What makes Columbia a great place to live?

kids sitting by the side of the poolThe No. 1 Small City to Live In ~Money Magazine

Many people choose to live in Columbia because of its central location between the cities of Baltimore and Washington, DC and easy access to three international airports via a number of major roadways. Others choose it because of Columbia Association, an integral part of Columbia since its inception, which provides myriad opportunities for sports, fitness and recreation.  And yet others are attracted to Columbia because of its founder’s ideals and commitment to diversity, which are still clearly evident and make Columbia more racially diverse than America as a whole.

For the last ten years, Columbia has been ranked in the top 10 places to live.   As well as the features listed above, Columbia boasts Howard  County General Hospital (part of the world-renowned Johns Hopkins Medical System), The Mall in Columbia (196 stores, centrally located in Town Center), Howard Community College, and 10 different villages  and village centers, each having a unique look and identity.  Also contributing to Columbia’s high ranking is its location within Howard County, which provides award-winning education and library systems for residents.

a man jogging through the town centerColumbia is also the community of choice for Maryland businesses: it includes a vibrant, thriving downtown, nice village centers, and the Columbia Gateway — a large industrial campus, which create hubs for activity.  More than 2,500 large and small companies, more than 50 nonprofit organizations, and the U.S. Department of Defense provide jobs to those who want to both live and work in Columbia.

Nearly 100,000 people make Columbia their community of choice.  Whatever your reason for visiting Columbia, we hope you decide you’d like to live here, too!

Watch videos to learn more about Columbia’s rich history.

 

new paper clipping about "Fire destroys Mrs. Z's"