Silver Spring 83 Exceptional
Silver Spring Livability #27 ranked city in Maryland#973 ranked city in the USARanks better than 96% of areas
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Pros and Cons of Living in Silver Spring

PROS
  • Amenities Amenities

    Conveniently located, the area boasts a variety of amenities, including grocery stores, shopping, coffee shops and entertainment options all within walking distance.

  • Commute Commute

    The high commute score in this area could imply easy access to public transportation, as well as shorter-than-average commute times to your workplace.

  • Crime Crime

    This area boasts a crime rate that is far below the national average, making it a very safe place to live. These crime statistics encompass both property and violent offenses.

  • Employment Employment

    With higher than average median household income, income per capita and lower unemployment rates, this area scores extremely well in the employment category.

  • Health & Safety Health & Safety

    Accessible health facilities like hospitals, doctors offices, clinics and nursing homes as well as good air quality are all factors that have led to a high score in this category.

CONS
  • Cost Of Living Cost Of Living

    This area is known for its high cost of living, which means you should anticipate higher costs for everyday goods and services, housing, groceries, and health care.

What's it like Living in Silver Spring?

Located in the state of Maryland, Silver Spring is a mid-sized city with a population of 83,266 people. With a population density of 10,559 people per square mile, Silver Spring is well above the nation's average density level. Silver Spring is mostly populated by White (40%) and Black or African American (29%) ethnic groups. Additionally, more than a quarter of the population of Silver Spring are of Hispanic or Latino origin, and 23% of the population also speak Spanish. Silver Spring is not known to have a high population (over 15 years old) of married people. At only 48% married, this city falls well below the national average. Long, unnecessary commutes can be both frustrating and inconvenient when heading to work. Nationwide, the average one-way commute time takes 26 minutes, but regrettably, residing in Silver Spring entails a longer-than-average one-way commute time, averaging 35 minutes.

Are you trying to decide if living in Silver Spring is the right fit for your lifestyle? To ensure a great experience before moving to any new city in Maryland, you will probably want to make sure that you check all of the most important boxes. Several key factors deserve attention. For one, safety is paramount, ensuring that your new area is low in crime is key. Proximity to workplaces or schools minimizes commute times and fosters convenience. Access to essential amenities like parks, grocery stores, food, fitness, shops and healthcare facilities enhances daily life. Efficient public transportation options provide mobility and connectivity. The sense of community creates a welcoming and supportive environment. Lastly, the overall atmosphere, encompassing the vibe, aesthetics, and lifestyle offerings, contributes to a fulfilling living experience. Considering these elements helps identify the ideal neighborhood for your needs and preferences. The best areas in Silver Spring and in surrounding cities are easier to find when you are able to make informed decisions. Using data from cost of living, commute, health & safety, employment, you will see a detailed breakdown of the most important information as well as comparisons to the Maryland and national averages.

Silver Spring has a livability score of 82/100 and is ranked #30 in Maryland and #922 in the USA. Clearly, Silver Spring is doing something right, as this score ranks well above the average of most cities. Silver Spring has also earned the rare honor of ranking in the top 10 percentile among all cities. There are nine total categories that form the livability score. Silver Spring ranks well for crime (B-), employment (A+) and housing (B-) There is at least one category that does not have great scores in Silver Spring. The following was graded with a disappointing score: cost of living (F).

If you're living in Silver Spring, you can expect to enjoy a multitude of local amenities, mostly thanks to the strategic placement of essential services such as grocery stores, restaurants, coffee shops, parks and various shops. If you're contemplating a move to this locale with the intent of establishing it as your permanent residence, you'll be pleased to find an extensive array of amenities and recreational opportunities within easy reach, either on foot or via a brief commute. This wealth of accessible amenities not only enhances the livability of the area but also ensures that you can enjoy a rich and fulfilling lifestyle, making Silver Spring an attractive destination for those seeking a vibrant and well-served community to call home.

A healthy real estate market serves as a key economic indicator. It could signify overall local economic strength, stability and reflects consumer confidence in the area. Based on multiple factors including: median home and rental prices, appreciation rates and home affordability, Silver Spring has received high marks in the housing category. Based on these calculations, the apartment rental and real estate market appears to be very healthy.

Being close to public transit, grocery stores, parks and other conveniences are all important when weighing your options for a new home in Silver Spring. Before you determine if any of these amenities are available in the area, you will also want to know if the real estate prices in Silver Spring are affordable. The median home price for Silver Spring homes is $964,677, which is 86.4% higher than the Maryland average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Silver Spring, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 7.2, which is 56.5% higher than the Maryland average.

Best Places to Live in and Around Silver Spring

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Compare Silver Spring, MD Livability

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      Silver Spring transportation information

      Statistic Silver Spring Maryland National
      Average one way commute35min32min26min
      Workers who drive to work51.4%73.7%76.4%
      Workers who carpool8.2%9.3%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit24.6%8.9%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle1.0%0.3%0.6%
      Workers who walk3.3%2.4%2.8%
      Working from home10.1%4.4%4.6%
      Source: The Silver Spring, MD data and statistics displayed above are derived from the United States Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS) and include 2026 modeled data developed using proprietary methodologies.