Written by Michael J. Schiff, Team Leader of The Schiff Home Team of eXp Realty
This November, Six Flags America and its adjacent water park, Hurricane Harbor, will close their gates for the final time. The 500-acre property in Prince George’s County, Maryland, is set to be sold for redevelopment – marking the end of a significant chapter in the region’s entertainment history and the beginning of what could be one of the most impactful land transformations we’ve seen in years.
A Storied Past
Originally opened in 1974 as a wildlife preserve, the site evolved into a theme park and joined the Six Flags family in 1999. Over the years, it became home to iconic attractions like the Wild One, a wooden roller coaster dating back to 1917, and the Batwing, the only remaining Vekoma Flying Dutchman coaster in operation. The closure is more than a nostalgic moment – it’s a pivot point with major implications for the local economy and real estate market.
Economic and Community Impact
The park’s closure will affect approximately 70 full-time employees and a much larger seasonal workforce. Beyond employment, it has long been a regional tourism driver and a source of community identity. Now, the county faces the challenge – and opportunity – of imagining what comes next.
Acting Prince George’s County Executive Tara Jackson has emphasized the need for a thoughtful, inclusive approach to redevelopment that supports long-term community benefits. And that’s where the conversation starts to shift toward real estate.
Real Estate Implications: 500 Acres of Possibility
From a development standpoint, 500 acres in a well-connected region like this is a unicorn. It’s rare, it’s valuable, and it’s brimming with potential. While the land is currently zoned for amusement use, a zoning change could unlock a variety of possibilities: residential communities, mixed-use developments, retail centers, or even a massive sports or event complex.
This is not just a Prince George’s County story – it’s a regional ripple effect. Any large-scale redevelopment is likely to drive up demand for nearby housing, increase property values, and shift the long-term trajectory of Upper Marlboro and surrounding towns.
Housing and Investment Opportunities
Prince George’s County continues to see strong buyer demand and low inventory. If a portion of this site is converted into new housing – whether single-family homes, townhomes, or apartments – it could help alleviate inventory constraints while attracting new residents, businesses, and long-term investment.
For buyers and investors, this could be the moment to lean in. Proximity to transformative developments like this often results in long-term property appreciation. If you own property in the area, this could boost your home value. If you’re looking to invest, this should be on your radar.
A Call to Watch, Learn, and Act
For agents, brokers, and real estate professionals, this is one of those moments when the early movers will benefit most. Stay informed. Attend zoning and planning meetings. Start conversations with your clients now. Whether you’re working with homebuyers, sellers, or investors, this development is going to create opportunity—it’s just a matter of who’s ready to act on it.
The closure of Six Flags America marks the end of an era. But in real estate, every ending is the beginning of something new. This land has entertained generations. What it becomes next could define the next generation of growth in Prince George’s County.