Columbia, Maryland
Population: 90,000
Located in Howard County
Columbia is a 14,000-acre community located midway between Baltimore and Washington, DC. Begun in 1967, this award-winning community is being developed by The Howard Research & Development Corporation, an affiliate of The Rouse Company. Today more than 88,000 people call Columbia home. They enjoy a community filled with social and cultural outlets, jobs, quality education, 5300 acres of open space, and abundant recreation opportunities. From its inception, Columbia was seen in terms of human values, not just in terms of economics and engineering. Begun in the early 1960's, this "new town" was designed to eliminate uncontrolled sprawl and the inconveniences of then current sub-division design. But even more, Columbia was built on the premise that a community could foster a true coming together for all of its residents. Columbia would be a better place to live and work. This vision is reflected in the city's physical layout and in many innovative programs whose benefits residents enjoy today. Columbia is located midway between Baltimore and Washington, D.C. in Howard County. Its proximity to both cities makes it an easy commute to either area. Downtown Baltimore is 20-30 minutes away, while Washington is a 30-40 minute drive. Columbia also offers commuters alternatives to the car, such as commuter bus services as well as easy access to the nearby MARC commuter rail system. After more than three decades of growth, Columbia is much more than a well planned city. It's a place where families can spend a Sunday afternoon enjoying a festival. Or go for a walk along a lake in the heart of downtown. It's a city that has realized its goals of being "a garden for the growing of people." Columbia is a community engaged and engaging. From its inception, its founders wanted to ensure that Columbia would be a community of diversity, built on a more human scale, with abundant open space available to all. To achieve these goals, the city's master plan called for a series of self-contained villages, around which day-to-day life would revolve. Today, nine such villages are comprised of several neighborhoods, schools, a shopping center, community and recreational facilities, and homes. The homes range in size, price and layout. There are a range of town homes, condos and apartments as well as single-family homes. Depending on the village, home prices range from the low $200's all the way into the millions. The average home, with four or more bedrooms sells for around $600,000. Overlaying the 14,000 acres that make up Columbia are wooded areas, parks, lakes and streams. More than 5,300 acres have been designated as permanent open space for the enjoyment of Columbia's residents. More than 80 miles of pathways allow you to jog, bike, walk, or run all over the community. There are 23 outdoor and four indoor pools, plus 53 indoor and outdoor tennis courts, two golf courses, a horse center, a sports park, ice rink and three athletic clubs with nearly every kind of amenity and workout. Columbia has always placed a great deal of emphasis on its children. That's why you will find 14 elementary, five middle and eight high schools located in the city. And why, for the past seven years, Howard County's school system, of which Columbia is a part, has been rated the best in Maryland. Graduate, undergraduate and continuing studies can be pursued through Loyola College, Johns Hopkins University and Howard Community College. You can shop The Mall in Columbia's 230+ stores. Or take advantage of the eight village shopping centers, as well as other convenient retail centers. With more than 120 restaurants and eateries, you'll find everything from formal dining to casual family fare. Of course, when you have to cook, there are eight major supermarkets from which to choose. You'll find cinemas, concerts and theatre in Columbia. Because Columbia is so community focused, it's host to a multitude of festivals, performances and events year-round. Venues like Town Center Lakefront, Symphony Woods, and other locations throughout the city are home to a wine festival, antique shows, the Columbia Festival of the Arts, an international equestrian event, the Columbia birthday celebration, the Lakefront Summer Concert Series, and a multitude of other events. From cinema to dinner theatre, internationally known performers to local favorites, you'll find Columbia constantly entertaining. Enjoy world-class performers each season at Merriweather Post Pavilion of Music. Or take in a production at Toby's Dinner Theatre, the Jim Rouse Theatre for the Performing Arts, or the Smith Theatre at Howard Community College. Columbia, like all new communities, began with a promise. But, where other communities have yet to deliver on theirs, Columbia has turned vision into reality. We invite you to join us.
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