A local's guide for moving to Columbia
If you are considering moving to Columbia, Maryland, you are in for a treat. Located in Howard County, Columbia is a vibrant and diverse community that has been consistently ranked as one of the best places to live in the United States. In this comprehensive guide, we'll take you through everything you need to know about moving to Columbia, including its history, culture, neighborhoods, schools, and employment opportunities.
Columbia was founded in 1967 as a planned community designed by James W. Rouse. The goal was to create a town that was inclusive, diverse, and supportive of a healthy work-life balance. The idea was to provide an environment where residents could live, work, and play in a harmonious and balanced way. Today, Columbia is a thriving community of over 100,000 residents, known for its commitment to sustainability and quality of life.
Columbia is a melting pot of cultures, with residents from all walks of life. This diversity is reflected in the town's vibrant arts and culture scene, with numerous festivals and events throughout the year. From the Columbia Festival of the Arts to the LakeFest, there is always something to do in Columbia.
For those who love the great outdoors, Columbia offers an excellent quality of life, with plenty of green space, parks, and recreational opportunities. With over 3,500 acres of parkland and more than 90 miles of interconnected pathways, Columbia is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you enjoy hiking, biking, fishing, or boating, you'll find it all in Columbia.
For those who love the great outdoors, Columbia offers an excellent quality of life, with plenty of green space, parks, and recreational opportunities. With over 3,500 acres of parkland and more than 90 miles of interconnected pathways, Columbia is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you enjoy hiking, biking, fishing, or boating, you'll find it all in Columbia.
Columbia is divided into ten distinct neighborhoods, each with its own unique character and charm. The neighborhoods are named after the poets and authors who inspired James W. Rouse, and each offers a range of housing options to suit any budget and lifestyle.
Some of the most popular neighborhoods in Columbia include:
Town Center: Located in the heart of Columbia, Town Center is a bustling hub of activity, with shopping, dining, and entertainment options galore. This neighborhood is perfect for those who want to be in the center of the action.
Hickory Ridge: Hickory Ridge is a tranquil, tree-lined neighborhood located on the western edge of Columbia. It offers a mix of single-family homes, townhomes, and apartments. This neighborhood is perfect for those who want a peaceful and quiet place to call home.
King's Contrivance: King's Contrivance is a picturesque neighborhood located in the southeastern part of Columbia. It is known for its historic landmarks, including the famous Hammond-Harwood House. This neighborhood is perfect for those who want to live in a historic and charming area.
River Hill: River Hill is a newer neighborhood located in the western part of Columbia. It offers a mix of single-family homes and townhomes, with plenty of amenities for residents, including a village center, community center, and pool.
Oakland Mills: Oakland Mills is an affordable neighborhood located in the eastern part of Columbia. It offers a mix of housing options, including apartments, townhomes, and single-family homes.
Some of the most popular neighborhoods in Columbia include:
Town Center: Located in the heart of Columbia, Town Center is a bustling hub of activity, with shopping, dining, and entertainment options galore. This neighborhood is perfect for those who want to be in the center of the action.
Hickory Ridge: Hickory Ridge is a tranquil, tree-lined neighborhood located on the western edge of Columbia. It offers a mix of single-family homes, townhomes, and apartments. This neighborhood is perfect for those who want a peaceful and quiet place to call home.
King's Contrivance: King's Contrivance is a picturesque neighborhood located in the southeastern part of Columbia. It is known for its historic landmarks, including the famous Hammond-Harwood House. This neighborhood is perfect for those who want to live in a historic and charming area.
River Hill: River Hill is a newer neighborhood located in the western part of Columbia. It offers a mix of single-family homes and townhomes, with plenty of amenities for residents, including a village center, community center, and pool.
Oakland Mills: Oakland Mills is an affordable neighborhood located in the eastern part of Columbia. It offers a mix of housing options, including apartments, townhomes, and single-family homes.
Schools in Columbia:
Education is a top priority in Columbia, and the community boasts a wide range of exceptional public and private schools. The public school system in Columbia is operated by Howard County Public School System (HCPSS) and serves over 58,000 students. The HCPSS has been consistently ranked as one of the top school systems in Maryland and the United States, and it offers a comprehensive curriculum with a focus on academic excellence, diversity, and innovation.
Columbia is home to several highly-ranked public schools, including Centennial Lane Elementary School, Clarksville Middle School, and Atholton High School. Each of these schools has received recognition for its academic achievements, innovative programs, and exceptional teaching staff. Parents can also choose from a variety of private schools, such as Glenelg Country School, St. Johns Parish Day School, and Covenant Life School, which offer smaller class sizes, individualized attention, and specialized programs.
Higher education is also a significant part of Columbia's educational landscape. The city is home to several colleges and universities, including Howard Community College, which provides affordable and accessible higher education opportunities to over 10,000 students each year. Additionally, the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC), and Johns Hopkins University are both located nearby, offering world-class academic programs, research opportunities, and cultural events.
Columbia is home to several highly-ranked public schools, including Centennial Lane Elementary School, Clarksville Middle School, and Atholton High School. Each of these schools has received recognition for its academic achievements, innovative programs, and exceptional teaching staff. Parents can also choose from a variety of private schools, such as Glenelg Country School, St. Johns Parish Day School, and Covenant Life School, which offer smaller class sizes, individualized attention, and specialized programs.
Higher education is also a significant part of Columbia's educational landscape. The city is home to several colleges and universities, including Howard Community College, which provides affordable and accessible higher education opportunities to over 10,000 students each year. Additionally, the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC), and Johns Hopkins University are both located nearby, offering world-class academic programs, research opportunities, and cultural events.
Transportation in Columbia:
Columbia is easily accessible by car, with several major highways running through the city, including Interstate 95, Route 29, and Route 32. The city is also well-served by public transportation, with a network of bus routes operated by the Regional Transportation Agency of Central Maryland (RTA).
Columbia has a comprehensive network of bike trails and paths, making it easy and safe to bike around the city. The city also has a bike-share program called Capital Bikeshare, which allows residents and visitors to rent bikes at various locations throughout the city.
Columbia has a comprehensive network of bike trails and paths, making it easy and safe to bike around the city. The city also has a bike-share program called Capital Bikeshare, which allows residents and visitors to rent bikes at various locations throughout the city.
Moving to Columbia, Maryland, is an excellent choice for anyone seeking a high quality of life in a vibrant and diverse community. With its exceptional schools, diverse job opportunities, and easy access to transportation, Columbia offers a comfortable and convenient lifestyle for families, young professionals, and retirees alike. Whether you are interested in outdoor recreation, cultural events, or simply enjoying the beautiful scenery, Columbia has something to offer everyone. So, if you are considering a move to Maryland, be sure to put Columbia at the top of your list!