Forest Glen is home to the Forest Glen Annex, a US Army installation. The annex was camped on by Jubal Early and his Confederate Troops in 1864 before going through several other incarnations. The land has held a casino and hotel, a finishing school, and a women's college before becoming part of the Walter Reed General Hospital in 1942. Here, wounded veterans were helped by services including prosthetics and therapeutic art before the Army left the area in 1977.
Part of the larger census-designated place (CDP) of Silver Spring, Forest Glen is a CDP with a population of 6,582. The official area boundaries are unclear, but the US Census Bureau designates Forest Glen as covering 1.3 square miles. Silver Springs and Forest Glen sit inside Montgomery County.
Moving to Forest Glen
If you are looking for apartment rentals in Forest Glen, you're in luck. For a small town there is a substantial amount of rental housing, and most of it is in the form of apartments. Almost 40 percent of the properties in the area are apartment buildings. Only around 10 percent of apartments are occupied by their owners, so buying an apartment will require more research and searching beforehand if you want to find a place.
The market for houses is the complete opposite. Over 80 percent of houses in Forest Glen, both detached and terraced, are lived in by their owners. This means the number of townhouses for rent is very small, with less than 20 percent occupied by renters. It's best to start shopping around early if you would like to find a larger rental property. Those hoping to buy a house should be aware that real estate prices in Forest Glen are a little higher than the state average, although not by much. If you have time to look, you will find the right deal.
Neighborhoods in Forest Glen
Forest Glen is a small place, and therefore only has one clearly defined neighborhood. However, the town is charming and has convenient amenities wherever you choose to live.
Forest Estates: This suburban neighborhood, primarily consisting of houses, is conveniently close to the Forest Glen Metro station and the Capital Beltway. It sits between the General Getty Neighborhood Park and Sligo Creek park for nature lovers, and city types will enjoy being in close proximity to the Silver Springs main streets and Washington, D.C.
Apartment Communities
Forest Glen Apartments: This charming apartment community is in the north west of town, on the busy Georgia Avenue. It is very convenient for commuters, as it sits along a main bus route and close to the Metro station. Rent is very reasonable, and there is a choice of studio apartments and two bed, two bath floor plans among others. Residents are able to enjoy their privacy with minimal interference from management, and the General Getty Neighborhood Park is nearby if you would like to get in touch with nature.
Living in Forest Glen
Forest Glen is a great place to live whether you drive or take public transport. The town has its own Metro station, located on Georgia Avenue near Forest Glen Road. In addition to the Metro, Georgia Avenue and Forest Glen are lined with bus stops serviced by Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA). The buses are efficient and regular, with affordable fares.
Those who prefer to travel by car will be happy to learn that Forest Glen is just a 20-minute drive from Washington, D.C. Downtown Silver Springs has some great stores and is just five minutes away by car. The town also sits along the Capital Beltway (otherwise known as Interstate 495).
There are a few interesting things to do in Forest Glen and Silver Springs. The area is home to some fantastic restaurants. These include the indulgent Quarry House Tavern and the Mandalay Restaurant and Caf̩, which serves delicious Burmese Food. Nature lovers will enjoy visiting the numerous parks in the area, and if you don't mind a five-minute car ride you can try out Wheaton Regional Park's great sports facilities and even a carousel.
Remember the Forest Glen Annex? The area was designated a Historic Site back in 1972, so history buffs can go up and explore the buildings. Other great places to visit include the AFI Silver Theater and Cultural Center, a combination of moving images and other cultural facilities that offers something for everyone. Silver Springs' annual documentary film festival is held there.
On the subject of annual events, both Forest Glen and Silver Springs as a whole love music and it shows. Visit the Silver Spring Jazz Festival every fall, or dance the night away at one of the Silver Spring Swings annual free concerts, held all summer. Whatever you love to do, you can do it in Forest Glen.
