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Lake Arbor, MD

Frequently asked questions

Lake Arbor MD

Lake Arbor is an unincorporated area and census-designated place (CDP) in Prince George's County, Maryland, United States. The population was 14,541 at the 2020 census. It is one of the nation's most affluent African-American communities. The ZIP Codes encompassing the CDP area are 20721 and 20774.

Lake Arbor was originally known as Newbridge, a development of Levitt & Sons, developers of the early planned communities of Levittown in Pennsylvania and Long Island, New York, respectively. When the project went bankrupt in the mid-1970s after selling only 41 houses, Manufacturer's Hanover Trust acquired the debt and held it as REO (real estate owned) for approximately 10 years until a limited partnership composed of David A. Gitlitz, Alvin Dworman, Phillip Abrahms, Phillip D. Winn, and Gary S. Lachman acquired it. Under the direction of Gitlitz, and with technical engineering assistance from Abrahms, Lachman changed the name of the property to Lake Arbor.

The story of Lake Arbor is emblematic of the socio-economic and demographic evolution of Prince George's County that occurred in the mid-1980s. Against the strong resistance of many large national builders who perceived Prince George’s County as a price-sensitive retreat for urban African Americans who neither wanted nor could afford upscale amenities for their homes, community developers like Porten Sullivan, Pulte, Winchester, George T. Farrell of Morgan Investments and Jon Laria from Laria Builders built features like two-car garages, brick, fronts and elaborate landscaping and built 2000 luxury homes in this community in the 1980s, initiating a new path for the rest of Lake Arbor Community. Reynolds Real Estate acted as selling realtor and Industrial Bank of Washington provided construction and purchase financing. To the pleasant surprise of the builders, buyers rushed to embrace (and pay for) these features. Firmly demonstrating both the sophisticated tastes and buying power of the predominantly African American market, as well as codifying architectural standards requested (but not mandated) by county executives such as Winnie Kelly and Governor Parris Glendening, Lake Arbor established Prince George’s County as the most desirable destination for young, affluent African American families moving from Washington, DC for a suburban lifestyle.

Health and wellness are essential aspects of life in Lake Arbor. The city is home to several healthcare facilities, including the UM Capital Region Medical Center, providing residents with easy access to medical services. UM Bowie Health Center is a freestanding emergency medical facility providing convenient care close to home. For golf enthusiasts, the Lake Arbor Country Club provides a scenic and challenging course perfect for a relaxing day outdoors. Those looking to stay active can join the Lake Arbor Community Center, which offers fitness classes, sports leagues, and wellness programs. Yoga enthusiasts can find tranquility at Yoga Bliss, which provides a variety of yoga classes for all skill levels. Woodhouse Spa offers massages and holistic treatments to rejuvenate the body and mind. 

Top sites in Lake Arbor MD: Watkins Regional Park, Watkins Nature Center, Smithsonian Exhibits.

Elevation: 150 feet. ZIP Code: 20720. Area Code: 301. Area: 4.06 sq mi (10.52 km²). Population: 14,541 (2020).

FAQs

What are the demographics of Lake Arbor, MD?

Lake Arbor is a city located in Prince George's County Maryland. Lake Arbor has a 2024 population of 15,951. Lake Arbor is currently growing at a rate of 3.4% annually and its population has increased by 16.26% since the most recent census, which recorded a population of 13,720 in 2020. According to the most recent ACS, the racial composition of Lake Arbor was: Black or African American: 87.62%, White: 7.64%, Two or more races: 2.93%, Asian: 0.85%, Other race: 0.6%, Native American: 0.35%, Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander: 0%.

What is the history of Lake Arbor, MD? 

Lake Arbor was originally known as Newbridge, a development of Levitt & Sons, developers of the early planned communities of Levittown in Pennsylvania and Long Island, New York, respectively. When the project went bankrupt in the mid-1970s after selling only 41 houses, Manufacturer's Hanover Trust acquired the debt and held it as REO (real estate owned) for approximately 10 years until a limited partnership composed of David A. Gitlitz, Alvin Dworman, Phillip Abrahms, Phillip D. Winn, and Gary S. Lachman acquired it. Under the direction of Gitlitz, and with technical engineering assistance from Abrahms, Lachman changed the name of the property to Lake Arbor.

What is the crime rate in Lake Arbor, MD? 

The crime rate in Lake Arbor, MD is higher than the national average for both violent and property crimes. Specifically, the violent crime rate in Lake Arbor is 29.5, which is 6.8 points higher than the US average of 22.7. Additionally, the property crime rate in Lake Arbor is 55.5, which is 19.9 points higher than the US average of 35.4. This suggests that it may not be a particularly safe place to live or visit compared to other cities across America.

Sources

Prince George County

Wikipedia

Best Places

World Population Review

Watkins Regional Park

Watkins Nature Center

Smithsonian Exhibits

UM Capital Region Medical Center

UM Bowie Health Center

Lake Arbor Country Club

Lake Arbor Community Center

Yoga Bliss

Woodhouse Spa

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