SperlingViews - Columbia, Maryland

I've neevr actually lived right in Columbia but I've lived in the general alrea for close to 17 years. I enjoy it very much and am very happy here and doubt I'd ever leave. Columbia is relatively safe and has something for everyone. It's attractive and well developed. My only objections are, it's VERY expensive to live here and forget about buying a decent home and housing options are very limited unless you have tons of money to spend. Likewise, there are too many red light cameras everywhere these days and traffic is pretty congested everywhere. I also strongly believe when they developed Columbia, they made a grave mistake in letting in the section 8 (low income) housing. May not be "p/c" to say but in truth, it let in a very undesirable element in certain areas that Columbia would be far better off without. Otherwise, I enjoy it and am happy to be here. [read more...]

Columbia is a "new town", having been developed in the mid 1960's. First residents arrived during the summer of 1967. Our family enjoyed being a part of that experience, moving to Columbia in August of 1967. Today, in 2010, we continue to live in Columbia as well as our adult sons and their families. Housing in the Columbia area is varied both in age, style, size. Today one can rent an apartment, a townhouse, a condominium or purchase a condominium apartment or townhouse, townhouses with or without garages, detached homes of many designs, sizes, age. Recently completed active adult communities in Columbia include villas (that's a townhouse with a first floor master suite) and low rise condominium apartment buildings. Housing in the Columbia area is available for the first time homeowner, the move-up resident, the downsizing adult and everything in between. Columbia is the place to check out for the singles, partners, families of all size, residents of all ages. Columbia is located in between Baltimore to the northeast, Washington DC to the south, Fort Meade (NSA, etc.) to the east, Baltimore Washington International Airport, and convenient to trains traveling the north and south routes as well as I-95. Convenience is huge! Check Columbia OUT![read more...]

Our family has lived in Columbia since August, 1967; at that time there were approximately one hundred residence. We have raised our family and our adult sons are raising their families in Columbia as well. The Howard County schools continue to be a wonderful asset, especially as we watch our four grandchildren grow and learn. Opportunities abound for being a volunteer and even though employment is down at the moment, this is slowly improving. I have enjoyed being a REALTOR in Columbia and the Howard County area for 33 years, and continue to enjoy assisting buyers and sellers with their goal of selling and/or buying a home. There have been challenges, no doubt, but this too will improve. Both my husband and I are Maryland natives (Frederick and Towson) and find Columbia and Howard County the ideal area to live.[read more...]

I believe Columbia is one of the better places to live in Maryland. Although it in one of the most expensive counties, it is worth the cost of living. They are so much to offer the youth of the area and the schools are rate among the best in the state.[read more...]

My husband and I are African American and have 3 children - 6,10 & 11. We really like Columbia for it's family friendly location, cultural diversity and low crime. Our only complaint and the reason we are planning to move is the cost of living is incredible. You must bring home nlt 7-8K per month to live in a nice house and to have money to enjoy the multitude of things to do.[read more...]

Columbia MD is a wonderful community to live in. Howard County was ranked in the top 10 places to live in the US for the past two years. I highly recommend this city[read more...]

I have lived in the Ellicott City/Columbia area of Maryland for most of my life. I am a young woman now and have loved it for the most part. It is quiet, yet you have access to Balitmore, and at a longer stretch Washington, DC for work and play. If you are looking for exciting city life however though, I would look elsewhere the suburban feel is what makes this city special. Also, for family life Howard County has some amazing education available through public schools.[read more...]

we moved here for the highly regarded school system and we are not disappointed! We love our schools and can't imagine a better choice for our children.[read more...]

Columbia has wonderful outdoor spaces- biking and walking paths, outdoor concerts, fairs,lakes, Merryweather Post Pavillion, Columbia has great ticketed concerts and events, a terrific public school system and a diverse community. Great place to live.[read more...]

Commuting community to Baltimore and DC. Good services and restaurants.[read more...]

This self sufficient City consists of several small "village" communities, designed to cater to family life. Local businesses are very unimposing, thus making them a challenge to find, due to regulation of the minimal usage of signs. Great parks and good schools, keeps the kids busy and the parents happy. All cultural aspects of Urban life are available with the casual convenience of the suburbs. (Mom-n-Pop to Four-star restaurants, Discount chains to upscale shopping and family friendly entertainment).[read more...]

Its Hard to find a reasonably priced house in a good neighborhood.[read more...]

Columbia is a planned community conceived in the 1960s. Most of the homes are "shed style" modern, with integrated townhouses, apartments, and business parks. SF homes are expensive ($500K) but the area is falling behind - the McMansionized countryside up in Clarksville is much more $$$ - you can get by here affordably (for the area) if you look around - commutes both to DC and Baltimore are not too bad. There is a system of trails all through the area. It is not a true city, but a compliation of "villages" with "village centers" complete with non-denominational spiritual centers. There are plenty of restaurants and lots of shopping in the area (strip malls, big central mall). Note that there are a few areas that are developing city problems. It is a good fit for someone who really likes the suburbs. If you are moving to central MD and want more cultural and visual variety or a more traditional town, check out Ellicott City, or some of the towns in Baltimore County, or try the Westminster area.[read more...]

If you can afford it, Columbia is probably the best place to live in the state. There is tons of diversity, great restaurants, great schools, beautiful parks. Plus, it seems like it's close to everything. It is, however, expensive to live here; there are a good number of well-off people. As my mom says - you get what you pay for.[read more...]

After moving from the Pocono's to Columbia, it was amazing how much everything costs here. Lived there for 10 years before finally moving away after my kids graduated from high school.[read more...]

Columbia is designed to elimate the "ghetto" found in most every decent sized city I have lived in. Columbia has wondefull foliage and an extensive amount of parks and recreation trails ideal for the modern athlete struggling to find a good way to fit a 30 minute run in before trying to beat traffic into Baltimore/DC. Columbia also has a lower crime rate then the surrouning DC metro/Baltmore area as a result of the afor mentioned layout.[read more...]

be sure to do your research some are great some aren't so great.[read more...]

I've been here 17 years and am ready to move south. Things you won't find in Columbia: live Jazz, dance clubs (unless you like Country), friendly people.[read more...]

Columbia is wonderful if you can afford it. It is beautiful, organized, low crime, and lots to do. There are tons of great restaurants and events going on all of the time. The people are friendly but a little distant. The best thing about it is the location - it's right between DC and Baltimore, so there really is no end to the fun things to go and see. The only negative is that it is expensive - we live in a tiny condo that is 225K, and 300K will get you a small townhouse. I think it's worth it![read more...]

Great place. Very expensive.[read more...]