Takoma Park, Maryland is - and has been since its inception - one of the most politically active communities in America today. Takoma Park is a sanctuary city , as such, there is no city enforcement of US Immigration Law. Takoma Park has been designated a Nuclear Free Zone, and its active citizens associations take this seriously enough that the city council discusses all current options for the purchase of buses, trucks, vans and cars when the city needs vehicles. Hybrid Electric Buses and/or and ethanol powered are considered as well as which companies producing replacement equipment are involved in war efforts or in promoting gun violence. Recycling is actively promoted and adhered to, and Takoma Park's governing body boasts an active and responsible Ethics Committee.

Takoma Park's population of 17,299 (2000 census) consists of activists, writers, musicians, artists, and entrepreneurs. More than 700 businesses and non-profits call Takoma Park 'Home'.

Residents of Takoma Park enjoy a green Victorian community with tree-lined streets (it has been designated a "Tree City, USA."). Public gardens and several parks are scattered throughout city. Playgrounds, ball diamonds, tennis courts, and a football field are only a part of an active recreational program for the city. Bike trails are planned and used as viable alternatives to their excellent transportation system. Public transportation is provided by Metro, Montgomery County Ride-on Bus service and Metrobus. Unusual amenities are generally cooperative in nature such as the community tool-lending library, a weekly Farmer's Market, and Landlord/Tenant Affairs services.

Takoma Park's suburban setting is inside the capitol beltway and adjacent to Washington DC. Takoma Old Town, which has some great shopping, actually overlaps into D.C. Other boundaries can also be confusing. One third of Takoma Park is in Prince Georges County and two thirds are in Montgomery County, Maryland. Most museums and historic landmarks in the District are within walking or biking distance.

Seventh-Day Adventists operate a college and hospital here. Washington Adventist Hospital (founded in 1907) is a 300-bed, state-of-the-art acute care facility with a world-renowned cardiac center. Columbia Union College was established in 1904 and is an integral part of the Takoma community. Montgomery College also has a campus here.

Education is higher than average in this cosmopolitan city. University of Maryland at College Park, CATHOLIC UNIVERSITY OF AMERICA, UNIVERSITY OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, GEORGETOWN UNIVERSITY, HOWARD UNIVERSITY, GEORGE WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY, and AMERICAN UNIVERSITY are all within 10 miles of Takoma Park.