Silver Spring

by The Linguist

Silver Spring, Maryland

Silver Spring is a census-designated place in Montgomery County, Maryland, United States. It had a population of 76,716 as of the 2010 census, making it the fourth most populous place in Maryland.

History

The area that is now Silver Spring has been inhabited for thousands of years by Native American tribes. European settlement of the area began in the 1700s when surveyor Francis Preston Blair explored the area and named it “Silver Spring” after a mica-flecked spring discovered there. The arrival of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad in the late 1800s transformed Silver Spring into a bustling commuter suburb of Washington, D.C. The community continued to grow rapidly throughout the 20th century. Notable events in Silver Spring’s history include:

  • The founding of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) headquarters in Silver Spring in 1970
  • The revitalization of downtown Silver Spring in the 1990s and 2000s
  • The opening of the Silver Spring Transit Center in 2015

For more detailed information on the history of Silver Spring, visit the Silver Spring Wikipedia page.

Geography

Silver Spring is located at 39°1′15′′N 77°1′8′′W. It lies just north of Washington D.C. along the Capital Beltway (Interstate 495).

Demographics

According to the 2020 Census, Silver Spring had a population of 80,186 people. Other demographic facts about Silver Spring:

  • Racial composition: 45.7% White, 21.5% Black, 14.4% Asian, 13.4% Hispanic/Latino
  • Median household income: $102,055 (2019 dollars)
  • Persons below poverty level: 9.7%

Economy and Major Employers

Silver Spring has a diverse economy with major industries including government, healthcare, retail, professional services, and technology. Some of the top employers in Silver Spring are:

For more details on the Silver Spring economy, visit the Downtown Silver Spring website.

Landmarks and Attractions

Some of the most popular landmarks and attractions in Silver Spring include:

  • Downtown Silver Spring – Ellsworth Dr, Fenton St, Wayne Ave. Downtown offers shopping, dining, entertainment, arts, and more.
  • Acorn Park – 3600 Block Georgia Ave, Silver Spring, MD 20910. A community park with picnic areas.
  • National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) – 1401 Constitution Ave NW, Washington, DC 20230, (202) 482-6090. NOAA’s headquarters are located just outside Silver Spring.

Some other popular Silver Spring attractions include the AFI Silver Theatre and Cultural Center, Jesup Blair Park, East Silver Spring Neighborhood Park, and the Silver Spring Shopping Center.

Silver Spring Landmarks Map

This map shows the locations of some of the most popular landmarks and attractions in Silver Spring, MD.

Transportation

Silver Spring is conveniently located near several major transportation links. Public transportation options include:

  • Metrorail – Silver Spring Metro Station provides access to the Red Line.
  • Metrobus – Numerous bus routes serve Silver Spring.
  • Ride On – Montgomery County’s bus system.
  • Purple Line ( Opening 2026) – Will connect Silver Spring to Bethesda and New Carrollton.

Major highways and roads include Capital Beltway (I-495), Georgia Avenue (MD 97), and Colesville Road (US 29). The Silver Spring Transit Center serves as a central hub for many local and regional buses and connects to the Red Line Metro Rail station.

Education

Silver Spring is served by Montgomery County Public Schools. Specific public schools include:

In addition, there are several private schools in Silver Spring such as Our Lady of Good Counsel High School.

Local Resources

Here are some additional local resources and community organizations in Silver Spring:

Silver Spring offers excellent amenities and a vibrant community for residents and visitors to enjoy!