While Silver Spring, Maryland has been around since the 1860s, it has transformed over the last 20 years into the cool and popular Washington, D.C. suburb it is today. Starting in 2000 with the Silver Spring Central Business District Sector Plan, the suburb has evolved into a transit-oriented, green, and pedestrian-friendly downtown with a vibrant mix of commercial and residential development.
Plus, a mix of Silver Spring neighborhoods ensures that there are plenty of places to live, work and play. Here are some of the best places to live in Silver Spring, MD.
Best Places to Live in Silver Spring, Md
Downtown
Downtown Silver Spring is a vibrant destination with plenty of restaurants, shopping, arts, and entertainment options, including the Fillmore concert venue and the American Film Institute’s Silver Theater. Annual events include the Silver Spring Jazz Festival in the summer, an outdoor ice-skating rink in the winter, and a seasonal FRESHFARM farmer’s market.
Downtown Silver Spring is also a commuters’ dream. The Paul S. Sarbanes Transit Center is a multilevel, multimodal facility that brings the region’s different transit systems together, including Metrorail, Metrobus, Montgomery County Ride-On, VanGo, and the University of Maryland shuttle.
As a result, the cost of living in Silver Spring is a bit on the high side—44% higher than the national average, according to Payscale.com. Luckily, there are plenty of education and employment opportunities in Silver Spring as well. The area is home to numerous federal contracting companies, as well as biotechnology company United Therapeutics Corporation, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and entertainment giant, Discovery Communications. The Montgomery College campus and American College of Radiology are also located in Downtown Silver Spring.
In addition, there are quite a few options for affordable condos and apartments in Downtown Silver Spring, MD. Featuring a 24-hour concierge service, a fitness center, and a large swimming pool and deck that make the fourth floor a favorite hideaway for residents, Silver Spring Towers combines the fun of urban living with an amenity-rich apartment experience. Twin Towers offers some of the best apartments in Downtown Silver Spring, MD, with well-designed floor plans and an array of modern amenities.
Woodside
Just northeast of Downtown Silver Spring is the neighborhood of Woodside. Conveniently located, Woodside is great for commuters who want to be “Inside the Beltway” but still want a neighborhood feel with tree-lined streets.
There are plenty of parks nearby including Sligo Creek Park, Ellsworth Park, and Woodside Park, as well as local dining options such as the Woodside Delicatessen and Mrs. K’s Toll House. And all the shops and entertainment of Downtown Silver Spring are just a mile away. Families have several school options, including Spring International Middle, Sligo Creek Elementary School, St Luke Christian Day School, and Chelsea School.
Summit Hills Apartments are nestled in the Rosemary Hills section of the Woodside neighborhood, between East-West Highway and 16th Street. A pet-friendly community featuring tennis courts, resort-style swimming pool, free garden plots, mini golf, and a putting green, Summit Hills is perfect for college students and staff due to its proximity to Montgomery College, the University of the District of Columbia, and Catholic University.
Also in Woodside is Claridge House, a pet-friendly community that features a great selection of features and amenities. Just around the corner from Rosemary Hills-Lytonsville Local Park and the Georgetown Branch of the Capital Crescent Trail, Claridge House offers a serene setting amidst the Woodside neighborhood’s greenery. Or, stay home and enjoy the community fitness center, swimming pool, and picnic and grilling areas at Claridge House, one of the best places to live in Silver Spring, MD.
Hillandale
The Hillandale neighborhood is located between the Prince George’s and Montgomery County lines and borders the neighborhoods of White Oak, Avenel, and Adelphi. Major employers in the area include the U.S. Army Research Laboratory and the sprawling U.S. Food and Drug Administration campus in White Oak.
This diverse neighborhood is home to a number of international grocery stores and restaurants, including Global International Grocery and Samantha’s Restaurant—a Pan-Latin eatery serving Mexican fajitas, Salvadoran pupusas, and Argentinian dishes—while Jewel of India and Viet Pho & Grill offer takeout and delivery.
Just off the Capital Beltway and near the Metrorail, The Chateau apartments offer an effortless commute to the dozens of major employers in the area, including the University of Maryland, which is just two miles away. Residents can stay active at The Chateau’s fitness center, tennis court, and swimming pool, or join the nearby Hillandale Swim & Tennis Association.
Clifton Park Village
Bordered by Piney Branch Road to the south, University Blvd. to the west, and the Anacostia River to the east, Clifton Park Village is a small, treelined gem and one of the most tranquil of Silver Spring neighborhoods.
Major thoroughfares and the nearby Silver Spring and College Park Metro and MARC stations offer easy access to everything the area has to offer, including shopping at the Hillandale Shopping Center and Metzrott Plaza, university attractions including the University of Maryland Observatory and Montgomery College Planetarium, and the Mount Rainier Nature Center.
Just off Piney Branch Road are the Nob Hill apartments, a garden-style community complete with a swimming pool, playground, in-building laundry facilities, and onsite management. With hardwood floors, garbage disposals, gas appliances, and balconies, the apartments at Nob Hill are a great and affordable place to discover all that Silver Spring has to offer.
Located north of the Anacostia River and the Anacostia Tributary Trail System is the newly renovated Hampshire West Apartments. With easy access to the Metrobus, Metrorail, and interstate, moving to Hampshire West is maybe the best decision you’ll ever make. Unexpected amenities such as complimentary DVD rental, complimentary coffee bar, and package acceptance services, add to an already great apartment community experience that includes a swimming pool, in-building laundry facilities, and onsite management.
Find Your Perfect Silver Spring Neighborhood with Southern Management
Is Silver Spring, MD a good place to live? We think so! Whether you work at one of the area’s major employers or are commuting to Washington, D.C., or Baltimore, Silver Spring is just a short commute to where you want to be. Or, park the car and take advantage of all the public transportation options available.
Just know that when you come back to your Southern Management apartment home in one of these great Silver Spring neighborhoods, you’ll immediately feel part of a vibrant and diverse community.
If you’re looking for an apartment in Silver Spring, reach out to the helpful team at Southern Management. We operate three downtown Silver Spring apartment communities and seven in the greater Silver Spring region! Our team can answer all of your questions about availability, pricing, and more.
Call (703) 902-9555 or contact us online!
