College Park, Md., is known for the University of Maryland and the Route 1 Corridor, and now Bloomberg Businessweek says it should be known for raising families.
The city has been voted the best place in Maryland to raise children.
The designation was based on several factors, including low crime rate, affordable housing, good schools, recreational opportunities and unique attractions, like the College Park Airport -- the oldest continually operated airport in the world -- and its aviation museum.
"We get a lot of families with young children and we also get a lot of schools coming to our museum," Kristin Jackson said. "It's just a great area to raise a family."
Mayor Pro Tem Bob Catlin said the city hasn't always been so appealing for families. He credits the University of Maryland for strengthening neighborhoods.
A lack of student housing led to investors buying single-family homes to rent to students, but that's faded with more student housing options available, opening up opportunities for families.
Ashland, Va., earned the same distinction in the commonwealth.
