Our Communities

Silver Spring, Maryland

Silver Spring, Maryland lies in the shadows of Washington, D.C. in scenic Montgomery County. Silver Spring has a centralized location, with easy access to Annapolis, Baltimore, and Northern Virginia. Silver Spring lies seven miles outside of downtown Washington, D.C., 34 miles from Annapolis, 35 miles from Baltimore, and 141 miles from Philadelphia, PA.

Urbanized and unincorporated, Silver Spring's population is 76,540 (Census 2000). Silver Spring ranks as Maryland's third most populous city. Baltimore and Columbia are the first and second most populous, respectively. The city takes its name in honor of a spring that Francis Preston Blair discovered in Acorn Park in 1840.

Silver Spring boasts a diverse economic base, with a significant hub of business located at the northern apex of Washington, D.C. Silver Spring features a well-maintained highway system, where three- to five-lane freeways comprise the majority of the major roads. Travelers also have access to the Capital Beltway, while those seeking alternative transportation may use the Brunswick Line of the MARC Train, the Metrorail Red Line, Metrobus, Ride On, or the VanGo, which is free.

The city is home to numerous biotechnology, communications, healthcare, media, and real estate development companies, as well as the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. NOAA, an affiliate of the U.S. Department of Commerce, includes the National Weather Service. Silver Spring houses the headquarters of Discovery Communications and the American Nurses Association.

Silver Spring residents have several outstanding clinics and healthcare facilities from which to choose. Hospitals in the immediate area include Holy Cross Health, Children's National Medical Center, and Washington Adventist Hospital. Other nearby hospitals include Howard County General Hospital, Johns Hopkins, Kaiser Permanente Maryland General Hospital, Mercy Medical Center, Saint Agnes Hospital, Sinai Hospital of Baltimore, Union Memorial Hospital, and the University of MD Medical Center. The Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene coordinates the various healthcare facilities throughout the state. Those with questions or complaints regarding medical malpractice or medical negligence in the State of Maryland may contact this department.

A countywide public school system, Montgomery County Public Schools, serves Silver Spring students. There are several elementary, middle, and high schools in the area, as well as a small selection of private schools from which to choose. Those seeking higher education in the Silver Spring area have access to such fine facilities as Montgomery College and the National Labor College. Students are also within a reasonable driving distance of the facilities in Washington, D.C., including Howard University, George Washington University, Georgetown University, and the University of the District of Columbia.

Silver Spring, Maryland boasts a dynamic blend of culture, entertainment, and recreation unlike any other destination in the region. Residents and visitors often enjoy the foreign films shown at the American Film Institute Silver Theatre and Culture Center. Other cultural favorites include the Doc in Progress, Gandhi Brigade, and Silver Spring Stage. Annual community celebrations include the Thanksgiving Day Parade, Silverdocs documentary film festival, and the renowned Silver Spring Jazz Festival, which often features guests such as Wynton Marsalis and the Mingus Big Band.