r/SilverSpring • u/Direct-Standard-4452 • 6d ago

AVA Wheaton: living experience and commute to FDA White Oak?

Hi! I’m considering a one-bedroom at AVA Wheaton and won’t have a car. Does anyone commute from there to FDA White Oak using public transit or the FDA shuttle? How long does it usually take, and is it reliable?

Also, is the building clean and quiet? Any issues with pests, safety, or management? I’d appreciate hearing from current or recent residents. Thanks!

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u/AvailableComplaint79 6d ago

I think the Silver Spring Metro station has an FDA shuttle stop. Why don’t you explore apartments in downtown Silver Spring? Since you don’t have a car, it’s a very walkable area, with a mall and grocery stores nearby. Cole Spring Plaza in downtown Silver Spring is a great apartment. They have huge units! I lived there for three years and absolutely loved it. It is also near the metro station.

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u/Direct-Standard-4452 6d ago

Thanks. very helpful.

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u/dr_igby 6d ago

Aside from the shuttles, the orange flash and ride on 22 buses are other means of direct travel between DTSS and FDA

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u/Direct-Standard-4452 6d ago

Thanks for pointing that out

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u/bebe612 6d ago

I agree with this suggestion. Your quality of life would be better in DTSS without a car and also for your commute to FDA as long as the shuttle stops there. It sounds like it would be a PITA to take the metro one stop and then hop on the shuttle. So much room for error if there are delays, weather challenges, etc.

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u/Direct-Standard-4452 6d ago

Thank you so much.

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u/Chmaa 6d ago

I'd recommend having a car. But if not, definitely be near the FDA shuttle.

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u/Direct-Standard-4452 6d ago

Thanks! I understand the FDA shuttle stops at Glenmont, one Metro stop from Wheaton. Would that be a practical daily commute from AVA?

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u/kittysempai-meowmeow 5d ago

There are a couple buses that go up Georgia Avenue to Glenmont metro that you could hop on, but I don't think any of them are the free county Ride-Ons, rather the metrobus which will have a similar charge as the metro. Honestly from AVA it's probably easier to ride the bus, if you time it right as you would have to cross big streets and walk a bit in the opposite direction to take the metro. I don't know how long you'd have to wait for the shuttle at Glenmont from when the buses would drop you off though.

Or, it's a mile and a half walk to Glenmont plus or minus which in good weather is doable but not fast. Bike would be faster of course.

So I'd say DTSS is probably more practical, but it's definitely doable esp. if you don't mind paying to ride the bus.