Columbia is a community in Howard County, Maryland.

Columbia is a planned community with 10 villagesand a People Tree. The PeopleTree is a symbol of the community spirit of Columbia, which was 37 years old in June 2004. Columbia has 5300 acres of permanent open space, including 144 tot lots, 225 pedestrian bridges, the 40-acre Symphony Woods, 3 lakes, 19 ponds and natural open space areas, interlaced with more than 83 miles of pathways for walking, biking, and jogging.

There is also a vast network or plazas, picnic areas, public areas, tennis courts (one is a Tennis Bubble), and two parcourse fitness trails.

Columbia, Maryland may come as close to the ideal medium sized city as possible. It is no surprise because the city was created in 1967 with perfection in mind.

Columbia has a small community college located within the city with major universities, such as University of Maryland and Bowie State University within commuting distance.

Those who want to have fun in Columbia definitely have enough space to do it. The city's many hiking/biking trails are great for the outdoors enthusiast. The city also hosts a number of fun festivals throughout the year, and with many indoor and outdoor theatres in the city, there is usually an entertaining show or movie to catch. In June, there is a Festival of the Arts lasting 10 days and other attractions of interest including the African Art Museum, Historic Oakland and the Center of African Culture.

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.

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, 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.

Housing Cost

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.

Estimated median house/condo value in 2005: $371,700

Demographics

Population (year 2000): 88,254. Columbia covers 27.6 square miles. It sits at an elevation of 400 feet above sea level.

Zip codes: 21044, 21045, 21046 - Area codes: 443, 410

Weather

Columbia, MD climate is warm during summer when temperatures tend to be in the 70's and very cold during winter when temperatures tend to be in the 30's.

The warmest month of the year is July with an average maximum temperature of 87.10 degrees Fahrenheit, while the coldest month of the year is January with an average minimum temperature of 22.00 degrees Fahrenheit.

Temperature variations between night and day tend to be moderate during summer with a difference that can reach 24 degrees Fahrenheit, and moderate during winter with an average difference of 20 degrees Fahrenheit.

The annual average precipitation at Columbia is 45.27 Inches. Rainfall in is fairly evenly distributed throughout the year. The wettest month of the year is May with an average rainfall of 4.71 Inches.

Information provided by idcide.com and city data.com