Buckingham offers a peaceful neighborhood with primarily single detached homes built during the 1960 to 1980 construction period. Most residences feature spacious three or more bedroom floor plans, providing comfortable living spaces. The community benefits from proximity to local schools, which are a short distance away, adding convenience for educational needs. Although the area does not have parks within its borders, green spaces in nearby neighborhoods are easily accessible. Parking availability is abundant, and highways are quickly reached by car from any location. Bus lines serve the community, offering additional transportation choices for residents.
Buckingham is a very good neighborhood to buy a home in for those who prefer a relaxed atmosphere. Green spaces, like Whitemarsh Park, are very well-situated and there are a few of them close by for residents to unwind in, which makes it very easy to reach them. This neighborhood is also very good for those who need quiet surroundings, as the streets are very tranquil.
Parks, schools, dining, and what makes this neighborhood special
At 2800 Barberry Lane, Buckingham Park is the neighborhood’s signature outdoor amenity: a 10-acre city park with three baseball and softball fields, a basketball court, two playgrounds, picnic tables, grills, and an improved walking-and-biking trail. Its compact layout makes it especially useful for everyday recreation, youth sports, informal play, and neighborhood gatherings without requiring a drive across Bowie.
Buckingham is one of Bowie’s original Levitt-built Belair sections, developed during the early 1960s, and its street pattern gives the neighborhood a distinctive identity: many roads begin with the letter B, including Buckingham Drive, Barberry Lane, Brookshire Lane, and Briarwood Drive. The consistent suburban plan, mature trees, and detached mid-century homes preserve a recognizable chapter of Bowie’s planned-community history.
Kenilworth Elementary School, at 12520 Kembridge Drive, is a particularly important neighborhood institution because it sits within the established Belair-area residential fabric and serves as a nearby educational anchor for Buckingham families. Its location reinforces the community’s walkable, school-centered character, while the surrounding sidewalks and residential streets connect the campus naturally to the neighborhood’s homes, parks, and daily routines.
Bowie High School at 15200 Annapolis Road is a prominent nearby institution and a major landmark along Buckingham’s western approach. The Prince George’s County public high school serves grades 9–12 and offers a broad academic and extracurricular setting, while its proximity places high-school facilities, athletic events, and community activity within a short trip of Buckingham’s residential streets.
Just north of Buckingham along Annapolis Road at Superior Lane, Free State Shopping Center provides the neighborhood’s most convenient concentration of everyday services, groceries, dining, and errands. The center includes Giant Food, TJ Maxx, Ross, Five Below, Starbucks, CAVA, IHOP, Anthony’s Pizzeria, Rock & Toss Crab House, and other businesses, giving Buckingham residents a practical commercial hub close to home.
Things to do, events, and what's happening this month
Residents near Buckingham can hear proposals for improving Bowie Town Center and share ideas about future dining, shopping, gathering spaces, and housing. This open-house format is a convenient way to influence a major nearby destination while connecting with neighbors and city staff.
View event details →This local cycling event offers beginner, intermediate, and advanced routes, making it accessible to a range of Bowie-area riders. Participants can enjoy an active morning, meet fellow residents, and support domestic-violence awareness and prevention through a community-centered event close to Buckingham.
View event details →Buckingham residents can shop for produce, flowers, baked goods, meats, coffee, and handmade items at Bowie's seasonal market, then enjoy special fall activities for Octoberfest. It is an easy nearby outing for fresh food, local vendors, and a relaxed Sunday community atmosphere.
View event details →Children ages 6 to 12 can combine a hands-on STEM lesson with supervised skating, giving families near Buckingham an engaging after-school activity. No skating or STEM experience is required, and each session offers a new lesson for children who want to return.
View event details →Adults living near Buckingham can enjoy a free outdoor screening at historic Belair Mansion, with food trucks, beverage stations, costumes, and a festive Halloween setting. The movie begins at 7 p.m.; attendees must be at least 18, and valid identification is required.
View event details →Boo-wie Fest gives Buckingham-area families a nearby daytime Halloween outing at Belair Stable. The event is a natural choice for seasonal fun, costumes, and community activities without traveling far from Bowie, and it pairs well with other citywide events happening that weekend.
View event details →Stories, updates, and things to know in Buckingham
Local characteristics and demographics for Buckingham
