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Downtown Silver Spring

Downtown Silver Spring

Neighborhood in Silver Spring, Maryland

Montgomery County 20910, 20912

$410,039 Average Value
$404 Average Price per Sq Ft
27 Homes For Sale

A walkable community with dense attractions

Downtown Silver Spring is a hip destination for nightlife, shopping and dining within commuting distance of Washington, D.C. The streets bloom with art and opportunities for entertainment, all connected by streets designed for pedestrians. “You walk to the metro, you walk to Whole Foods, and you can walk to all kinds of great restaurants,” says Heather Foley, a Realtor with Go Brent Realty who works out of downtown Silver Spring. The area is a hub of businesses, from hospitality destinations like bars and restaurants, as well as major corporate employers whose sleek office buildings define the skyline. Caroline Merdick, a five-year resident of Silver Spring who works as a bartender downtown, says that she chooses to walk to work regardless of the weather. “Even when it rains, I just grab an umbrella because it’s a part of my routine.” The neighborhood gets its name from a mica-flecked natural spring discovered in 1840, when the area was originally used as a summer home for the family of Francis Preston Blair. The early 20th century saw tremendous growth as the Washington trolley service provided easy access to the area. By the 1950s, Silver Spring was home to large companies including J.C. Penney and Sears, Roebuck and Company, making it the second busiest retail market between Baltimore and Richmond by the 1950s. In an area that’s notorious for traffic congestion, Silver Spring stands out as a commuter-friendly neighborhood. In addition to sidewalks designed to welcome pedestrians, the Silver Spring Metro station connects to the Red Line and can take residents into downtown Washington, D.C. The station is adjacent to the Paul S. Sarbanes Transit Center, which serves bus lines that serve the greater Montgomery County and District of Columbia areas.

Downtown Silver Spring
Downtown Silver Spring
Downtown Silver Spring residents can easily bike or walk around the densely packed city.
Downtown Silver Spring residents can easily bike or walk around the densely packed city.
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Vibrant streets adorned with art and music

Public art projects and street musicians make for an engaging stroll down central streets like Wayne Avenue. Merdick particularly enjoys the Blumen Lumen art installation at the corner of Georgia Ave and Colesville Road. The display, a bouquet of folded steel flowers between 18 and 25 feet tall, opens and closes with the weather while the flowers change color when people speak to them. Other art projects are built for function, like stone Art Deco benches for weary commuters. At the southern edge of downtown, Acorn Park marks the site of the original mica-tinged spring that gives the neighborhood its name with an acorn-shaped gazebo. Right down the street, the Arts Alley is a pocket park-like setting with a colorful tower of steel and colored resin. Passers-by can stop with an ice cream from nearby Moorenkos and enjoy the sight. Even the local library serves as a focal point. The Brigadier General Charles E. McGee Library is a testament to glass architecture with its sheer façade of windows and overhanging portico entrance. The library hosts yoga classes, basic computer classes, movie nights and more.

The mural along the Regal Majestic Imax Theater in Downtown Silver Spring is a sight to behold.
The mural along the Regal Majestic Imax Theater in Downtown Silver Spring is a sight to behold.
Take a rest on these yellow and pink chairs at Fountain Plaza in Downtown Silver Spring.
Take a rest on these yellow and pink chairs at Fountain Plaza in Downtown Silver Spring.
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Live music, indie films, and artisan markets

Across the street from Ellsworth Place, The Fillmore Silver Spring is a prolific event venue hosting live music across genres like pop, rap, R&B, rock and metal. For a different kind of performance, the AFI Silver Theatre and Cultural Center recalls the glamour of Hollywood’s golden days in a restored and renovated 1938 movie theater. The center hosts film festivals, retrospectives and conferences. Residents who wish to see the latest blockbusters can head to the Regal Majestic movie theater about a block away. During the winter months, residents can hit the ice at the Silver Spring Outdoor Ice Skating Rink located at Veterans Plaza. Visitors can rent skates to skip the headache of lugging around gear, and kids can use penguin-styled supports while they get the hang of the step-and-glide motion. Outdoor festivals and similar events bring residents together. The Spring Maker’s Market along Ellsworth Drive allows visitors to shop for handmade items from more than 40 artisans. The annual Chalk Fest by DC-based all-women mural art collective CHALK R!OT allows artists to reserve a five-square-foot space along the street to contribute to the public art exhibition. There’s also a year-round farmer’s market hosted at Veterans Plaza every Saturday where visitors can sample artisanal gelato, shop for locally grown produce, or try a flavor of farmstead-raised goat cheese.

