$403,247Average Value$404Average Price per Sq Ft22Homes 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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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Downtown Silver Spring Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Downtown Silver Spring, Silver Spring sell after 59 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Downtown Silver Spring, Silver Spring over the last 12 months is $349,950, up 7% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Live in the heart of Silver Spring in this updated one bedroom, one bathroom condo in the amenity rich Silverton Condominium that shines with hardwood floors and a western exposure. An assigned covered parking space and a private storage unit convey with the sale of the condo. The Silverton is a pet-friendly building with on-site managers. Residents enjoy access to the building's fitness center,
Spacious condo with a private patio and floor-to-ceiling glass dining views!This striking Silver Spring home captures natural light throughout. The open layout flows effortlessly through the living, dining, and kitchen areas, where large glass windows frame scenic outdoor views and make the space feel connected to the private patio. The kitchen features stainless steel appliances, rich
This modern 1-bedroom, 1-bathroom condo offers 460 square feet of beautifully designed living space. Built in 2016, the unit features wood flooring, quartz countertops, in-unit washer and dryer, balcony, and sleek stainless steel appliances. The location is unbeatable, just steps from the Silver Spring Metro Red Line and the upcoming Purple Line, making commuting a breeze. You'll also be only two
This contemporary mid-rise apartment, built in 2022, offers a perfect blend of modern living and comfort. Step inside to discover a spacious one-bedroom layout featuring a combination dining and living area, ideal for entertaining or cozy evenings at home. The kitchen boasts sleek stainless steel appliances, making meal prep a delight. Located in a vibrant neighborhood, you'll enjoy easy access
Discover downtown Silver Spring at its finest location in 8045 at Silver Spring Metro. You will love how this terrific building is right there so close to everything like Metro but in a quiet area right off of East-West Highway. Terrific amenities abound like a fitness center and a gigantic party room too. The unit is located in the perfect spot with all the main windows facing Northwest to
Enjoy all that downtown living has to offer in this luxurious and renovated two-bedroom, two-bath condo unit. This residence offers the perfect blend of downtown convenience and sophisticated living. The gourmet kitchen is a highlight, featuring granite countertops and recently updated appliances. It overlooks the living room with newly installed hardwood flooring which creates an ideal space for
The Mica is located in the heart of downtown Silver Spring with stunning panoramic views! Conveniently located near Metro, grocery stores, shopping, restaurants, and so much more! Enjoy all of the amenities to include billiards room, lounge, fitness center and swimming pool. Fabulous sunfilled 2 bedroom unit with hardwood floors, spacious living room, dining area, balcony, large master bedroom
Known as the crown jewel of the Silver Spring skyline, Arrive Silver Spring provides unparalleled high-rise apartments in Silver Spring, MD. Explore all the shops, restaurants, and entertainment that Silver Spring has to offer and enjoy easy access to Washington, D.C. with the Red Line Metro Rail only two blocks away. Our studio, one, two, and three bedroom luxury apartment homes feature chef
The Crescent Condominiums are located in the heart of Downtown Silver Spring and it is perfect for those who want to enjoy a vibrant city lifestyle. This spacious one-bedroom condo is a rare find, offering a bright and open living area with large windows overlooking Wayne Avenue. The gourmet kitchen features granite countertops, ample cabinetry, and a breakfast bar that opens to the expansive
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