Columbia, MD
Why You’ll Love Living in Columbia, Maryland
Ten self-contained villages comprise the city of Columbia, Maryland, founded in 1967, which gives Columbia a small-town feel even though its population has surpassed 100,000. Amenities include three lakes, 80 miles of interconnected pathways and high-end shopping destination The Mall in Columbia. With a median family income of $114,000, Columbia is one of the wealthiest cities in America. Federal government and research-related jobs play big roles in the local economy because Columbia is only 30 miles from Washington, D.C.
Thinking of moving to Columbia, MD? Keep scrolling to find all the details about living in Columbia, including quick facts such as the population, median home value and property taxes. Plus, learn more about the cost of living and quality of life in Columbia, from the economy and job opportunities to weather, outdoor activities and things to do, including local restaurants and points of interest.
What Makes Columbia, MD, a Best Place to Live in 2024
Columbia, MD, is one of the best places to live in the U.S., and it’s easy to see why. The city of 105,000 sits between Baltimore and Washington, D.C., and it has a robust economy, walkable neighborhoods, family-friendly amenities (even an ADA-compliant “Play-for-All” playground at Blandair Regional Park), and a second-to-none educational system. The city and Howard County are considered some of the most highly educated areas in the region.
This is a city that is committed to diversity and inclusion, too, making it easy for everyone to feel welcome and find their place. It also helps to have an economy that supports employers such as Verizon, Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory, Howard Community College, the U.S. Department of Defense and more than 50 nonprofits.
Fun is familiar here, with events like the Columbia Festival of the Arts, with — what else — arts and crafts, live music and kids’ activities. Other entertainment offerings are abundant, too, such as concerts, public art and hot spots like downtown’s Color Burst Park in the Merriweather District, which hosts free concerts and fitness classes and even has an ice rink and splash pad.
Head outside to enjoy sports leagues, golf, tennis and classes at the Columbia Association, or take your pup to play fetch at a dog park. After you’ve worked up an appetite, duck into one of the city’s terrific restaurants, bars or cafes to refuel. Getting around this city is a cinch since Columbia is known for its efficient public transportation options.
Columbia, MD Quality of Life LivScore
Columbia, MD Top Categories
Education
Health
Economy
Columbia ranks highest for education, health and economy.
Weather and Outdoor Activities in Columbia, MD
Residents are treated to all four seasons in Columbia, with hot summers, cold winters, spring showers and fall colors. The average highs and lows are 85°F and 61°F (summer) and 45°F and 24°F (winter).
Annual snowfall in Columbia averages 18 inches per year. The coldest month is typically January, with an average low temperature of around 23°.
The average annual rainfall in Columbia is 44 inches of rain each year. The wettest months are usually July and August.
Columbia averages 206 sunny days a year.
Kayak, canoe or paddleboat on Lake Kittamaqundi. Or, if you want to stay on dry land, walk, run or bike the 3.4-mile Elkhorn Branch Trail.
Things To Do in Columbia, MD
Explore the Howard County Farmers Market (open May through November). You’ll love the local finds and live music.
Visit the Robinson Nature Center, which aims to connect people with nature. You’ll find a children’s discovery room, a digital planetarium and a bunch of educational exhibits.
Appropriately known as the “Columbia Pathways,” Columbia’s extensive network of interconnected pathways is one of the best-kept secrets about the city. The city already has a reputation for thoughtful urban planning, but the Columbia Pathways add an extra layer of charm, convenience and scenery ripe with parks, meadows and lakes. Several locals utilize these trails for walking, jogging and biking.
Columbia locals often haunt the Mall of Columbia, a high-end shopping destination with more than 200 shops selling everything from fashion and accessories to electronics and home goods.
Try 18th and 21st, with a speakeasy feel, live music and modern riffs on classic cocktails (like a lavender Bee’s Knees).
Looking for a place to catch a concert or enjoy a show? Merriweather Post Pavilion is Columbia’s best spot for live music and performing arts. This iconic outdoor amphitheater, nestled in Symphony Woods, opened in the 1960s and has entertained residents with live performances ever since.
Start your day off at Roggenart, where you can pair your espresso with a Reese’s peanut butter croissant.
The Local and State Economy in Columbia, MD
Because of the city’s close proximity to Washington, D.C., the major industries in Columbia include government and defense, health care and IT.
In 2024, the sales tax rate in Columbia is 6%.
Yes, Maryland has a state income tax.
Howard County General Hospital is part of the Johns Hopkins Medicine System and one of Columbia’s largest employers and health care providers. Residents also have access to several other wellness networks, including MedStar Health, Kaiser Permanente and LifeBridge Health.
Howard Community College is located in Columbia.
Weather in Columbia, MD
Average Temperatures
66 High / 44 Low
Average Annual Rainfall
44 Inches
Average Annual Snowfall
18 Inches
Quick Facts about Columbia, Maryland
- Median Home Value
- $467,495
- Median Property Tax
- $4,156
- Total Population
- 106,410
- Average Commute
- 23 min
- Median Household Income
- $134,350
- Median Rent per Month
- $1,655
Map of Columbia, MD
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