Catch a local film at the Silver Spring Blackbox Theater is located in Downtown Silver Spring.
Catch a local film at the Silver Spring Blackbox Theater is located in Downtown Silver Spring.
The AFI Silver Theater in Downtown Silver Spring has an arthouse and mainstream movies.
The AFI Silver Theater in Downtown Silver Spring has an arthouse and mainstream movies.
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Skyline views and luxury condos

Trendy condos offer all the latest in décor trends, such as open floor plans, granite countertops and stainless steel appliances. Many buildings feature Art Deco or midcentury architectural details, balconies, and large windows with skyline views. Prices run from $350,000 for a one-bedroom unit to around $800,000. The area is quickly growing, with lots of new condominium buildings sprouting up along Georgia Avenue in particular. “The new developments have really transformed the landscape, and everyone’s pretty pleased with it,” Foley says. The area is a destination for people who work in Washington, D.C., which Foley says makes for interesting conversations when the community comes together. “It’s an incredibly diverse community, which makes it really fun and interesting. It’s a highly educated area where people have really fascinating jobs.”

Newly built apartments complexes are available for incomers to rent in Downtown Silver Spring.
Newly built apartments complexes are available for incomers to rent in Downtown Silver Spring.
Downtown Silver Spring features beautiful affordable condos with a short commute to Downtown DC.
Downtown Silver Spring features beautiful affordable condos with a short commute to Downtown DC.
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Chain retailers meet vintage shops

The 350,000 square foot shopping complex Ellsworth Place is a primary shopping destination. The restaurant-arcade-combo Dave and Busters lets visitors grab a burger and cocktail before hitting the games, while discount retailers like Marshalls and TJ Maxx are a hit for bargain hunters. Music collectors can flip through wooden bins at Joe’s Record Paradise, in its newest Georgia Avenue location, for used and vintage vinyl. When it comes time to run errands, residents can head to Blair Park Shopping Center, which includes a Giant Food, CVS and chain restaurants like Mamma Lucia. The location is convenient, tucked between apartment buildings across from the Silver Spring Metro station. Home chefs looking for more upscale offerings can head to the Whole Foods Market located on Wayne Avenue.

Divulge in retail therapy at the Ellsworth Place Shopping Mall in Downtown Silver Spring, MD.
Divulge in retail therapy at the Ellsworth Place Shopping Mall in Downtown Silver Spring, MD.
The Ellsworth Place in Downtown Silver Spring has a large variety of shops like 5 Below and DSW.
The Ellsworth Place in Downtown Silver Spring has a large variety of shops like 5 Below and DSW.
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Cuisine from around the globe

Merdick says that she discovered Ethiopian food living in downtown Silver Spring. She first went to Beteseb, a casual and cozy restaurant that is friendly to newbies because it includes descriptions of all dishes in English. “The land tibs are my favorite, I probably get them two or three times a month,” she says. But beyond the Ethiopian outlets, residents and visitors can find a dish to suit any craving. Thai at Silver Spring on Ellsworth Drive merges an elegant venue with a rotating menu of specials and cocktails. A local favorite is McGinty’s Public House, an Irish pub that serves authentic dishes like Guinness stew and shepherd’s pie along with a vast selection of whiskey. “It’s amazing, and it’s been there for at least 20 years,” Foley says. “It has a really cozy first floor, plus a really big bar upstairs that has live music and comedy shows.”

The Eleanor is a restaurant and bar with bowling lanes located in Downtown Silver Spring.
The Eleanor is a restaurant and bar with bowling lanes located in Downtown Silver Spring.
For an authentic traditional Ethiopian meal, stop by Beteseb located in Downtown Silver Spring.
For an authentic traditional Ethiopian meal, stop by Beteseb located in Downtown Silver Spring.
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Straight-A public schools

One primary driver for residents to move to Silver Spring rather than downtown Washington, D.C. is to attend Montgomery County Public Schools. Sligo Creek Elementary School has an A grade from Niche and is a four-minute drive from downtown. Silver Spring International Middle School, located in the same facility as the elementary school, offers a full Spanish immersion program and has an A-minus grade. Montgomery Blair High School maintains an enviable A-plus grade and offers a gifted program for students. Downtown Silver Spring also includes private schools within walking distance, including the Nora School, which holds seminar classes and a social justice program that emphasizes the history of the civil rights movement.

Montgomery Blair is the nearest High School to Silver Spring Park on University Blvd.
Montgomery Blair is the nearest High School to Silver Spring Park on University Blvd.
Sligo Creek Elementary School, located in the Silver Spring Park neighborhood.
Sligo Creek Elementary School, located in the Silver Spring Park neighborhood.
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Swim, run and play

Any time the condo-dwelling residents miss having yard space, they can visit one of the nearby urban parks for a green retreat. Woodside Urban Park includes a playground, tennis court and skate park, while Ellsworth Urban Park includes a dog park for Fido to expel some energy. Silgo Creek runs along the northern end of the neighborhood and is ringed with green space and trails for running and hiking. The Silver Spring Aquatic Center offers indoor and outdoor pools as well as a full fitness center and indoor basketball courts. Residents have access to the fitness center for free and can choose to pay a daily rate - $7 for adults, $5 for kids, and $6 for seniors – or buy a three-month, six-month or one-year membership that allows them access to all public pools in Montogomery county.

