I can't think of a single close-in SS neighborhood that has lots of .25 acre or more. You might find that with a house here or there, but not as the norm.

We love Kemp Mill but the schools arent great. Most kids go to privates (Jewish or Catholic).

Anonymous wrote:I love not having sidewalks. The county wanted to put them in and the neighborhood voted them down. It helps slow traffic and keeps the quaint feeling even though we are so close to downtown DC.

Actually, the use of sidewalks - especially extended sidewalks - is a common traffic-calming measure.

We were happy when sidewalks were installed along Dale Drive. Our kids can walk to and from school and other places now without us having to worry about them being hit by a car.

Not sure Stonegate would fit within your budget. My impression is that houses there go for more like $800k, but I could be wrong. It's been a while since I lived in SS (not in Stonegate, but nearby with many friends who lived there).

Love sidewalks except for the shoveling.

Anonymous wrote:I love not having sidewalks. The county wanted to put them in and the neighborhood voted them down. It helps slow traffic and keeps the quaint feeling even though we are so close to downtown DC.

Huh. We live near downtown SS and love it but I would love to have sidewalks put in on our street.

I love not having sidewalks. The county wanted to put them in and the neighborhood voted them down. It helps slow traffic and keeps the quaint feeling even though we are so close to downtown DC.

OP, we're looking for the same thing as you, haha! As others mentioned, sidewalks and lot size may be the toughest. At this point if I could find a somewhat sunny 0.2 acre I'd be thrilled. Not only are the lots generally small, but the older neighborhoods have a lot of trees. Which isn't a bad thing, but it can make trying to grow anything else (even grass) difficult. Not sure if that matters to you.

There's many more options for bigger lots if you go north and east. Just be sure to check the schools.

Is Rockville an option?

We live in Sligo Park Hills and have that except for the lot size. We do have a flat backyard that we can toss a ball on or something but I don't know how big it is. Many neighborhoods don't have sidewalks. If sidewalks and big yard are sticking points, you'll definitely have to be outside the beltway.

Incidentally, both my kids are at Sligo Creek Elementary and we've been very happy.

Forest Estates has sidewalks.

Schools vary greatly in SS. You have to check the whole pyramid to make sure you are comfortable with all three (or whichever ones you need). Do not assume that all schools in MOCO are good, because it is simply not the case.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:If you can come down a bit on lot size, look at these neighborhoods:
Indian Spring
Seven Oaks
Woodmoor
Northwood
south Four Corners
North Hills

You can get larger lots and newer construction the further out in Silver Spring you look, but the schools become more iffy, except for Cloverly and Stonegate.

Agree with this, I live in Northwood/ Forest Knolls and our lots are 1/5 of an acre. And that is pretty standard in close in Silver Spring. I would say Woodmoor is a very nice community, but doesn't have many sidewalks, since I walk with a friend to walk her dog and we walk on the streets.

Much of close-in Silver Spring is devoid of sidewalks, including the areas near downtown SS.

Also, if you can come down on lot size....Sligo Park Hills...walkable to Sligo Creek Trail and all the parkland around it...might help make up for smaller backyard.

Anonymous wrote:If you can come down a bit on lot size, look at these neighborhoods:
Indian Spring
Seven Oaks
Woodmoor
Northwood
south Four Corners
North Hills

You can get larger lots and newer construction the further out in Silver Spring you look, but the schools become more iffy, except for Cloverly and Stonegate.

Agree with this, I live in Northwood/ Forest Knolls and our lots are 1/5 of an acre. And that is pretty standard in close in Silver Spring. I would say Woodmoor is a very nice community, but doesn't have many sidewalks, since I walk with a friend to walk her dog and we walk on the streets.

Anonymous wrote:North Woodside.
It's west of 16th (east is Woodside, too expensive and public schools are not good).

North Woodside in-bounds for Woodlin Elementary is a good idea. There is a friendly community feel: the houses are smallish but some are very cute, and many have front porches, so that people walking around can talk to their neighbors on the porch. Children of all ages. Safe. Not easily walkable to downtown Silver Spring but definitely do-able (20 minute walk?), especially if you walk along 2nd avenue.

We do not live there but our best friends do and we know the neighborhood well.

Both Woodside and North Woodside have the same school track, a fine school track IMO.