Homebuyer Spotlight: Partnership’s First Homebuyer Reflect on Time in College Park

The Partnership’s Homeownership Program, succeeded by Live+Work College Park, provides down payment and closing cost assistance to individuals who work full-time in College Park. Mark Fuge and his family were the first participants in the program in 2016. As they say farewell to College Park for Zurich, Switzerland, Mark Fuge reflects on his family’s time in College Park with Partnership Staff.  

“When we first bought our house in 2015, we were excited to explore the regional bike and trail networks. As our family grew, we came to appreciate College Park’s amenities in a way we didn’t anticipate. We frequented the Lakeland and Berwyn playgrounds.” 

“In the mornings, we biked our kids via the Trolley Trail to the University of Maryland’s Center for Young Children (CYC). We found it to be even faster than driving them from Berwyn. I may be a bit biased, but Berwyn is the best neighborhood; there are several grocery stores, access to local playgrounds and Lake Artemisia. I don’t think we’ll live as nice as Berwyn again.” 

“While living in College Park, we were a one-car family; during my 10 years at the U of MD I never needed a parking pass. I had a 7-minute commute by bike to his campus office, (or a ~20-minute walk), I could come home for lunch, let the dog out, and get back on campus easily. I could bike from home to work faster than folks living far away can walk from their campus parking spot.” 

To learn more about the Partnership’s Live+Work Program, visit our webpage.