Fairland - Silver Spring, MD

Over the years, Montgomery County has grown into one of the more successful counties in the nation. 29 percent of residents over 25 years of age hold post-graduate degrees, the highest percentage in the nation.

Fairlands' origins trace back to a few small villages of the Piscataway, members of the Algonquian people, when the entire area was one large forest. European traders first began to explore the area around 1620, and from there settlers of English, Scottish and German descent began to populate the area and farm the land. For a long time, tobacco remained the primary cash crop.

Although the neighborhood itself hosts no museums or cultural events, a quick half-hour drive lets residents travel into Washington, D.C., where the world-renowned Smithsonian museums provide gateways into American history.

Many of Fairland's restaurants cluster around the junction of Columbia Pike and the Intercounty Connector. This center point of the neighborhood is where locals head to grab some pho from Pho Real Vietnamese, a flavorful, delicate broth loaded with rice noodles and meat that locals say is the best in all of Maryland. Customers praise the bubble tea, crisp spring rolls and savory vegetarian options. Pho also serves Vietnamese iced coffee, a strong brew sweetened with condensed milk that regulars rave about.

For spicy curries and the best beef patties around, locals head to Tropicana Eatery on Old Columbia Pike, a Jamaican takeout counter that dishes big portions and isn't afraid to dial up the heat. Favorites include the juicy jerk chicken and the ox tail, a finger-licking, fall-off-the-bone dinner that's soaked in spicy sauce. You wouldn't want to bring a first date to this no-frills location, but the place is clean and tables await to sit down and savor your food.

Quiet Fairland has little in the way of bars or clubs, but a skip away in Colesville, Quench serves over 20 craft draft brews in the small tap room, along with an even larger bottled selection. The knowledgeable bartenders pour samples, and you can visit the storefront next door to take home a six-pack of your favorite discoveries. For a night on the town, most locals head into Silver Spring just a couple of miles to the south. There, the Stained Glass Pub provides a casual neighborhood stop for watching the game, singing karaoke on Wednesday nights and testing your knowledge on Thursday trivia nights. For a more upscale touch, the Society Restaurant & Lounge offers live bands, dancing and planned events during the holidays.

While most neighborhood residents drive, public transportation options are available. Two bus lines serve the neighborhood: the D.C.-based Metro buses and the Montgomery County Ride On buses. Frequent riders would do well to pick up a reloadable SmarTrip card, which can be used on both systems.

While no taxicabs are available for immediate hailing, taxi companies are happy to pick you up with a quick phone call. Uber is another option, costing around $20 for a ride from the neighborhood to downtown D.C.

Walking proves difficult in this spread-out neighborhood, but biking remains a viable option. Fairland provides a number of bike lanes throughout the area to allow safe passage for riders.

Still, driving remains the most popular option, and street parking is readily available in most areas. The convenience of the Columbia Pike and Intercounty Connector toll road crossing at the heart of the neighborhood allows for a quick exit to the freeway. I-95 also runs north and south just to the east of the neighborhood.

The many parks in Fairland retain the county's original forested feel. Fairland Regional Park has hiking and bike trails through the woods, as well as a baseball diamond, soccer field and tennis courts. The wooded area all along Paint Branch Stream, the neighborhood's western border, also provides an excellent area for weekend hikes and dog walking.

Water lovers can head to Edgewood Neighborhood Park, which has a small pond in the middle of its nearly 10 acres of green space. Residents visit the park for picnics by the water or at the provided tables, and the park has a playground for children.

While none of the parks in Fairland host any annual events, the parks provide year-round fun and fresh air. They're free and very family-friendly.

The cost of living in Fairland remains on a par with Maryland as a whole. A one-bedroom apartment averages around $1,190 per month in this neighborhood. Gas prices in the area fall around 7 percent higher than national averages. If you're heading to a pub or restaurant, expect to pay around $15 for a meal and $5 for a beer.

Both bus companies charge $1.75 for a one-way ticket downtown. Ride On buses provide discounts to senior citizens and the disabled, who can ride for free on weekdays between 9:30 a.m. and 3 p.m., and all other times at a discounted fare of $0.85.

Most everyday shopping is found outside the neighborhood, but Fairland is home to several small local boutiques. One such shop, Rahma International Store, has made a name for itself in the community, providing unique jewelry, scarves, and clothing for both men and women from all around the world, Rahma is the place to go. Locals rave over the wide selection and friendly service. St. Mark's Thrift Shop on Old Columbia Pike has also established themselves as the go-to shop for vintage clothing and other items in the neighborhood.

Head to the Safeway on Outlet Drive for day-to-day grocery needs, or explore the Tropical Grocery in the same shopping center to find unique specialty items. For anything more specialized, locals head south. Just outside the neighborhood limits in Silver Spring, Target and Kohl's expand the shopping options for the budget-conscious. The IKEA in Beltsville is also easily accessible from Fairland.

There are no farmer's markets operating in Fairland, but locals travel to Beltsville to visit Spicknall's Farm Market, a small, family-owned farm that sells local produce and cage-free eggs.