Wheaton-Glenmont - Silver Spring, MD

In the early 1800s, the city of Wheaton’s proximity to three major thoroughfares initiated the area’s growth into a highly frequented commercial district. The sparsely populated neighboring Glenmont area experienced a high residential population growth after WWII. Over time, the Wheaton-Glenmont area merged naturally into a large neighborhood, providing its residents with the best of both worlds.

Meet local people at the annual Taste of Wheaton festival held at the corner of Grandview Avenue and Reedie Drive. Featuring small plates and beverages from local eateries, this event allows you to sample the local fare while you listen to local bands.

Expand your knowledge of military forensics and pathology at the nearby National Museum of Health and Medicine on Linden Lane in Silver Spring. Featuring an array of eye-popping exhibits and artifacts, this local gem provides a wealth of information about the challenges and findings of U.S. medical military personnel.

The Wheaton-Glenmont area houses an abundance of casual eateries that are located on different roads and thoroughfares throughout the community.

Known for its tomato-infused rice side dish, Mi La Cay restaurant on University Boulevard West serves a wide array of authentic Vietnamese main dishes. From its fabulous spring rolls to its hit-the-spot chicken curry or lemongrass-infused beef, this cozy eatery serves up hefty portions of feel-good meals. The family-run establishment also sells Vietnamese, Thai and Chinese beer.

You can’t go wrong with a chicken or spicy pork "super bowl" from Seoul Food, also located along University Boulevard West inside of Tiger Mart service station. This small, counter-serviced mom-and-pop shop serves unique takes on traditional Asian and American foods, including kimchi quesadillas and banana chocolate chip bread cookies.

Expand your culinary senses with a stop at Kantutas Restaurant on Ennalls Avenue. This authentic Bolivian eatery, which provides seasonal al fresco dining, serves an abundance of filling, tasty dishes, including antichuchos, or skewered beef hearts and chicken and egg empanadas.

True to its name, the Limerick Pub on Elkin Street hosts scheduled readings from local poets and authors. This dark, cozy bar and grille also hosts local bands, trivia nights and whiskey tastings to provide you with a place to mingle with other early- to mid-career professionals. If you’re seeking a true dive-bar experience, head to Dietle’s Tavern on Rockville Pike in nearby Rockville. This converted single-family home houses a pool table, a pinball machine and several time-worn booths that testify to its relaxing, no-frills atmosphere.

Wheaton-Glenmont’s location near the Intercounty Connector, U.S. Route 29 and Maryland Routes 97, 182 and 185 provide you with more than enough work and weekend leisure-time routes to make you feel comfortable driving throughout the area. Use your car to knock out most of your errands easily, since you’ll find free parking at most area retail shops and businesses.

Bike through the Wheaton-Glenmont area effortlessly using one of the community’s dedicated bike lanes, including those found on Arcola Avenue and Randolph Road. Walking is also a fairly safe endeavor along these roads and throughout the inner-subdivision streets in this neighborhood. When you need a cab, call to reserve one, use your Uber app, or hail one along Randolph Road or Georgia Avenue.

Established in 1960, Wheaton Regional Park spans more than 5,000 acres. This free, expansive park hosts three major areas that house different facets of the facility. Exercise-centric visitors frequent the handball and basketball courts located within the Orebaugh area. This part of the park also features an enclosed off-leash dog park, an ice skating arena and the Wheaton Sports Pavilion that hosts soccer, futsal and lacrosse games.

Nature explorers gravitate to the Glenallen area, where the botanical gardens, horseback riding stables and Brookside Nature Center are located. This area of the park also features seasonal exhibits and scheduled educational programs.

Take your young children to the Adventure Playground in the Shorefield area of the park. Featuring multiple slides, a climbing mound and tons of fun, engaging exercise equipment, this playground keeps your children actively entertained for hours on end. The Shorefield area of Wheaton Regional Park also houses a lake, multiple family-picnic areas and an early 20th century carousel.

Wheaton-Glenmont’s posh, luxurious lifestyle comes with a higher-than-average cost of living for the area, with one-bedroom apartments running approximately $1,493 a month. Expect per-gallon gas prices to remain at about 1 percent above the national average and to fork out at least $6 for a pint of beer at a local drinking hotspot.

Keep plenty of cash on-hand to pay the $1.75 one-way fare to take the Washington Metro Red Line to the center of the neighborhood when you want to leave your car at home for the day.

Wheaton-Glenmont’s abundance of shopping opportunities allow you quick access to both high-end, moderate and low-end retail offerings. Check out Westfield Wheaton mall on Veirs Mill Road when you want to browse the latest collections from stores such as Dick’s Sporting Goods, Costco, Aeropostale, Express and Forever 21.

When a special occasion arises, let the seasoned, knowledgeable staff at Rosta's Collections on Fenton Street in Silver Spring help you put the perfect outfit together. Featuring accessories, evening wear and sportswear in all price ranges, this boutique provides one-stop semi-formal to formal event shopping.

You’ll most likely do the bulk of your grocery shopping at Safeway on Georgia Avenue or Snider's Super Foods on Seminary Road in Silver Spring. However, make time on Sunday mornings to attend the nearby Bethesda Central Farm Market. Featuring seasonal local produce, homemade pastries, wild-caught seafood and gourmet cheeses, this farmers market allows you to create unforgettable meals for your friends and family members.