The Silver Spring neighborhood of Woodmoor is quintessential suburban America, an enclave of about 700 homes well-known for the number of extended families that live there.
There is an abundance of dogwood, cherry and maple trees, giving a nod to the neighborhood name, and a spirit of community that draws people in. In 2006, Washingtonian Magazine named Woodmoor a “greatest place to live.”
“There are multiple generations living in Woodmoor,” said Judy Hanrahan, a real estate agent with Re/Max Excellence Realty who lives in the neighborhood. “We also have a lot of people who moved back to the neighborhood because they grew up here, and they still have relatives, siblings or cousins who live in the neighborhood. But I always tell you don’t have to be related to anyone to buy a home in Woodmoor.”
The stone welcome sign at the neighborhood entrance has been in place since development began in 1938. The neighborhood really grew after World War II when small homes were needed to house D.C.’s federal work force. Many of the small Cape Cods built through the early ’40s have since been expanded. Colonials are also popular, and there are ramblers and split-level homes built later in the 1950s. Housing prices generally are from around $350,000 to $600,000.
A mother of three, Kelley Stone moved in three years ago and discovered there were plenty of family activities available. “In this area there’s always something to do with kids,” she said.
Churches are located on University Boulevard, which forms one neighborhood boundary. The other edges include Colesville Road to the west, Northwest Branch Park to the north and Interstate 495 to the east. The Four Corners area at the intersection of Colesville Road and University Boulevard has Four Corners Plaza, which contains a mix of retail, including restaurants, a flower shop, jeweler, early childhood clothing store, bakery, pharmacy and coffee shop.
Stone said singers can be found at the coffee shop and people in the area enjoy engaging in “interesting conversation.” The Circle, in the center of the neighborhood, is a local meeting place for parents and children. Annual events include the Art in the Park art fair featuring local artisans and the Christmas tree lighting in early December.
Residents said the neighborhood feels safe and welcoming. “Neighbors watch out for each other,” said resident Ellen Segal.
That’s what convinced David Roman to move his family in from the District 15 years ago. “I had small children [at the time], and the schools weren’t very good in the District,” Roman said. “It was very leafy. I saw lots of kids on bicycles in the neighborhood, and when I saw it, it was the only place I wanted to live.”
Proximity to the Beltway is considered an attractive feature because Woodmoor residents commute not only to downtown D.C. but also to Baltimore.
Top reasons to live in Woodmoor
Location
Woodmoor is located in Silver Spring at the intersection of Colesville Road and University Boulevard, an area commonly known as Four Corners. It is close to Beltway entrances 30 and 30A, and several Metrobuses and Montgomery County Ride On buses serve the neighborhood.
Community
The sense of community is reinforced by the many activities that occur during the year, including a Spring Garden Tour, Fourth of July parade, Oktoberfest, Pine Crest/Montgomery Knolls May Fair and a Christmas tree lighting ceremony.
Services
Woodmoor is a subdivision of Silver Spring and therefore has the same service provided other Silver Spring communities. Pine Crest Park offers picnic areas, tennis courts, a playground for tots and a softball field.
Education
Two public schools are located in Woodmoor, Pine Crest and Montgomery Knolls Elementary. In addition, Blair High School is located nearby at University Boulevard.
