Fortune Magazine has listed Silver Spring as #1 in this year’s Best Locations to Live for Families list, with factors like healthcare, schooling, affordability, and resources for seniors leading the rankings. The original post was featured by news website, sourceofthespring.
According to the magazine, “Silver Spring shines among its surrounding suburbs for its Arts & Entertainment District, home to over 100 arts and humanities organizations, entertainment venues, and similar attractions. Residents can watch an independent movie at the AFI Silver Theatre and Cultural Center or see an artist perform live at the Fillmore, a legendary music venue [franchise] that’s hosted everyone from Aretha Franklinto Janis Joplin. Vibrant murals and dynamic community centers bring the area to life.”
Fortune also highlighted Silver Spring’s multicultural population, variety of dining spots, closeness to Sligo Creek Park and Rock Creek Trail, and the seasonal outdoor ice skating rink. It further mentioned that Silver Spring has the highest Community W
ell-Being Index score from Sharecare, which reviews over 600 health risk indicators in communities across the United States, scoring 85 out of 100.
Previously, Silver Spring ranked third in last year’s Best Places to Live for Families list.
“Fortune Magazine’s detailed methodology, supported by several key data collaborators, underscores what Silver Spring families cherish: excellent educational choices, secure neighborhoods, and plenty of recreational options,” Silver Spring Regional Service Center director Jacob Newman said via email. “Our thriving local businesses, varied cultural events, and strong community pride make Silver Spring the ideal family-friendly destination.”
Silver Spring also made an appearance on NBC’s Today Show on Tuesday morning.
“The great news keeps rolling as Silver Spring was also featured on THE TODAY SHOW, drawing nationwide attention to our incredible community,” Newman said. “This recognition emphasizes the strength of our vibrant, multicultural community and the outstanding quality of life we provide.”
In choosing the Best Places to Live for Families, Fortune assessed over 2,000 cities, towns, suburbs, exurbs, villages, and municipalities, each with around 20,000 residents or more, across all 50 states. To carefully analyze each location, Fortune examined nearly 200 data points across five main themes: education, aging resources, wellness, financial stability, and livability.
To rank cities and towns, Fortune excluded areas where home sale values were over twice the state average or more than 2.75 times the national average.
“Fortune aimed to ensure that the list featured diverse areas,” the magazine said. “To accomplish this, the staff compared the racial makeup of each location against state averages and removed any area that was 75% less diverse than the state benchmark. Fortune also reviewed socioeconomic, religious, and ethnic diversity in its research process.”
In a statement issued Tuesday, County Executive Marc Elrich said that Silver Spring’s facilities make it an excellent place to reside, including the Silver Spring Recreation and Aquatic Center, the Jazz and Blues Festivals, numerous international celebrations, strong public transportation, and the region’s diversity:
Fortune, Inc. has named Silver Spring the No. 1 ‘Best Place to live for families’ in the United States. This notable accolade demonstrates what many of us already believe–we are devoted to building a community that supports families in every way imaginable.
Silver Spring’s top position as a family-friendly destination speaks volumes about the lifestyle we provide. The ranking is based on the best place ‘w
here multigenerational families are most likely to have access to great schools, highly rated hospitals, affordable homes, resources for older adults, and a robust sense of community.’ We have outstanding educational opportunities, safe neighborhoods, and numerous recreational facilities, including our new Silver Spring Recreation and Aquatic Center. Additionally, the County’s excellent public schools, well-maintained parks, and community hubs create a supportive environment where kids and their families can flourish academically, socially, and physically.
For companies, Silver Spring’s distinction as the best place to raise a family is a strong testament to the region’s vibrancy and potential. Businesses looking to relocate or expand will discover a community that prioritizes education, safety, and quality of life—key elements that attract top talent. The diverse population provides a wide customer base and a workforce with a vast range of abilities and perspectives, fueling innovation and success. Our community’s focus on inclusivity and family support creates a steady and welcoming atmosphere where businesses can thrive.
Our area is conveniently situated near Washington, D.C., and features a robust public transportation system, including Metro and the Countywide Ride On bus services, which makes commuting and exploring the area seamless and straightforward. Montgomery County’s focus on sustainability and green initiatives further improves the quality of life for residents, guaranteeing a healthy and vibrant future for our children.
In recent years, Silver Spring has also been recognized as one of the top five most diverse jurisdictions in the country by WalletHub; they use their methodology to ‘identify the places where people experience the most unique blend of perspectives, which brings social and economic benefits.’ Additionally, annual highlights like the Silver Spring Jazz Festival and the Silver Spring Blues Festival consistently attract internationally renowned acts and visitors from across the region. Silver Spring is proud to host the D.C. area’s largest Thanksgiving parade and several international festivals and regular events at the American Film Institute. This cultural richness fosters a sense of understanding and appreciation among residents. In Silver Spring, children grow up valuing and celebrating differences, preparing them to become global citizens in an interconnected world. The area also boasts numerous diverse restaurants serving cuisines from all over the world.
Fortune, Inc.’s recognition of Silver Spring as the No. 1 ‘Best Place to live for families’ is a tribute to the combined efforts of our residents, schools, and local government. It highlights Silver Spring’s dedication to building a supportive, welcoming, and thriving community. We’re ready and eager to welcome more families and businesses to make Silver Spring an even better place to live, work, and grow.
Silver Spring has received recognition in multiple national rankings. In 2024, WalletHub named it one of the top five most ethnically diverse areas in the U.S., and it recently ranked third in GoFundMe’s list of the most generous cities in the country for its support of individuals, causes, and organizations.
“This national acknowledgment is a testament to the hardworking and devoted people who choose to operate their businesses, raise their families, and invest in Silver Spring,” said Stephanie Helsing, President and CEO of the Greater Silver Spring Chamber of Commerce. “We celebrate Silver Spring today and every day and will continue to serve our vibrant, diverse, and family-oriented community to make it the best it can be.”
