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Moving. Simplified.
If you are keen to live in a close-knit community, amidst the charm of a vibrant cultural scene and splendid natural beauty, you can confidently pick Columbia, Maryland. The city is not just a natural escape from the hustles of routine life but it is also a major center of business where you will love amazing food, unlimited fun, and a splendid climate.
And if you are serious about packing the bags to Columbia, wouldn’t you be keen to know the city in detail? This may help you know if you are taking the right call.
But how would you know the city in and out?
Worry not as we’ve got the ultimate Columbia, Maryland moving directory. Our experts have researched to remove the queries related to cost of living, safety, economy, education, lifestyle, entertainment options, transport, and much more about the city.
So without wasting much time, let’s delve into more details of Columbia.
Columbia was established in 1967 by incorporating 10 villages with the intention of enhancing residents’ quality of life by increasing convenience and removing segregation. The city ranks high in lifestyle and is also home to some of the best entertainment options in Maryland. It is a major economic hub that also promises plenty of jobs. These factors contribute to making the city a major moving destination.
Columbia is one of the most expensive places in Maryland and a typical home here is 30.7% more expensive than the national average and 13.8% more expensive than the average Maryland home. Apart from accommodation, the city is expensive when it comes to transport, groceries, education, and healthcare.
People prefer Columbia for its economy, availability of jobs, and high standard of living. Though the city is a major economic center of the state, it also promises a suburban dense feeling with high standard infrastructure and racial diversity. In addition, Columbia ranks high in health, public transport, and education.
As per the latest statistics, the city has 105,086 residents, and this means 3,405 persons per square mile. Columbia is the second most populous in Maryland after Baltimore. The median age in Columbia is 38.4 and people per household are 2.5. The population is highly diverse here and for every 100 females, there are 93.1 males.
Columbia is one of the major economic centers of Maryland and it is natural for the roads to be busy. As a result, the average one-way commute time in Columbia is 30.6 minutes, much longer than the US average of 26.4 minutes. Once you are prepared to relocate to the city, be also ready to spend more time behind the wheel.
If you are serious about relocating to Columbia, you need to know the climate. The city has a humid subtropical climate with cool winters and hot, muggy summers. Average temperatures range from around 60°F (15°C) in the winter months to around 80°F (27°C) in the summer. Snowfall is usually light, and snow accumulations are rarely more than a few inches. On average, Columbia experiences about 162 sunny days per year, but thunderstorms are relatively common during spring and summer. July is the hottest month while January is the coldest.
In recent years, you would have seen many people relocating to Columbia. If you have ever wondered why they move, here are the reasons.
Tip: While moving the home, safety of your belongings is the priority and you need a trustworthy mover at your side. Know the top-rated moving companies in Columbia, MD.
You may have decided to relocate to Columbia but may still be curious to know the pros and cons of moving to Columbia. This is crucial to know as you will have an idea whether you are taking the right call. Our experts have a list of pluses or minuses of the city which you can gauge before making the final call.
Once you are in Columbia, you will prefer staying in decent neighborhoods, especially when you have a family. Fortunately, the city has no shortage of such neighborhoods. To help you, we’ve collated a list of the 10 best neighborhoods where you can rent or buy a home.
| Neighborhood | Average Home Rental | Home Value |
|---|---|---|
| Clarksville | $6,272 | $1,136,422 |
| Riverhill | $5,407 | $1,028,294 |
| Woodleigh / Hickory Ridge | $3,128 | $751,429 |
| Kendall Ridge | $3,589 | $746,747 |
| Kings Contrivance East | $3,463 | $719,852 |
| Kings Contrivance North | $3,560 | $709,437 |
| Harpers Choice West | $3,223 | $706,891 |
| Long Reach | $2,687 | $641,015 |
| Thunder Hill | $4,201 | $602,953 |
| Fairway Hills | $3,263 | $594,257 |
While you are thinking of moving to Columbia, you may also be curious to know about the cost of living here. The city is highly expensive when compared with other cities in Maryland. The cost of living in Columbia is 27.9% higher than the US average and 14.4% higher than the Maryland average. If you are moving to Columbia with the family, you may be required to spend $7,050 a month.
