Why We Left Silver Spring MD for Wilmington NC - 12/31/2018

Growing up in Silver Spring, my family and I have been residents for the better part of 25 years. Although some of the development has been great (Discovery Channel, new restaurants etc) the influx of crime and high rise apartment buildings, of traffic and pollution, have changed the character considerably. Murders, muggings and randomized violence are a stark reminder of how much the area has changed. We wanted to find a community that had the same leafy feel as Silver Spring, communities with older historic homes, a little bit more sunshine and half price mortgage. As a mixed couple, diversity and tolerance are significant issues- one of the great things about the DC Metro area is, undeniably, the melting potted-ness of it all. Wilmington NC is much of what Silver Spring /Tacoma Park used to be, for about 1/3 the price. Lots of sunshine, porch parties, historic homes, communities walkable to downtown, less than 20 minutes to the beach. An abundance of cafes, restuarants and coffee shops will not help your waistline. #firstworldproblems And once your dog learns that they will give her cookies for stopping by? Life as you know it will be over. The waitstaff will learn her name, you will be dragged all the way to downtown on a regular basis. We loved Silver Spring for many reasons; my parents still live there. Increasingly, however, communities like Wilmington NC are providing viable alternatives for those of us who work remotely. Porch parties, neighborhood get togethers, beautiful historic homes... and likely for less than we would have paid for a two bedroom condo in Silver Spring Check out our new city. We sure are glad we did!

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Parent's comments - after our first year - 8/18/2017

What a delightful school! The first time we drove up to the school, our first impression was of the charming shaded playground with wooden structures and surrounding fence. Ms. Sudarma, Ms. Hamdi, Mrs. Grover, Rebecca, and everyone there is so kind, so sweet, and so devoted to the individual development of each child, both psychological and also academic. We were amazed at our much our LO learned in that year and deeply valued the diversity and community of the teachers, staff, and students and the wealth of experience of the teachers. He also learned manners and the importance of picking up (makes a 2yo easier to live with!), and both teamwork and independent play. They have integrated Spanish into their program, and offer after care special programs such as dance and soccer. We cannot recommend this school highly enough.

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Parent's comments - after our first year - 8/18/2017

What a delightful school! The first time we drove up to the school, our first impression was of the charming shaded playground with wooden structures and surrounding fence. Ms. Sudarma, Ms. Hamdi, Mrs. Grover, Rebecca, and everyone there is so kind, so sweet, and so devoted to the individual development of each child, both psychological and also academic. We were amazed at our much our LO learned in that year and deeply valued the diversity and community of the teachers, staff, and students and the wealth of experience of the teachers. He also learned manners and the importance of picking up (makes a 2yo easier to live with!), and both teamwork and independent play. They have integrated Spanish into their program, and offer after care special programs such as dance and soccer. We cannot recommend this school highly enough.

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Near the Central Business District - 8/19/2012

Silver Spring has a central business district but is unincorporated and any part of Montgomery County Md that is not incorporated is likely to be called Silver Spring. I've lived here over a decade and the urban renewal project linked to bringing in the headquarters of Discovery Corporation provides all sorts of pleasant shopping and restaurant experiences. The extensive parkland associated with Rock Creek and Sligo Creek are also serious benefits. Transportation options include easy access to the Washington Beltway, the Metro Subway system, and a combination station serving AMTRACK and the Maryland Rail System. As a statistician, the Washington area has been the primary center of employment.

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Transportation in the DC area - 2/4/2010

In general transportation in the DC area in difficult -- at best. While Metro (subway and bus) makes a big difference, the area is still gridlocked from 5:00A till 8:00P weekdays and weekends. The beltway (highway that circles the city of Washington, DC) is usually jammed-up somewhere at any time. In short, going anywhere in the DC metro area is a challenge any time of the day or evening.

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City renovations in Silver Spring, MD improve qual - 4/18/2009

QOL is getting better with the renovation of the downtown area with shops and restaurants in a central walking mall. Diversity is increasing in the population with many different cultures and languages represented.

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Oasis from DC - 9/5/2008

Silver Spring has several quiet neighborhoods with tall trees and nice neighbors, and very close to DC for those who need an oasis from the city.

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Silver Spring is changing - 10/29/2007

Silver Spring is expensive to live in but has many fine places to eat and many cultural things to see and do. Traffic is bad as it is everywhere aroung Washington DC. Large influx of Hispanic immigrants thruout the area has had both good and bad effects.

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Not worth it - 9/16/2007

The cost of living is not worth it here. Everything is more and pay does not equal out. I am looking to move where your salary goes further.

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Not hard to find a job here - 5/4/2007

Silver Spring is a suburb of Washington, DC. It is a nice place to live and work. There are plenty of jobs in this area. Any teenager has multiple opportunities for after school work. As an adult, if you have experience it is relatively easy to get a job in your field. There are plenty of stable government jobs available. It is harder for someone with no experience, career changers or recent college graduates. Salaries are usually high but the cost of housing and general cost of living usually takes care of your extra cash.

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Culture & Recreation in S.S., MD - 6/16/2006

There are a plethora of options in this area for both culture and recreation due to the close proximity to Washington, DC, the mountains and access to the coast.

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Great location if you can afford it - 5/24/2006

Silver Spring has a diverse population, good schools, and a convenient location between DC & Baltimore. Unfortunately the cost of living is extremely high

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Great location if you can afford it - 5/24/2006

Silver Spring has a diverse population, good schools, and a convenient location between DC & Baltimore. Unfortunately the cost of living is extremely high.

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Great location if you can afford it - 5/24/2006

Silver Spring has a diverse population, good schools,and a covienient location between DC & Baltimore. Unfortunatly the cost of living is extremely high.

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Silver Spring - Very Nice - 5/17/2006

Very diverse, lots of opportunities....quick commute to Washington, DC. Pleanty of public transportation....very expensive homes (townhomes .25 miles away start at $650K). Nice area.

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Silver Spring - 5/17/2006

It is a wonderful place to live. Full of diversity and opportunity, it is pretty large city is a stones throw from Washington, DC. Lots of public transportation that is clean compared to NY. Housing is very high here. Townhomes .25 miles away start at $650K.

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Humid - 5/3/2006

Hazy Hot & Humid in summer. Damp and humid most of the other times.

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Silver Spring Cost of Living - 4/15/2006

Apartments and real estate in general are quite expensive here. The absolute minimum for a one-bedroom is $900 /month.

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