Best areas of Maryland near Eastern Ave border

[Nick Pisano]

Hey everybody! I've been looking for a SFH to owner occupy (to take advantage of a low down payment mortgage) before eventually turning into a rental. My real estate experience is limited pretty much to DC proper, and I'm admittedly pretty ignorant about Maryland. But for mostly price-related reasons I'm looking into the area between Eastern Ave and the Beltway. Curious to get everyone's thoughts on what parts of that area you would recommend focusing on. Ideally, looking for 2/3BRs up to mid 400s in B- to B+ neighborhoods (No HOA).

Also, I'm aware that the taxes are much more in Maryland, but not sure of much beyond that. Any particular areas that I should know about on that front?

[Leo Watts]

Downtown mt rainier and the arts district in hyattsville are my top choices for walkability and cute housing stock. Also more expensive accordingly. Cheverly has nice topography and cute houses and is a bit cheaper and a little under the radar.