Silver Spring Maryland
Silver Spring is located just north of Washington, D.C. in Montgomery County Maryland. It is known for its recently developed downtown area as well as the quieter residential parts that lie right outside of that strip. Silver Spring’s has a unique mix of urban and suburban areas are easily commutable to D.C. and other destinations. The neighborhood is also very active and every year there are live music festivals, a Thanksgiving Day Parade, and more. Silver Spring has many parks in the vicinity including a 50 acre display garden. The restaurants and amenities in downtown Silver Spring offer everything you could want in a city. Overall Silver Spring is a vibrant mix of urban and suburban neighborhoods that cater to whatever it is you are looking for.
Silver Spring MD History
Silver Spring originally got its name from Francis Blair in 1840 when he discovered a “silver” spring. The “silver” in the spring was actually chips of mica and although it is not flowing any longer you can still see the dry spring at Acorn Park. Blair ended up building a mansion there on a 250 acre plot which was frequented by many dignitaries of the time including Abraham Lincoln. Development continued towards the start of the 20th century and showed no signs of slowing down until the 1950s. Competition from other retail shopping centers began to draw customers away from downtown Silver Spring, which led to a decline over the next two decades. The opening of the metro in Silver Spring in 1978 began a gradual process of revitalization. The start of the 21st century saw the development of “Downtown Silver Spring,” which was a massive success and was even featured on a PBS documentary entitled “Silver Spring: Story of an American Suburb.” Downtown Silver Spring has numerous family owned and corporate restaurants that feature a plethora of cuisines. Today Silver Spring is known for its downtown area yet also has a quieter, suburban area just minutes away.
Silver Spring’s Vibe
Downtown Silver Spring has a big city feel with restaurants, shops, entertainment, apartments and offices all within a few blocks of each other. It is home to numerous biotechnology companies, real estate development companies, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. However, just outside of the downtown area there are quiet streets that give the area a laid back feel. Silver Spring has both urban and suburban living. There are a range of people that live here: younger professionals, longtime residents, immigrants, families, and more. Since the neighborhood has so many different things going for it, it attracts people from all ages, ethnicities, and professions.
Shopping in Silver Spring, Maryland
Silver Spring has an amazing recently built shopping center in the new “Downtown Silver Spring.” There are many stores including Ann Taylor Loft, Living Ruff, Men’s Warehouse, and more. Even if you are not shopping, just walking around the downtown area in Silver Spring is an activity in and of itself. There are plenty of stores, restaurants, and entertainment to keep anybody busy.
Recreation options in Silver Spring, MD
Silver Spring is great if you enjoy being outdoors. There are several notable parks including Rock Creek Park, Silgo Creek Park, Acorn Park, Jesup Blair Park, and the 50 acre Brookside Gardens Park. At Rock Creek Park you can go hiking, enjoy a picnic, biking, and exploring through the wooded trails. Silgo Creek Park offers hiking, biking, as well as tennis and a playground area for children. Acorn Park is located in downtown Silver Spring and is where the name “Silver Spring” originated from the mica flecked water that came out of the spring there. Jesup Blair Park is great for sports and includes a soccer field, basketball courts, tennis courts, and an area for picnics. Brookside Gardens, for all the nature enthusiasts out there, is a 50 acre award winning display garden that also has educational classes for adults and kids. Silver Spring also has numerous gyms including LA Fitness, Gold’s Gym, YMCA, and others.
Where do people live in Silver Spring?
Silver Spring has single family homes, townhouse, condos, and apartments. Similar to Arlington neighborhoods, most of the condos and apartment buildings are closer to the metro. Several blocks outside of the downtown area is a residential community. If you are looking to buy a property prices can get high but are comparable to Northern Virginia suburbs like Fairfax County and Falls Church.
Silver Spring MD Transportation options
Silver Spring is accessible in many ways including driving, metro, bus, biking, or walking. The Capital Beltway is just a short drive away for residents. Silver Spring has its own metro stop along the red line as well as a MARC train, which can take you further than the metro’s reach. Silver Spring has many options if you take the bus: Metrobus, RideOn Bus lines and the free Van Go Shuttle. If you prefer to walk you are in luck, Silver Spring received a walk score of 97 out of 100 meaning that the neighborhood is a walker’s paradise.
Silver Spring Maryland Boundaries
Silver Spring is an unincorporated area and as a result the boundaries are sometimes disputed. The neighborhood extends from the borders of Northwest DC, Prince George’s County to the East, Plyer’s Mill Road to the West, and Howard County to the north.
Entertainment & Restaurant options in Silver Spring, Maryland
Silver Spring has a downtown area that is unmatched in almost any DC area. There are music festivals including a Jazz Fest, Blues Festival, a Thanksgiving Day Parade, and even a yearly Film Festival. The downtown area also has a wide variety of food options to choose from including Moroccan, Jamaican, Italian, Vietnamese, Burmese, American, Ethiopian, Mexican, and Lebanese. Some of the neighborhood favorites include Sergio Ristorante Italian, Jewel of India, The Big Greek Café, Ray’s the Classics, or Cakelove for dessert. If you are looking for a great coffee place or a quick snack then stop by Fenton Café, Kefa Café, or Tiramisu Bakery Café for great Ethiopian coffee.
Nightlife options in Silver Spring MD
The neighborhood has several great local bars including the Quarry House Tavern, Piratz Tavern, or the Limerick Pub. Piratz Tavern is a unique bar because it has a Pirate theme from the décor all the way down to the costumed waiters. The AFI Silver Theater draws people from all around the DC area. It shows classic films, first run films, and also sponsors a film festival once a year.
Conclusion about Silver Spring Marylnd
Silver Spring is great because it offers so many different residential and commercial options for residents, while just bordering the northwestern tip of Washington, D.C. This neighborhood has quiet suburban streets right outside of the bustling Downtown Silver Spring. With great convenience to D.C. and access to so many amenities, Silver Spring people from far and wide to Silver Spring.
