Columbia 79 Exceptional
Columbia Livability #57 ranked city in Maryland#1,934 ranked city in the USARanks better than 93% of areas

Pros and Cons of Living in Columbia

PROS
  • Commute

    High commute scores indicates that public transit should be easily accessible in this area and the average commute time to work is less than average.

  • Employment

    The combination of higher than average median home income, income per capita and low unemployment rates results in a score that is well above average in the employment category.

  • Housing

    This area has received high scores in the housing category. This could be due to a positive home affordability ratio, high appreciation rates or elevated home values.

  • Health & Safety

    A high score in the health and safety category is a result of good air quality and the accessibility to health facilities such as hospitals, clinics, doctors, pharmacies and fire stations.

CONS
  • Cost Of Living

    Based on the most recent cost of living data, this area is more expensive to live in. You can expect to pay more for everyday goods and services, housing, groceries and utilities.

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What's it like Living in Columbia?

Columbia is a moderately-sized city located in the state of Maryland. The city has a population of 105,412 residents. Columbia has a population density of 3,301 people per square mile. This would be considered well above the national population density level. Columbia is mostly populated by White (50%) and Black or African American (28%) ethnic groups. When traveling to work, spending unnecessary time in your vehicle is not ideal and downright frustrating. Across all of America, the average one way commute time is 26 minutes, unfortunately, living in Columbia offers up a higher than average one way commute time of 31 minutes.

If you’re considering relocating to any new city, it could be a very daunting task. However, it could also be a fulfilling experience if you are willing to get to know the area before actually living in Columbia, Maryland. When searching for a new neighborhood, several key items should be considered. Safety is of utmost importance, ensuring a secure environment with low crime. Proximity to your workplace or school helps reduce commuting time and offers convenience. Access to amenities such as parks, grocery stores, and healthcare facilities enhances your daily life. Public transportation options contribute to easy mobility. A sense of community fosters a supportive and engaging environment. Lastly, the overall atmosphere should align with your desired lifestyle, ensuring a fulfilling living experience. Considering these items will guide you towards finding the perfect neighborhood that fits all your needs. The best areas in Columbia and in surrounding cities are easier to find when you are able to make informed decisions. Using data from crime, commute, health & safety, employment, housing, you will see a detailed breakdown of the most important information as well as comparisons to the Maryland and national averages.

Using data and statistics Columbia has received a livability score of 79 out of 100. This score is ranked in the 94th percentile when compared to all other cities. Compared to the United States average, Columbia ranks among some of the best places to live in the country! The cherry on top is that Columbia also ranks in the top 10 percent of all cities. If we examine each of the categories on their own, we see that Columbia ranks well for education (B-) and housing (A+). On a less positive note, Columbia does not have favorable ranks for the following: cost of living (F). If we take a look at the data, we can find out why.

Real estate represents the most substantial investment for homebuyers, constituting their most valuable asset. Renters, on the other hand, typically see their monthly rent as their most significant expense. The Columbia market earns a high score in the housing category, surpassing the national average in factors like home and rental affordability and appreciation rates. This robust real estate market not only benefits individual homeowners and renters but also spurs vigorous local economic activity and job growth, solidifying its significance in driving the region's prosperity and financial well-being.

Columbia real estate prices and overall affordability will play a huge role in determining if the area is the right fit for you. Of course there are probably some other items on your “wish list”, but even before they are considered, let’s take a look at the home prices and affordability in Columbia. The median home price for Columbia homes is $385,900, which is 32.9% higher than the Maryland average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Columbia, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 3.5, which is 7.9% lower than the Maryland average.

Best Places to Live in and Around Columbia

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How Do You Rate The Livability In Columbia?

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Compare Columbia, MD Livability

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      Columbia transportation information

      Statistic Columbia Maryland National
      Average one way commute31min32min26min
      Workers who drive to work76.0%73.7%76.4%
      Workers who carpool6.6%9.3%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit4.4%8.9%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle0.2%0.3%0.6%
      Workers who walk1.3%2.4%2.8%
      Working from home10.3%4.4%4.6%
      Source: The Columbia, MD data and statistics displayed above are derived from the United States Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).