The hallmark of Takoma Park - once the unquestionable hippie colony of the DC area - is a neighborhood of socially conscious people striving to make a difference. Established in 1883 by developer Benjamin Gilbert the town split in two - DC (Takoma) and Takoma Park, MD. Takoma Park's border is just a 5 minute walk to the Metro station on the DC side.Housing styles vary from late 19th century Victorians to craftsman colonials, bungalows from the 1920's, Cape Cods, American foursquares and more.Like the rest of Montgomery County and DC, it is becoming a more expensive area to live in. Homes here do not stay on the market long. It has a thriving commercial area with local favorite restaurants and shops.