Comments/Advice on Takoma Park (Silver Spring: apartment, rentals, crime)

[HomeForMark]

I'm fairly new to the DC area and am currently living/working in NE DC. I've been looking at some places in Takoma Park and was wondering if anyone can provide a local perspective (comments, advice, warnings, etc) on the Roanoke, Eastridge, Hudson Ave areas. Thanks!

[nelumbo]

I used to live a few blocks from there. Generally, along and off of that section of Flower Ave between Piney Branch and Carroll, the sketchiest areas are closest to Piney Branch. The middle section (Hudson/Roanoke/Eastridge) is decent, or at least it was a few years ago. I wouldn't take an apartment there without visiting it, though. There are a few bus lines that run up and down Flower between Silver Spring and Takoma metros (the 12 and 13 iirc), and there is a library, Giant, and small shopping area at the Flower/Piney Branch intersection. Washington Adventist Hospital is at the Flower/Carroll intersection, and there tends to be ambulance sirens and the occasional very loud helicopter landing - although I think that the use of WAH is possibly going to change in the near future. Most of the crime seemed to be of the vandalism/car theft sort, although things get rougher near Piney Branch (pizza deliverymen being mugged). There is usually a lot of police presence, particularly at night along the shopping areas at Piney Branch.

There are some rentals that have a nice overlook into Sligo Creek Park, lots of trees and greenery. The Parkway is closed on Sundays between Piney Branch and Maple for foot traffic and bicyclists. I think it is a nice area if you have some street smarts (don't leave valuables lying in your car, frex).