Silver Spring, Maryland is a lively suburban city outside Washington, D.C. Unless you’re familiar with the area, you could easily overlook this underrated Maryland gem. Over the past several years, the city has experienced incredible growth, especially in the downtown area.

Downtown Silver Spring is located along Georgia Avenue, intersecting with Colesville Road, approximately two miles south of the Capital Beltway (I-495). Whether passing through for a bite to eat or considering a move to the area, there are plenty of reasons to spend time in downtown Silver Spring. If you’re in the market to move and have been wondering, “Is Silver Spring, Maryland a good place to live?”, read on to see what this incredible town has to offer. 

Prime Location

Downtown Silver Spring has a prime location, with plenty of activities nearby for everyone to enjoy. Living in Silver Spring, Maryland provides the advantages of high-energy city life, with none of the pain associated with actual city living. Silver Spring’s neighborhoods are walkable and offer convenient public transit access, while also offering plenty of cozy, quaint residential neighborhoods.

Silver Spring is the fourth-largest city in Maryland. It is home to a diverse population, hosts numerous seasonal activities and its pedestrian-friendly streets are perfect for an active lifestyle. Silver Spring’s location makes for an easy venture into the nation’s capital for dinner or sunrise exercise in nearby Sligo Creek Park. 

There’s plenty to do right at your fingertips, with a number of parks, restaurants and bars in Silver Spring, Maryland. Silver Spring conveniently borders Washington, D.C. and is close to many other notable Maryland towns like Bethesda and College Park. It’s a great home base for exploring the DMV region. 

Easy Commuting

If you plan to commute from Silver Spring to Washington, D.C., you have plenty of options. Downtown Silver Spring is a major transit hub, with trains and buses to take you into Washington or other nearby suburbs.

Silver Spring’s Paul S. Sarbanes Transit Center is a multilevel, multimodal facility that brings the region’s different transit systems together, including Metrorail, Metrobus, MARC commuter rail Montgomery County Ride-On, VanGo and the University of Maryland shuttle. The Metrorail’s Red Line stops in Silver Spring, providing service to downtown Washington, D.C. in less than 30 minutes. MARC commuter rail trains also provide service to Washington, D.C. and to downtown Baltimore. 

The heart of Washington, D.C. is only a six-and-a-half-mile drive from downtown Silver Spring. If you’ll be driving to work, this commute down 16th St. NW. is as simple as it gets. The Capital Beltway is also easily accessible from Silver Spring. 

Top Five Things To Do in Silver Spring, Maryland

There are always fun things to do in Silver Spring, Maryland, no matter your age or interests. Add these immersive experiences to your bucket list!

  • Public Art Walk: Downtown Silver Spring is home to so many art installations that it’s easy to miss some without a map. Plan your route online and make a day of exploring the free artwork Silver Spring has to offer. Stroll along the Public Art Walk and take in the sculptures, murals, light shows and more.
  • AFI Silver Theater and Cultural Center: Grab some popcorn! Enjoy independent and foreign films, documentaries and classic cinema at this retro theater run by the American Film Institute. They also host film festivals and events throughout the year. 
  • The Fillmore Silver Spring: Attend a variety of concerts, including rock, Latin, blues, jazz, folk, country and more at this renowned music venue. The Fillmore attracts some of music’s biggest names and is known for its beautiful interior. 
  • National Capital Trolley Museum: At this museum, you’ll learn everything there is to know about the history of streetcars. The museum has an impressive collection of historic streetcars from Washington, D.C. and around the world, and visitors even have the opportunity to ride some of them. 
  • Veterans Plaza: This public space functions as a farmers market during warmer months and an ice skating rink during winter. You’ll also find festivals and other seasonal events throughout the year. 

Best Restaurants in Silver Spring, Maryland

Silver Spring offers an incredible representation of worldwide cuisine while maintaining its reputation for delicious local dishes. There are over 150 restaurants in the downtown area, and there are abundant options for every palate.

Silver Spring’s dining scene features cuisines from all around the world. If you’re craving Latin flavors, you’ll find them at popular Mexican restaurants like La Malinche and Mi Rancho or Cuban restaurants like El Sapo and Cubano’s. There’s also a vibrant Ethopian community in the area, which is represented at restaurants like Abyssinia or Lesaac. For American favorites and seafood, be sure to visit All Set Restaurant & Bar, and check out Miss Toya’s Creole House for classic soul food with a creole twist. 

There are also plenty of excellent bars in Silver Spring, Maryland. You’ll find delicious craft beer at breweries like Astro Lab, Denizens and Silver Branch. If you prefer a more traditional pub vibe, you’ll want to check out the Quarry House Tavern or McGinty’s Public House. 

These are just a few of the many amazing restaurants in Silver Spring. Whether you’re craving cinnamon cappuccino ice cream or a jerk chicken sandwich, there is a place for you here. Crowds come from all over the region to enjoy the tastes this town has to offer.

Living in Silver Spring

If you’re looking for an apartment in the Silver Spring area, you’ll find plenty of great options to choose from. In the center of the action is Twin Towers with amazing views and spacious floor plans. Noise-insulating windows allow you to live in the heart of downtown Silver Spring without distracting city noise. 

Summit Hills is the epitome of convenient urban living. Along with all the typical amenities offered at Southern Management communities, you’ll enjoy a complimentary coffee bar, large pool, grilling stations, picnic area, pet care, mini golf, community garden, complimentary DVD rentals and more! With luxury amenities and a great location just outside of downtown, it’s hard to beat living at Summit Hills. 

Silver Spring Towers is the place for you if you enjoy hosting dinner parties or holiday celebrations. With a rooftop swimming pool, outdoor entertainment area, indoor lounge and plenty of available parking, socializing at your apartment will be easier than ever. 

Is Silver Spring, Maryland a Good Place to Live? 

Silver Spring is a great place to live for anyone who wants a balance of urban and suburban living. The vibrant downtown is walkable, offers a ton of fun and includes public transit options for easy access to Washington, D.C. or other Maryland towns. There is also an excellent job market in the area, making it attractive to young professionals. 

At the same time, Silver Spring also offers many of the conveniences of suburban living. There’s easy parking available and most properties have yards or some other outdoor space. If you need to be close to Washington D.C. for work, but prefer the spacious atmosphere of the suburbs, Silver Spring offers the best of both worlds. 

Don’t Forget About Southern Management

There’s so much to love about downtown Silver Spring. The short commute from Silver Spring, MD to Washington, D.C.affords the suburban feel of Montgomery County, with a front-row seat to the political action on Capitol Hill. If you’re planning a move to the area, Southern Management is here to help. 

Southern Management offers affordability without sacrificing quality. We operate three downtown Silver Spring apartment communities and seven in the greater Silver Spring region! No matter where you are in your apartment search, our team will answer all of your questions about availability, pricing and more.

Be sure to explore our apartments, and don’t hesitate to contact us to learn more.