Columbia – A City That Has It All
Columbia is the second most populated city in Howard County, Maryland. It is a planned community made of 10 individual villages, which were designed with the intention of improving their residents’ quality of life. This motto is still entirely apparent today, and the city of Columbia is home to a thriving tech industry, plenty of recreational opportunities, great schools, excellent public transportation options, and an enjoyable climate.
Resting amidst lakes and green surroundings, Columbia offers access to big-city amenities without compromising the small-town charm. If you are considering relocating to Columbia, here is an overview of what you can expect.
Brief Overview of Columbia
Made of 10 independent villages, Columbia feels like a small town but has all amenities of larger cities. Each village in the city has its own community center, recreational facilities, homes, and businesses. Most residential properties in the area are townhouses, single-family homes, apartments, and condominiums, and the median home value is $416,800.
If you are looking for an ideal village to settle into, consider Hickory Ridge, Wilde Lake, and Town Center. Hickory Ridge is the second-largest village in Columbia that is home to grand townhomes, modern condos, and single and two-story homes. In addition, residents appreciate the village’s proximity to the Columbia Mall and shopping centers. Wilde Lake is a historic village that is surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty. Town Center, on the other hand, rests at the heart of Columbia and offers residents easy access to urban amenities.
The entire Columbia is undergoing an expansion called The Downtown Columbia Plan, which aims to develop 13 million square feet for residential, retail, commercial, and cultural purposes over 30 years. This is good news for anyone relocating to this city as the home values will soon start skyrocketing, plus the standards of living will improve.
Homes for Sale
Education in Columbia
Columbia is brimming with education opportunities offered primarily through the Howard County Public School System. There are 23 public schools in the city–14 elementary schools, four middle schools, and five high schools–that serve over 57,000 students. A few notable public schools include Atholton Elementary, Longfellow Elementary, Oakland Mills Middle, Atholton High, Long Reach High, and Hammond High.
In addition, there are several private schools in Columbia, and numerous universities and colleges, including John Hopkins University, Coppin State University, Morgan State University, Loyola University, the University of Baltimore, and Maryland Institute College of Art.
The Climate in Columbia
Columbia is surrounded by lakes, and residents enjoy warm, humid summers and cold, snowy winters. On average, the city receives 212 days of sunshine, relatively higher than the national average of 205 sunny days.
The summer months in Columbia are warmer, with temperatures averaging 88 degrees. Though it gets a bit clammy, this is when residents get outdoors to have fun with family and friends. With fall, the temperature starts dropping, and by the time it’s winter, Columbia reaches freezing temperatures of nearly 24 degrees and receives 17 inches of snow.
Public Transportation in Columbia
Residents in Columbia are primarily served by the Regional Transportation Agency of Central Maryland (RTA), which operates 15 different bus routes in and around the city. In addition, Maryland Transit Administration (MTA) provides bus services connecting the city to other parts of Maryland and Washington, DC, and Maryland Area Regional Commuter (MARC) train service with five stations in Howard County.
Lastly, the Howard County Bikeshare system serves the community by providing traditional and electric-assist bicycles that can be leveraged by paying an annual membership fee of $85 or a monthly membership fee of $15. It costs $2 per ride, and the bike can be used for 30 minutes.
Make Your Home in Columbia
Thanks to Columbia Association’s efficient management skills, the city is home to more than 100,000 people, making it one of the largest communities in the Baltimore-Washington Metropolitan Area. Nevertheless, at the very core, Columbia is a family-friendly suburban city with plenty of natural beauty. Amenities are also endless in the area. You will find everything from beautiful walking paths to excellent parks and outdoor recreational fields, boutique shops, a beautiful amphitheater, great restaurants, spas, nail shops, salons, and more. In addition, Columbia residents also have access to affordable and high-quality healthcare and education. So, if you are looking to relocate, consider Columbia for your new neighborhood.