We provide the latest details of the costs here which will also help you realize the amount you would need to shell out here to have a happy life.
| Living Expense | Columbia | Maryland | National Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 127.9 | 111.8 | 100 |
| Grocery | 104.5 | 105.2 | 100 |
| Health | 86.5 | 84.2 | 100 |
| Housing | 142.9 | 124.1 | 100 |
| Median Home Cost | $441,800 | $388,100 | $338,100 |
| Utilities | 109.7 | 105.6 | 100 |
| Transportation | 107.9 | 119.3 | 100 |
| Miscellaneous | 151.6 | 112.5 | 100 |
As you are now serious about relocating to Columbia, you may also be interested in knowing what the job market in the city is like. Columbia is a thriving job center and if you are relocating here for a job, you won’t be disappointed. The city’s economy has grown strongly in recent years and is expected to continue this in the next few years. However, job growth has currently been in a slump in recent years. But that doesn’t mean that you will struggle for a job. Instead, finding a decent one is much easier here than in most neighboring cities.
To help you know more about the jobs in Columbian, here are a few job stats.
| Indicator | Columbia | United States |
|---|---|---|
| The income per Cap | $54,634 | $37,638 |
| Household Income | $113,592 | $69,021 |
| Unemployment Rate | 4.5% | 6% |
| Recent Job Growth | -6.2% | -6.2% |
| Future Job Growth | 34.2% | 33.5% |
Columbia is a major economic center of the state and also has a strong job market. Relocating to this city, you have higher chances of grabbing a job. But what are the fastest-growing jobs here? Having an idea about the fastest-growing jobs will help you have an idea about your possibilities in this city. Knowing this, our team has got a list of 10 fast-growing jobs.
Here are the top 10 fastest-growing jobs in Columbia and nearby areas:
| Rank | Job Title | % Growth | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Information Security Analyst | 114.1% | $114,830 |
| 2 | Physical Therapy Aid | 113.9% | $31,860 |
| 3 | Meeting Planner | 111.9% | $69,720 |
| 4 | Marketing Internship | 108.2% | $110,120 |
As you’ve decided to pack the bags to Columbia, we thought it would be good to give you an idea about the highest-paid jobs here as this will also benefit in planning the budget. In addition, this will work in your favor when you are in search of a job in the city.
Here are the top 10 highest-paying jobs in Columbia:
| Rank | Job Title | Average Salary | Entry Level Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | General Surgeon | $320,428 | $172,000 |
| 2 | Chief Information Officer | $195,343 | $98,000 |
| 3 | Physician | $190,686 | $106,000 |
| 4 | Hospitalist | $187,939 | $118,000 |
| 5 | Operations vice president | $179,888 | $98,000 |
| 6 | Chief technology officer | $163,483 | $92,000 |
| 7 | Internal medicine physician | $156,942 | $89,000 |
| 8 | General internist | $152,236 | $87,000 |
| 9 | Product management director | $143,016 | $90,000 |
| 9 | Senior security architect | $140,709 | $96,000 |
Columbia is one of the growing economic centers in Maryland State and is home to many businesses. Maybe your goal of relocating here is a job and you will also be keen to know the major businesses here which will help you if moving here is a worthy decision. And knowing this, we’ve got a list of major industries in Columbia.
While you are looking for a job, your priority will be an employee-friendly company and it is good to know the best companies in Columbia as this will help you apply for the job right away.
To help you, we’ve filtered out the 10 best companies to work in Columbia.
We already know that you are curious to know the average salary in Columbia as this will help you analyze your income and plan your future life. Though the average salary in Columbia may vary based on the company, job type, and proficiency, certain basic factors can help you assume your future earnings.
Realizing how curious you are to know them, we’ve got the updated salary stats.
