters with lows around 28°F. The area receives about 42.5 inches of rainfall annually and boasts 58% sunny days, making it suitable for year-round outdoor activities. The pleasant climate is a draw for families and professionals alike.

Winter
Min:
28°F
Max:
43°F

Spring
Min:
47°F
Max:
70°F

Summer
Min:
68°F
Max:
88°F

Fall
Min:
51°F
Max:
71°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
42.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
58%
Neighbors
Riverdale’s households typically earn a median income of $72,000, and the area maintains a strong sense of community with nearly 16% using public transportation. Educational attainment is solid, with nearly 79% holding a high school diploma or higher, though 13.8% of residents live below the poverty line. Commute times average 33 minutes, reflecting the suburb’s accessibility to the broader region.
Median Income:
$39,500
Household Income:
$72,000
Family Income:
$77,600
Per Capita Income:
$28,400
Income Male:
$41,500
Income Female:
$38,000
Poverty Rate:
13.8%
Non English Speakers:
34%
Rent:
$1,560
Unemployment Rate:
5.2%
Public Transport Usage:
15.7%
Commute Time:
33.2 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
78.6%
Bachelors or More:
23.1%
Education
How are the schools in Riverdale, MD?
Riverdale offers access to public and private schools, including Riverdale Elementary and William Wirt Middle School, both with favorable student-teacher ratios. The city is just two miles from the University of Maryland, College Park, and close to Prince George’s Community College, providing excellent options for higher education. Families benefit from a range of educational opportunities from preschool through college.

Public Schools
Name:
Riverdale Elementary School
Street:
5006 Riverdale Rd
Phone:
301-985-1850
Students:
730
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.1
Name:
William Wirt Middle School
Street:
6200 Tuckerman St
Phone:
301-985-1720
Students:
890
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.7

Private Schools
Name:
St. Bernard's School
Street:
5700 St. Bernard Dr
Phone:
301-277-4568
Students:
260

Colleges
Name:
University of Maryland, College Park
City:
College Park
State:
MD
Distance:
2 miles
Students:
41,000
Name:
Prince George’s Community College
City:
Largo
State:
MD
Distance:
8 miles
Students:
10,500
Healthcare
Residents have convenient access to major hospitals like UM Prince George’s Hospital Center and Doctors Community Hospital, both offering emergency services. The area has about 2.3 physicians per 1,000 people, and nearly 90% of residents have health insurance coverage. These resources ensure quality healthcare is readily available for families and individuals.

Major Hospitals
Name:
UM Prince George’s Hospital Center
Address:
3001 Hospital Dr, Cheverly, MD 20785
Phone:
(301) 618-2000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Doctors Community Hospital
Address:
8118 Good Luck Rd, Lanham, MD 20706
Phone:
(301) 552-8118
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.3
Health Insurance Coverage:
89.5%
Health Care Index:
77.1
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Riverdale, MD?
Riverdale’s housing market features a median home price of $325,000 and an average two-bedroom rent of $1,560, appealing to both buyers and renters. Home values have appreciated by over 5% in the past year, and the area maintains a moderate rental vacancy rate. Owner-occupied homes make up about 41% of the market, offering a mix of investment and leasing opportunities.
Median Home Price:
$325,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,560
Owner Occupied Rate:
41.3%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
5.3%
New Construction Rate:
1.1%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.7%
DMV Information
Local residents can access Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration services at the Glen Burnie office or online, making driver’s licensing and vehicle registration convenient. The DMV is located at 6601 Ritchie Highway NE, Glen Burnie, and offers comprehensive services for Maryland drivers. Helpful staff and online resources streamline most routine transactions.
State:
Maryland
Department:
Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration
Address:
6601 Ritchie Highway NE, Glen Burnie, MD 21062
Phone:
1-410-768-7000
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.