Woah, I have no idea what you are after ElJ and how much you enjoy city life, but you couldn't chain me up in Silver Spring. It is one highrise after another, roads, cars, traffic, noise.

Some people like that, but it's not for me. I like NW DC, in places, because you can find quiet sideroads and you hardly feel like you are even in the city.

Also check out River Road running out the back of GU...houses are probably not cheap, but it is out of the city, yet very close.

**And this is just my opinion! Just like we all prefer different bicycles, we all enjoy different living environments. Just saying the 'burbs of NoVA or MD are not for me. Plenty of trails to ride in/around the city though, so lots of options.