Located on the outskirts of the northern border of Washington, D.C., Silver Spring, Maryland, is an up-and-coming area for home buyers. Silver Spring is a vibrant town full of rich culture, evidenced by its bustling theater life and art exhibitions. The area is quite picturesque, with many parks and nature trails to explore. It also has a thriving downtown area containing charming restaurants and high-end shops. If you are interested in moving to Silver Spring, MD, check out The Foley Group of Go Brent Realty guide on all the things you need to know about the area.
Quick facts about Silver Spring
- Named after a natural spring, Silver Spring was a highly popular vacation spot for locals of Washington, D.C., before it transformed into a dynamic residential area
- Silver Spring is located in Montgomery County, with a population of 80,000 as of 2020.
- The town is known for its eclectic arts scene, with various galleries and museums.
- Silver Spring has various reputable schools nearby, both public and private, including Montgomery College.
Cost of living in Silver Spring
The cost of living in Silver Spring, Maryland, is about 26% higher than the national average, with the median income of households being $103,859. Thus, most people seeking housing in Silver Spring live luxurious lifestyles and prefer to be in an upscale area, given the high real estate market in Montgomery County, Maryland. Due to Silver Spring’s optimal location near Washington, D.C., it has been one of the most popular places to live in recent years and will continue to be for years to come.
What is there to do in Silver Spring?
Silver Spring has so many exciting things to do. The AFI Silver Theatre and Cultural Center is a historic landmark in Silver Spring, hosting a variety of films and presentations throughout the year. The theater has three different screens to enjoy and is a wonderful place for those interested in watching independent films and classic blockbusters.
Though you can always take a quick trip to Washington, D.C., to explore its many public museums and artifacts, you can also head to Silver Spring’s downtown for a taste of urban energy. Here, you can eat delicious meals, see a concert at the Fillmore, or even go ice skating during the winter months.
As aforementioned, residents have access to some incredible, vast parks in Silver Spring. Sligo Creek Park has various nature trails for bikers and hikers and wide spaces of green to picnic. In addition, Wheaton Regional Park has some excellent amenities, including trails, grills, tables, a playground, gardens, horse stables, an ice rink, and tennis courts. Residents of Silver Spring love that they can access such fun nearby.
Also, there are many amazing art galleries to visit in Silver Spring’s downtown, including the Create Arts Center, Betty Mae Kramer Gallery, and Arts on the Block. There is also a farmers’ market on Saturdays to purchase delicious baked goods and fresh food.
Restaurants in Silver Spring
There are all sorts of restaurants you can explore while in Silver Spring. Set in a rustic yet modern dining room area and serving delicious chophouse essentials and a raw bar menu, J. Hollinger’s Waterman’s Chophouse is a fabulous dining experience. This location is perfect for a romantic date night or celebratory occasion. Zinnia, Silver Spring’s newest darling on the food scene, offers gorgeous gardens to sip and savor. Be sure to check out the garden beds where the chef is growing seasonal fare for their dishes.
McGinty's Public House offers traditional Irish Pub fare alongside upscale dishes by renowned Chef Nico and create your own beer crawl by visiting award-winning local breweries Denizens, Astrolab and Silver Branch Brewing.
Community life in Silver Spring
Besides the weekly farmers’ market in Silver Spring, there are several opportunities for community gatherings. These promote bonds among neighbors in Silver Spring and offer residents fun things to do in their free time. The Silver Springs Arts and Crafts Summer Fair is a lovely activity where local vendors sell their handmade jewelry and decorations. There are also some stations for children to make their own pieces.
The Silverdocs Documentary Film Festival is another exciting event in Silver Spring. The event features dramatic films that create conversation among communities within the town. Guests can attend question-and-answer sessions with some of the filmmakers, making this festival one of the most renowned in the country.
Holiday celebrations are also popular in Silver Spring. The Thanksgiving Parade occurs the Saturday after Thanksgiving each year and features a variety of dynamic floats and performances.
Transportation options in Silver Spring
Luckily for residents of Silver Spring, there are plenty of options for transportation. This is especially convenient for commuters to Washington, D.C. The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) has a Metrorail station in Silver Spring, providing access to D.C. and other parts of Maryland and Virginia. A Metrobus system also transports its customer to closer regions near Silver Spring. Ride-On is another bus service that connects to other parts of Montgomery County. Of course, traveling by car is also an option for locals of Silver Spring, who can use major highways like I-495.
Learn more about living in Silver Spring
Now that you have key information about moving to Silver Spring, MD, you can start looking for homes. For all your questions about Silver Spring real estate, contact The Foley Group of Go Brent Realty to get started searching for your dream home today!