What BestPlaces Users Say about Columbia
Context:
Columbia, Maryland is a planned community located in Howard County. It has been consistently ranked as one of the best places to live in the country due to its strong economy, low crime rates, and diverse population. With its abundance of parks, recreational activities, and highly-rated schools, Columbia is a popular choice for families and young professionals.
Summarized user reviews about living in Columbia:
According to many user reviews on BestPlaces.net, living in Columbia, Maryland offers a high quality of life and a strong sense of community. Many reviewers mention the well-maintained parks and amenities, as well as the diverse population and friendly neighbors. The affordable cost of living and proximity to larger cities like Baltimore and Washington D.C. are also frequently mentioned as major perks of living in Columbia. However, some reviewers note that the traffic can be a downside, as well as the limited nightlife options. Overall, the majority of reviews paint a positive picture of life in Columbia.
Excerpts from user reviews:
1) "Columbia is a fantastic place to live and raise a family. The parks and amenities are well-maintained and there is always something to do. The community is diverse and welcoming." - Mary W.
2) "I've lived in Columbia for 10 years and I couldn't imagine living anywhere else. The schools are top-notch and the cost of living is reasonable. Plus, it's close enough to Baltimore and D.C. for a quick day trip." - John D.
3) "I moved to Columbia for work and I've been pleasantly surprised by how much I love living here. The people are friendly and there are plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy. However, the traffic can get pretty bad during rush hour." - Sarah B.
4) "Columbia is the perfect balance of suburbia and city life. It's safe, clean, and offers a great sense of community. My only complaint is that there isn't much to do after dark, but that's a small price to pay for such a great place to live." - David S.
based on 28 ReviewsGet to know Columbia with the latest comments and reviews from people who live in or have visited Columbia
Cultural Diversity - 7/27/2009
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
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Columbia MD - 12/29/2008
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
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Columbia is a relaxed great suburban place for a f - 8/25/2008
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
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amazing schools! - 6/10/2008
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
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Outdoor Green Spaces Mid Way between Balto and Was - 4/18/2008
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
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Suburbia - 4/14/2008
Commuting community to Baltimore and DC. Good services and
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Suburban Life with Metropolitan Feel - 4/3/2008
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
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A Very Brady Place to Live - 1/10/2008
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
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Love it - 12/5/2007
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
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