Silver Spring, Maryland

Overview

Silver Spring, Maryland is located to the north of Washington D.C.  Named after a mica-flecked spring discovered in the 19th Century, Silver Spring is a gem that any prospective homebuyer would be lucky to snatch up.  Due to recent growth and revitalization efforts, Silver Spring contains a wide variety of housing opportunities within a short walking distance of a vibrant downtown.      

Silver Spring MD


Real Estate

Silver Spring has a population of over 70,000 residents residing in 26 neighborhoods.  Silver Spring has proven to be a positive investment for homeowners.  In the past year, appreciation rates have exceeded national averages.  Over the past ten years, appreciation rates have reached nearly 70%, well above the national average.  Silver Spring's neighborhoods were constructed primarily from the 1940s to the 1960s and from the 1970s to the 1990s.  Silver Spring offers a wide variety of housing options, with ranches and cape cods being very prevalent.  Neighborhood settings range from urban areas right outside of Washington, D.C., such as Takoma Park, to traditional suburban neighborhoods like Cloverly.   

Education

The Montgomery County Public School District serves the residents of Silver Spring.  Local students attend one of five high schools: Montgomery Blair High School, Northwood High School, Paint Branch High School, John F. Kennedy High School, or Springbrook High School.  Montgomery Blair High School is nationally recognized for its communications, mathematics, and computer science programs.  Montgomery Blair was recognized by Newsweek Magazine as one of the top ten best high schools in Maryland and one of the best high schools in America.  John F. Kennedy High School was also selected by Newsweek Magazine as one of the best high schools in America.  Overall, Montgomery County students consistently outscore their peers throughout Maryland in both math and reading.  Students may also opt to attend one of many private schools located in Silver Spring, such as the Siena School, Yeshiva of Greater Washington, or the Barrie School.  Always striving to raise the bar, Silver Spring is also home to institutions of higher learning.  A portion of the Montgomery College is located in Silver Spring, along with the National Labor College and a satellite campus for Howard University.   

Shop and Dine

Downtown Silver Spring features a wide variety of shops and restaurants capable of satisfying every want and desire.  In a class of its own, Silver Spring features a wide range of upscale shops and boutiques.  Some of the most popular retailers include AFI Silver Theater, City Sports, DSW, Gymboree, LOFT, and Ultra.   The downtown area also features a Whole Foods and a Freshfarm Market, which connects thousands of families directly to our nation's farmers.     
Downtown Silver Spring features over 150 restaurants with a wide variety of cuisines.  From Irish to Moroccan to Italian, there is something for everyone.  Cedar Crossing Tavern, Da Marco, General Store, Kabob n Karahi, Mandalay Restaurant and Café are a few of the excellent restaurants that have been recognized throughout the D.C. metro region.

Arts and Culture

Silver Spring is home to a multitude of cultural events throughout the year.  The downtown area features a number of art and music festivals.  Every year the Silver Spring Jazz Festival draws thousands of spectators to free performances by local and national jazz legends.  If your looking to relax inside and soak up some knowledge, Silver Spring also offers its residents access to five public libraries: Wheaton, Marilyn J. Praisner, White Oak, and Long Branch.  

Silver Spring is perhaps best recognized for the AFI-Discovery Channel Silverdocs Documentary Festival, which is hosted every year at the AFI Silver Theater.  Recognized by many as the "pre-eminent U.S. documentary festival" the event has drawn celebrities and luminaries including Martin Scorsese, Al Gore, and even LeBron James.  The Silver Theater is also recognized for its educational programs, which strive to teach all ages the value and meaning behind film.  

Recreation
Silver Spring offers a wide variety of opportunities for residents to get out and about.  Silver Spring features a wide range of activities throughout the year, including hiking, biking, and community parks.  Silver Spring also features several community centers and outdoor pools.  Also, every year an outdoor ice skating rink is constructed in downtown Silver Spring.   When the ice thaws, Silver Springs shows off another one of its unique features:  the downtown area features an interactive splash fountain, which is a favorite activity for young children and families during the hot months.  

Business
Silver Spring is home to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.  Discover Communications, perhaps best known for the Discovery Channel, is also located in downtown Silver Spring.  

Transportation

Silver Spring residents enjoy a wide variety of transportation options.    Two conveniently located metro stations serve Silver Spring:  Silver Spring Metro and Forest Glen Metro.  Several Metro Bus and Montgomery County Ride-on Bus routes also serve the area.  For longer trips residents can take the MARC Commuter Train from Georgia Avenue in Silver Spring or take the Amtrak Train located nearby in Rockville, Maryland.  A Greyhound bus station is also located in Silver Spring.