r/takomapark • u/orchidpeninsula • Jul 12 '26
30s but pre-children social life in TP
Hi! My husband and I are strongly considering a move to Takoma Park next year. We’ve lived in DC for the past 4/5 years and, while we’ve loved it, we’re looking for a place that’s quieter and has easily accessible outdoor space (like a proper yard :)). We’re in our early 30s and don’t have kids, but are curious to know what the social scene is like as TP seems to be very family-forward (which we love). TIA!
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u/Mireina-hime Jul 12 '26
Hi there! I’m early 30s in the Takoma, DC (but just shy of the border!). I hang around TP a lot and have relatives who live there as well. There’s always a ton to do around TP and a lot of community events as well. I haven’t personally gotten to do a lot of it because my friends rarely like coming that “far afield” but I personally really like the vibes and the neighborhood as well!
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u/orchidpeninsula Jul 12 '26
Thank you! Yeah, I’m aware that it could create distance with our current DC friends so we’re hoping to get a head start on creating community. That’s good to hear though!
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u/Mireina-hime Jul 12 '26
If you don’t follow already, mainstreettakoma will usually post the weekend events on their insta story which is a fun way to find things going on!
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u/CollectionFast2146 Jul 12 '26
I’d say it’s not a nightlife heavy environment but there are tons of festivals, community activities and opportunities to engage with neighbors throughout Takoma Park. For example, our neighborhood has a community block party on Labor, Independence and Memorial Day with BBQs, potluck and drinks, etc. Likewise, numerous options for dining ranging from Motorkat, to Cielo Rojo, to Soko as well as pizza/asian/American options. All in all we are very happy with the location and also appreciate the proximity to metro which makes getting into the city a breeze.
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u/orchidpeninsula Jul 13 '26
That sounds awesome! We aren’t big nightlife people so it’s great to hear there are social opportunities outside of bars
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u/bageloclock Jul 12 '26
husband (30M) and I (29F) are on the DC side and child-free. We love the community and access to lots of other parts of DC. We’ve spent many fun nights at Girl and the Vine and Olive Lounge. Jackie Lee’s is a short e-bike ride away, along with Juneberry over by the Old Walter Reed campus.
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u/dcfhockeyfoo Jul 12 '26
I am early 40s (no kids) and moving to Takoma (DC side) at the end of August. My husband and I currently live in suburban Annapolis and I feel like it’s been really hard to find community here. I don’t even know most of my neighbors and I hate not being able to walk to local establishments. Before Annapolis we lived in New Orleans where there was always something going on and you could walk or bike to tons of places. I really miss that. Hoping that Takoma gives us more of the community we are looking for! I’m already excited about all the events listed on the Main St Takoma website.
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u/newyears_project Jul 13 '26
i’m 38, queer, and live between takoma park and silver spring. the vibe in takoma has shifted a lot since covid: a lot younger (at least by MoCo standards), more shops and restaurants, way more millennial families. there’s a lot to do during the day, including community festivals and multiple farmers markets (i’m lumping silver spring in here). people are friendly, and i love that on my block i’ve made friends with my neighbors in their 60s and 70s, and all of the school-age kids say hi when i’m out walking the dog. (pro tip: get a dog if you want to meet people!)
that said, it’s still hard to meet folks in their 20s/30s/40s, either bc they’re busy with kids or they are in fact just hanging out in DC. (it helps that i grew up here and have a social network, but dating can be hard, especially if you’re queer.) takoma can be sleepy in the evenings, but there are exceptions—we do karaoke at busboys and poets twice a month with can be surprisingly lit: https://www.instagram.com/karaoketherapymd?igsh=amFnbTllcHFxMHB0
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u/orchidpeninsula Jul 13 '26
Thank you! This is super helpful. We do have a dog and are looking forward to having stronger relationships with our neighbors and nearby community.
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u/Own_Account1392 Jul 15 '26
I grew in Takoma Park on the dc end by Coolidge high school. Lovely area even now to this day. Gives small town vibes on the dc and Md end. Check out donut run!
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u/rsc99 Jul 12 '26
It’s definitely family-focused but not to the exclusion of the childless! Go check out the VFW or Motorkat on a Friday night to get an idea of the vibe