After reaching the city, you would need a house either to rent or to buy. And if you are serious about buying a home, it will be good to know the home costs here. The property prices in Columbia are one of the highest in Maryland. A house in Columbia costs approximately $441,800, and the home appreciation here is up by 10.6%. About 32.3% of the residents stay in rented homes in Columbia as the homeownership rate is low here.
Here are a few more points about the housing market in Columbia:
Once you’re in Columbia, your initial days will be in rented homes. And that means home rentals play a major role in your life. While it is not easy to give an exact amount as the home rental is based on many factors including the home size, locality, and facilities, we’ve got a few points that may give you an approximate idea about the home rental.
Your take-home salary will be different from what appears on the salary slip, and though in the initial appearance it may seem fatter, the reality will be different. The amount that you will receive will be after deducting the common taxes levied by the authorities and we thought of giving an idea about the basic taxes here. This will help you determine whether relocating to Columbia is a worthy decision.
There is no shortage of fun and entertainment in Columbia, and by relocating here, your weekends will be packed with fun and adventure. There are tons of options to keep your family engaged. We’ve got a list of some of the best things you could do in Columbia.
Experience one of the most renowned aquariums in the U.S. located in nearby Baltimore, with its diverse marine life exhibits and breathtaking aquatic displays.
Visit iconic monuments and memorials in Washington, D.C., such as the Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument, and the U.S. Capitol, all just a short drive away.
Take a peaceful stroll around the picturesque Lake Elkhorn Park, which offers scenic trails, picnicking areas, and tranquil views.
Explore the Robinson Nature Center with its educational exhibits, interactive nature trails, and stunning views of the surrounding forest and wildlife.
Tour Lost Ark Distilling Company, a local distillery offering crafted spirits, educational tours, and tastings of their unique beverages.
Hike or bike the Patuxent Branch Trail, a scenic route that takes you through the woods, creeks, and wildlife of Columbia.
Relax in the serene surroundings of Rutgers Gardens, a beautiful space for walking, gardening, and taking in nature's beauty.
Enjoy a live music performance or concert at Merriweather Post Pavilion, an outdoor venue known for its top-tier performances.
Unwind by the scenic Lake Kittamaqundi, a popular spot for relaxing, paddleboarding, or enjoying a leisurely walk around the lake.
Stay active and have fun at Supreme Sports Club, which offers a variety of sports, fitness classes, and recreational activities for all ages.
A major factor that determines your moving destination is safety, and Columbia’s high crime rate may pull you back, but you need to know that all is not bad about the city. The crime rate in this city is 29.1, which is significantly higher than the US average of 22.7. The property crime rate is 49.2, which is also higher than the US average. The city is safer than 11% of the US cities, and about 47% of the residents feel completely safe here.
If you’re moving to Columbia with your family, you need not worry about education as the city has many good schools and colleges in the nearby areas. And we’ve listed the best ones for you.
Clemens Crossing Elementary School
Public, K-5 | 543 students | Rating: 7/10
Atholton Elementary School
Public, K-5 | 489 students | Rating: 7/10
Stevens Forest Elementary School
Public, K-5 | 308 students | Rating: 7/10
Talbott Springs Elementary School
Public, K-5 | 483 students | Rating: 6/10
Waterloo Elementary School
Public, K-5 | 612 students | Rating: 5/10
Wild Lake Middle School
Public, K-12 | 611 students | Rating: 7/10
Oakland Mills Middle School
Public, 6-8 | 475 students | Rating: 6/10
Lake Elkhorn Middle School
Public, 6-8 | 598 students | Rating: 5/10
Harpers Choice Middle School
Public, 6-8 | 497 students | Rating: 4/10
Atholton High School
Public, 9-12 | 1,467 students | Rating: 9/10
Wild Lake High School
Public, 9-12 | 1,341 students | Rating: 7/10
Hammond High School
Public, 9-12 | 1,287 students | Rating: 7/10
Oakland Mills High School
Public, 9-12 | 1,401 students | Rating: 6/10
Long Reach High School
Public, 9-12 | 1,714 students | Rating: 5/10
Capitol Technology University
Loyola University Maryland
Lincoln College of Technology
Howard Community College
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