Columbia, MD was developed in 1962 by the renowned real estate developer, Jim Rouse. It began with the idea that a city could enhance its resident's lives and eliminate then-present sub-division designs. As a planned unit development, there are many choices of communities to reside in Columbia, including Town Center, River Hill, Hiickory Ridge, Wilde Lake, Long Reach, Owen Brown, and Dorsey's Search.
By 2000, Columbia's proximity to both Baltimore and Washington, DC has allowed the area to become the most populated area in Maryland next to Baltimore City. It's suburban-like amenities such as "box stores", chain restaurants, mall, and different types of housing, as well as its easy access to two major metropolitan areas (Baltimore and Washington, DC) has helped Columbia/Ellicott City land on the list of Money Magazine's top 100 places to live in the U.S. as #8 in 2008. There are more than 97,000 residents, organized into 10 separate villages, with over 2,500 businesses and more than 60,000 jobs. The neighborhoods and villages combine to create a close, small-town feel. Columbia's schools, community centers and village centers are convenient and friendly gathering places, and help define the unique character of each village. There's a wide variety of social, cultural, educational, entertainment and recreational programs and facilities. Recreation is a major part of life in Columbia. The Columbia Association (CA) builds, operates, and maintains the various facilities, including 23 outdoor swimming pools, six indoor pools, water slides, ice and roller skating rinks, an equestrian center, park pavilions, and much more.
Columbia is the perfect location for a homeowner looking for all of the conveniences of a modern suburban community with quick and easy access to Baltimore or Washington, DC.