The Purple Line Effect: How New Transit Stops Will Impact College Park Property Values
As the Purple Line light rail project moves closer to completion, all eyes are on College Park, Maryland—a city already on the rise thanks to the University of Maryland (UMD) and its expanding innovation district. The 16-mile transit line, stretching from Bethesda to New Carrollton, will transform how residents, students, and professionals move through the region.
But for real estate investors and homeowners, the real question is: How will these new transit connections reshape property values in College Park?
This article breaks down the neighborhoods most likely to benefit, examines transit-oriented development trends, and offers a predictive look at where the next wave of appreciation will occur once the Purple Line opens.
I. The Purple Line and Its Role in College Park’s Growth
The Purple Line is designed to connect key employment and residential hubs across Montgomery and Prince George’s Counties, linking directly to the Metro’s Red, Green, and Orange Lines. For College Park (ZIP 20740), this means faster access to both downtown Washington, D.C. and Montgomery County’s tech corridor.
Two new College Park stations will serve as local catalysts:
Campus Drive–UMD Station: Positioned near the heart of campus and the Discovery District.
River Road Station: Located along the industrial corridor, poised for redevelopment.
According to Maryland Transit Administration (MTA) projections, the line will carry over 65,000 daily riders by 2030—making College Park one of its busiest midline hubs.
II. Transit-Oriented Development (TOD): The New Real Estate Frontier
Across the D.C. region, proximity to transit consistently correlates with faster property appreciation and higher rents. Studies from Smart Growth America show that homes within a half-mile of new rail stations increase in value by 15–25% within five years of service launch.
For College Park, the Purple Line adds a powerful new layer of connectivity atop existing Metro service—boosting the city’s attractiveness for commuters, UMD students, and working professionals.
Anticipated Benefits for Local Real Estate:
Reduced commute times to Silver Spring, Bethesda, and downtown D.C.
Expanded housing demand from new tech employees in the Discovery District.
Increased developer interest in mixed-use and multi-family projects along Route 1.
Revitalization of underused parcels near River Road and Greenbelt Road.
In short, the Purple Line represents more than just transit—it’s a long-term economic multiplier for the entire 20740 real estate market.
III. Neighborhood-by-Neighborhood Impact Forecast
1. Berwyn: From Hidden Gem to Transit Hotspot
Berwyn’s walkable streets and historic homes already attract professionals and grad students, but its proximity to the upcoming River Road Station will make it a top-tier neighborhood for appreciation.
Predicted Appreciation: 18–22% (within 5 years of Purple Line completion)
Why: Easy access to both UMD and future tech employers along the Discovery District corridor.
Investment Insight: Early acquisitions of single-family or duplex properties near Berwyn Road could yield exceptional long-term ROI as demand for commuter-friendly housing rises.
2. Calvert Hills: Transit Convenience Meets Family Stability
Calvert Hills has long been a family-oriented enclave prized for its charm and zoning stability. While it’s not immediately adjacent to the Purple Line, its proximity to Campus Drive Station (less than a mile) and the College Park Metro interchange makes it a prime beneficiary of spillover demand.
Predicted Appreciation: 12–15%
Why: Walkability to multiple transit options without losing its residential identity.
Investment Insight: Expect demand from professionals and faculty seeking short commutes to both UMD and D.C. while maintaining suburban tranquility.
3. Old Town: The Student Housing Powerhouse
Already the epicenter of student rentals, Old Town’s value will surge once the Purple Line reduces travel times between campuses and D.C. internships. Student tenants and short-term renters will increasingly prioritize accessibility over car ownership.
Predicted Appreciation: 15–20%
Why: High turnover area with strong rental flexibility and immediate walkability to Campus Drive Station.
Investment Insight: Investors can expect steady rent growth and occupancy near 98% after 2027, but must stay compliant with College Park’s rental permit system.
4. North College Park & Hollywood: The Transit-Driven Frontier
North College Park and Hollywood—currently more suburban in character—are poised for the largest transformation. These neighborhoods sit near the Greenbelt Road and River Road corridors, where land availability supports new mixed-use and multi-family developments.
Predicted Appreciation: 20–25%
Why: Direct access to the Purple Line, improved retail, and future transit-oriented zoning changes.
Investment Insight: Early investments in underpriced ranch or split-level homes here could yield the strongest five-year returns citywide.
5. University Park: Prestige Meets Connectivity
University Park, an established enclave with stately homes and civic pride, will benefit indirectly through market spillover and improved commuting access. While new construction is limited by preservation efforts, home values will still climb steadily.
Predicted Appreciation: 10–13%
Why: Increased buyer competition from professionals seeking single-family homes near upgraded transit lines.
Investment Insight: Ideal for long-term homeowners or flippers focusing on architectural restoration.
IV. The Broader Economic Ripple
The Purple Line’s construction has already spurred over $1 billion in adjacent development projects—including office expansions, new student housing complexes, and retail centers along Baltimore Avenue.
Key impacts by 2030:
Commercial growth: Increased demand for office and retail near stations.
Rental escalation: Expected rent growth of 4–6% annually in Purple Line zones.
Equity appreciation: Properties purchased before 2027 could outperform regional averages by 15%+ over the following decade.
Together, these factors position College Park as one of Maryland’s strongest long-term transit-oriented real estate markets.
V. The Investor’s Takeaway: Buy Before the Line Opens
The window of opportunity for investors is now—before the Purple Line becomes fully operational. History across other D.C. Metro corridors (e.g., the Silver Line in Northern Virginia) shows that the largest gains occur in the two years before and after service begins.
Focus your 2025 strategy on:
Berwyn and North College Park for appreciation and new construction potential.
Old Town for consistent student rental income.
Calvert Hills for long-term stability and family buyers.
With new transit access, College Park is evolving from a college town into a regional commuter hub, offering the dual advantage of urban convenience and suburban charm.
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For a complete analysis of College Park’s neighborhoods, infrastructure, rental market, and investment outlook, explore the full guide:
👉 The Complete Guide to Real Estate in College Park, MD: Living, Investing, and Selling