Type of Community and Homes Available: Named for a Civil War general, Wheaton is a loosely defined area widiout corporate identity or borders, centering on the Wheaton business district, where Georgia Ave., Veirs Mill Rd., and University Blvd. converge.

It has experienced explosive growth over the last 25 years and has developed into a major commercial and tract residential area. A Metrorail station opened in 1990. Its convenience to the Capital Beltway and moderately priced homes appeal to young people on the way up.

Wheaton's new housing market consisted mainly of condominium sales but the mature detached housing market dwarfed even these condo sales. The area offers some of the more reasonable detached-house pricetags in Montgomery County. Single family homes range from $140,000 to $300,000.

Townhomes range from $135,000 to $200,000 and apartments from $700 to $1,200 per month.

Tax Situation: Homes are assessed at 40%/$ 100 of fair market value.

Public Transportation: Wheaton and Forest Glen Metro Station. Metrobus service: south on Georgia Ave. to Silver Spring station, then to Van Ness Center; north on Georgia Ave. to Oiney; northwest on Veirs Mill Rd. to Rockville; east on University Blvd. to Prince George's Plaza, University of Maryland.

west to Kensington, N.I.H., National Medical Library (next to N.I.H.), and Montgomery Mall. County's RIDE-ON bus service also available. Accessible taxi and van service available.

Public Facilities and Services: Electricity, gas, water and sewer to entire area. Trash collected twice weekly; leaf collection, recycling pick-up. County police patrol the area from the Wheaton Glenmont station.

Five fire stations with 110 paid full-time firefighters and a number of volunteer fire and rescue workers and 3 mobile intensive care units. Wheaton rescue squad has 3 basic life support units, 3 advanced life support units, and 2 heavy duty squads.

Regional library has approximately 150,000 volumes and Health Information Center with consumer health information and Literacy Council in Library Computers are available. Open 7 days a week during the school year. Library information: 929-5520.

Public Schools: 5 elementary, I middle school, I high school. Nearby Glenmont-Layhill area has 4 elementaiy, I senior high. The Edison Career Center is located next to Wheaton H.S. Private and Parochial Schools: 2 Catholic elementaiy (pre K-8, boys and girls), I Catholic high (9-12, boys); I nurseiy and kindergarten.

Places of Worship: I Assembly of God, 4 Baptist, I Catholic, I Christian Disciples of Christ, I Episcopal, I Interdenominarional, I Lutheran, 4 Methodist, 2 Presbyterian, I Seventh-DayAdvendst, 2 United Church of Christ.

Organizations: American Legion, B'nai B'rith (Men and Women's), Business and Professional Women's Club, Chamber of Commerce, Citizens Association, Democratic Club, Hadassah, Jaycees, Kiwanis, Knights of Columbus, Light Opera Association, Lions, Masons, Moose, Optimists, Pioneer Women, Republican Club, Rotary, Senior Citizens, VFW, Welcome Wagon, Women's Club, Women of the Moose.

Recreational Facilities: Park and Planning Commission facilities and public schools used extensively. They include: Brookside Gardens with herb/formal gardens and greenhouse; Brookside Nature Center (accessible) with nature trails and activities (small fee) for adults/children.

2 community centers with I auditorium and game room; 11 local parks (3 with lighted basketball and tennis courts) and recreation centers; I community swimming pool (Martin Luther King); several private swim dubs; county recreation and parks programs organized for all ages.

Also the large Wheaton Regional Park which includes a riding stable and trails, large and unique "Adventure" playground, playing fields, miniature train ride, future activity center, I carousel, bike trails, and ice skating rink (Oct. to Mar.).

Wheaton is home of the National Capital Trolley Museum (301) 384-6088. Preschool acrivityprogram (3-5) "Creative Carousel" multi-activity Recreation Program (fee). Information for Montgomely County Recreation: (301) 217-3980.

Medical Facilities: Many physicians and dentists. Hospitals in nearby Bethesda, Oiney, Silver Spring and Takoma Park. Three nursing homes, I senior lunch prograin. Community mental health center (301) 217-3160.

Shopping: Wheaton Plaza (enclosed mall) with more than 95 stores including large department and chain stores and specialty shops. The Wheaton Business District, near University Blvd. and Georgia Avenue, has recently been remodeled and revitalized.