Elizabeth House in Silver Spring, MD

Pros

• The property is described as comfortable and homey.
• The reviewer recalls spending time there with close church friends, highlighting a sense of community.
• Renters value comfort, peace, and safety as key features of a home.
• There is potential for improvements to increase satisfaction and raise star ratings.
• The past ownership by the Housing Opportunities Commission suggests an established and credible history.
• Renters consider apartment reviews to be important guidance in their decision-making.

Cons

• The review notes there is too limited information about the property, especially regarding the kitchen.
• It states renters need vital information about the kitchen, especially the stove, where meals are prepared.
• It questions whether the kitchen cabinets are reachable for renters around 4'11" to 5'5", implying shorter or taller tenants may struggle.
• It describes the Frigidaire electric glass top stove as the most stupid/unsafe, without knobs, and that it hollers all night.
• It laments a lack of spaces over the living room windows to hang curtains.
• It asserts that renters do not want to talk to Adam about major issues and criticizes empty talk, emphasizing comfort, peace, and safety as essential.
• It indicates Adam could do better and questions whether the place is still as comfortable as it once was.
• It states that the telephone operator is unprofessional and rude.

Review

Elizabeth House in Silver Spring is best suited for budget-minded seniors who want a downtown, walkable address and a homey apartment vibe, provided they can tolerate gaps in information and a lighter touch of on-site service. It is a fit for residents who prize location, safety, and a straightforward rental arrangement more than a full-service care plan. Those who can advocate for themselves, schedule thorough tours, and verify kitchen and unit details will find value here. However, anyone needing consistent, transparent disclosures and proactive management should consider alternatives. In short, a prudent, self-directed renter who values urban convenience may find Elizabeth House workable, with clear caveats.

The upside centers on location and the sense of traditional, comfortable living that comes with an older but well-situated building. Downtown Silver Spring offers practical access to shops, clinics, transit, and social activity, all of which can make daily life smoother for residents who do not require daily caregiving. The historical note that the property has ties to a housing program suggests a potential emphasis on stable, affordable housing rather than luxury finishes. For tenants who want a "homey" ambience and predictable rent in a city setting, these conditions can translate into genuine everyday convenience, provided expectations stay realistic about what is and isn't included.

But the negatives cast a long shadow over daily practicality. The most pressing issue is a persistent lack of essential kitchen information - appliance types, heights, and accessibility - before move-in. Reviewers flag concerns about a stove without knobs and a glass-top unit that feels unsafe or opaque in operation, coupled with questions about cabinet reach for shorter residents. Compounding this is a reported inconsistency in communication, including a perception of unprofessional, rude handling on the phone. When kitchen usability, safety, and responsive management are in doubt, the core promise of a comfortable home becomes unsettled, especially for seniors who rely on predictable routines.

Who should consider alternatives is clear: seniors who need transparent, documented kitchen layouts and appliance specifications; residents who depend on reliable staff for meals, daily support, or safety checks; and families who require consistently courteous, proactive management. Also, those who need ADA-compliant features, clearly accessible cabinets, or kitchen setups designed for limited mobility should demand concrete specifications and a verified move-in condition. If the aim is a community with strong, orderly service and unambiguous amenities, Elizabeth House should be weighed against rivals that publish detailed floor plans, appliance inventories, and response times.

In terms of whether the positives can offset the drawbacks, the balance tilts toward caution. The downtown locale and the possibility of affordable rent are meaningful advantages for a certain profile, but they lose traction quickly when basic housekeeping details are murky and service quality is inconsistent. The rating - 2.3 out of 3 reviews with two very low scores - signals real risk for anyone who prioritizes dependable operations and clear disclosures. There is one high-rating out of the small sample, yet the spread suggests variability in resident experience. For a decision of this magnitude, that variability matters more than anecdotal appeal.