For great low impact workouts Silver Spring residents frequent The Silver Spring Aquatic Center.
For great low impact workouts Silver Spring residents frequent The Silver Spring Aquatic Center.
Downtown Silver Spring
Downtown Silver Spring
FARMFRESH Downtown Silver Spring
FARMFRESH Downtown Silver Spring
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Caitlin Coakley
Written By
Caitlin Coakley
Jack Adams
Photography Contributed By
Jack Adams
Chris Freeman
Video By
Chris Freeman

Agents Specializing in this Area

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Schools

Source:
GreatSchools: The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process. View GreatSchools Rating Methodology

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Catherine Inniss, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Parks in this Area

Transit

Airport

Ronald Reagan Washington Ntl

21 min drive

Train

Silver Spring

Subway

Silver Spring

Bus

Wayne Ave & Georgia Ave

Bus

Fenton St & Philadelphia Ave

Bus

2nd Ave & Spring St

Bus

2nd Ave & Colesville Rd

Bus

Colesville Rd & Georgia Ave

Bus

Fenton St & Bonifant St

Bus

East-West HWY & E Falkland Ln

Crime and Safety

1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime Downtown Silver Spring US
Homicide 5 4
Sexual Assault 6 4
Assault with Weapon 5 4
Robbery 9 4
Burglary 8 4
Motor Vehicle Theft 9 4
Larceny 9 4
Crime Score 8 4

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

Demographics and Home Trends

Home Trends

Median Price (12 Mo)
$330,000
Median Single Family Price
$324,950
Median Townhouse Price
$831,250
Median 2 Bedroom Price
$399,450
Median 1 Bedroom Price
$308,500
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$404
Number of Homes for Sale
27
Last 12 months Home Sales
53
Months of Supply
6.10
Median List Price
$330,000
Median Discount From 1st List Price
0%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
-12%

Home Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
729
Median Year Built
2006
Avg. Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,098
Significantly below the national average
1,937
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
929
Average 1 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
582
Average Studio Size Sq Ft
581
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
5,662

Open Houses

  • Sunday, May 4
    2 - 4pm

    1320 Fenwick Ln Unit 410, Silver Spring, MD 20910

    $269,900

    • 1 Bed
    • 1 Bath
    • 549 Sq Ft
    • 1320 Fenwick Ln
    • Unit 410
    • New 1 day ago

    Experience modern city living at its finest in this pristine 1 bedroom, 1 bath condo, perfectly situated just one block from the Red Line Silver Spring Metro Station and the upcoming Purple Line. Built in 2016, this beautifully maintained home has been freshly painted and features custom window shades, updated Moen fixtures, and thoughtfully designed built-in closet systems. Enjoy high-end

    Andrea Alderdice Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc.

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  • Sunday, May 4
    1 - 3pm

    930 Wayne Ave Unit 402, Silver Spring, MD 20910

    $319,900

    • 1 Bed
    • 1 Bath
    • 753 Sq Ft
    • 930 Wayne Ave
    • Unit 402
    • New 17 days ago

    Price improvement! Live in the heart of Silver Spring—just steps from the Metro and future Purple Line stop, Whole Foods, Giant, Ellsworth Place, The Fillmore, American Film Institute, Bullis Local Park with playground, tennis courts, and soccer fields, plus a wide array of restaurants, shops, and more! Inside, discover effortless urban living in this beautifully updated 1 bed, 1 bath condo in an

    Jennifer Smira Compass

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  • Friday, May 9
    5 - 7pm

    930 Wayne Ave Unit 509, Silver Spring, MD 20910

    $519,900

    • 2 Beds
    • 2 Baths
    • 1,271 Sq Ft
    • 930 Wayne Ave
    • Unit 509
    • New 9 days ago

    Unit 509This luxurious 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom corner unit at 930 Wayne Avenue, Unit 509, Silver Spring, MD 20910, offers 1,271 square feet of elegantly updated living space, complemented by a private balcony. Bathed in natural light from floor-to-ceiling windows, the condo features a completely remodeled kitchen with quartz countertops, modern cabinets, top-of-the-line stainless steel appliances,

    Jeremy Schappert Compass

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Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Condo Buildings

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Catherine Inniss, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Average Home Value




Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Renters

Demographics

Total Population
18,536
Median Age
36
Population Density
50 ppl/acre
Population under 18
17.7%
Below the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
9.8%
Below the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$88,060
Above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$103,619

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
96%
College Graduates
76.5%
Significantly above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
44%
Significantly above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
82%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
44''
Average Winter Low Temperature
27°F
Average Summer High Temperature
89°F
Annual Snowfall
14''

Area Factors

Very Bikeable

Bike Score®

82 / 100

Walker's Paradise

Walk Score®

94 / 100

Excellent Transit

Transit Score®

87 / 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score

Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.

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Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
NEIGHBORHOOD
Downtown Silver Spring
Catherine Inniss
NorthStar Realty Group, LLC.
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