2025 Compare Cities Overview:
Castro Valley, CA vs Columbia, MD

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Highlights
Are people in Columbia older or younger than people in Castro Valley?
- The Median Age in Columbia is 3.5 years younger than in Castro Valley.

Are housing costs cheaper in Columbia or Castro Valley?
- Columbia housing costs are 57.8% less expensive than Castro Valley housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Columbia or Castro Valley?
- The average commute for residents of Columbia is 3.5 minutes shorter than it is for residents of Castro Valley.

Things to do in Castro Valley?
Castro Valley, California is a thriving community located in the heart of Alameda County. This vibrant city offers plenty for visitors to explore such as historic Redwood Canyon or one of many popular restaurants. Residents here also take advantage of all the outdoor activities available at Lake Chabot Regional Park, Cull Canyon Regional Park, and Castro Valley Community Park. With its excellent school systems, thriving businesses, and numerous recreational opportunities, it's no wonder why so many people choose to make Castro Valley their home.

Things to do in Columbia?
Columbia, Maryland is a vibrant city located in Howard County. From its lush green parks to its many cultural attractions, Columbia has something for everyone! Visitors can explore outdoor activities like Tribble Mill Park or take in some culture at sites like the Robinson Nature Center. Plus, those looking for an educational experience can browse places like The Mall in Columbia or the Banneker Historical Park. And when they've had their fill of activities, visitors can enjoy a delicious meal from restaurants like Quarry Lake Restaurant & Bar or Bob Evans. With so much to offer, Columbia is an ideal destination for a memorable experience!

 Castro Valley, CAColumbia, MDUnited States
 Population  Unlock105,086329,725,481
 Median Income$124,203  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock38.938.4
 Avg. Home Price$1,047,800  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock4.5%6.0%
 Avg. Commute Time34.12  Unlock26.38
Reviews for Castro Valley    7 Reviews

CURMUDGEON - THANK YOU for your post. The most important part of your comment is your second paragraph. "Hodge-Podge" is the correct word for a lot of Castro  More

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Over 11 years ago

Kind of rural but close to Oakland and San  More

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Castro Valley is the largest unincorporated "city" in the Bay Area. Over the years, several attempts have been made to incorporate, but they have all been defeated at  More

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Reviews for Columbia    28 Reviews

Over 5 years ago

Lived here for a while, beautiful opportunities, pays well, overall nice  More

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Been here 30 years was great at first but once they added a transit bus from baltimore to columbia 15-18 years ago that was the beginning of the end. And about 5 years  More

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Columbia can be described in one word: unequal. The neighborhood I live in, River Hill, is jam-packed with almost million-dollar homes, while the neighborhoods of Long  More

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