A practical decision framework helps separate likely fits from misfires. Schedule a robust in-person tour focused specifically on the kitchen: confirm stove type and safety features, check cabinet dimensions and reachability, and verify who is responsible for meals, if any, and how residents access cooking facilities. Probe management responsiveness with a direct question about recent service requests and follow-up timelines; request candid conversations with current residents about daily routines and noise levels. Compare Elizabeth House against nearby options that publish clear amenity inventories, provide consistent customer service, and offer verified accessibility features. If those benchmarks are non-negotiable, steer toward alternatives; if one can tolerate information gaps and commits to thorough due diligence, Elizabeth House remains a city-edge option worth considering.

This part of Silver Spring, Maryland offers a variety of amenities and services that cater to individuals looking for senior living options. With several pharmacies located within close proximity, residents can easily access medication and healthcare supplies. Additionally, there are multiple hospitals in the area, including Holy Cross Hospital and Medstar Washington Hospital Center, providing quality medical care for seniors. The neighborhood also boasts a range of dining options such as McDonald's, Chick-Fil-A, and Cactus Cantina, offering convenient dining choices. For recreational activities, parks like Rock Creek Park and Fort Slocum Park provide opportunities for outdoor enjoyment. Public transportation is easily accessible with nearby metro stations like Forest Glen Metro Station and Bethesda Metro Station, making it convenient for seniors to travel around the area. Overall, this part of Silver Spring offers a well-rounded community with various amenities suitable for senior living.

Restaurants

• McDonald's (0.2 miles)
• Denizens Brewing Co. (0.7 miles)
• Jollibee (3.1 miles)
• Chick-Fil-A (3.2 miles)
• Cactus Cantina (4.9 miles)
• McDonald's (5.7 miles)
• Right Proper Brewing Company (5.7 miles)

Pharmacies

• CVS Pharmacy (0.3 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (1.1 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (1.8 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (1.9 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (2.5 miles)
• Walgreens (2.5 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (3 miles)

Hospitals

• Holy Cross Hospital (1.2 miles)
• Medstar Washington Hospital Center (4.8 miles)
• Children's National Medical Center (4.9 miles)
• Howard University Hospital (5.6 miles)
• Sibley Memorial Hospital (5.9 miles)
• MedStar Georgetown University Hospital (6.4 miles)
• Georgetown University Hospital Pasquerilla Center (6.4 miles)

Places of Worship

• Christ Congregational Church (1.3 miles)
• Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception (4.7 miles)
• College Park United Methodist Church (6 miles)

Transportation

• Forest Glen Metro Station (1.4 miles)
• Bethesda Metro Station (3.5 miles)
• Medical Center Metro Station (3.5 miles)
• Georgia Ave-Petworth Metro Station (4.2 miles)
• West Hyattsville Metro Station (4.4 miles)
• Grosvenor-Strathmore Metro Station (4.5 miles)
• Prince George's Plaza Metro Station (4.6 miles)

Cafes

• Lost Sock Roasters (1.8 miles)
• Tatte Bakery & Cafe (3.5 miles)
• Starbucks (4.7 miles)
• The Coffee Bar (5.7 miles)
• Vigilante Coffee (5.8 miles)
• Tatte Bakery & Cafe (6.2 miles)
• Unconventional Diner (6.3 miles)

Parks

• Chevy Chase Park (2.2 miles)
• Rock Creek Park (2.3 miles)
• Fort Slocum Park (2.7 miles)
• Meridian Hill Park (5.1 miles)
• Winding Creek Local Park (5.1 miles)
• Georgian Forest Park & Tennis Courts (5.6 miles)
• S Street Dog Park (5.8 miles)

Physicians

• Capitol Medical Group (2.4 miles)
• Mary's Center (3.3 miles)
• Children's National - Main Hospital (4.9 miles)
• Foxhall Pediatrics (5.3 miles)
• One Medical (6.2 miles)
• The Centers For Advanced Orthopaedics (6.4 miles)

Theaters

• Alamo Drafthouse Cinema DC Bryant Street (5.5 miles)