Columbia, Maryland is a well-off and thriving city which has had international recognition bestowed on it for the planning and development of the 10 villages that comprise this planned community. Those moving to Columbia, Maryland will discover that the residential architecture is comprised of private homes on large plots, as well as condominiums, town houses and apartment buildings, all set around a village-type setting with its schools, shops, recreations areas bars and restaurants located in the center.
Economy:
The Cost of Living Index for Columbia in January 2011 was 107.4 points, slightly above the national average of 100 points.
Columbia is one of the fastest developing areas in Maryland and, indeed, in all of the United States. Forecasts predict that by 2035 there will be close to 328,000 citizens in Howard County. Recent statistics show that the residents of Howard County are some of the wealthiest in America. Columbia was ranked as the second Best Place to Live in Money Magazine's list released for 2010.
The main source of jobs and income for the city is the Federal Government, as there are several Defense Department R&D facilities and installations close to Columbia; chief among them are the Applied Physics Laboratory and Fort Meade. Industry, retail (in the form of shopping malls) and real estate also contribute to the city's coffers.
History:
A rural land area of 14,000 acres was planned by The Rouse Company and, in 1962, was developed to become what is now Columbia, 'America's best Planned Community.'
Tourism:
Columbia is the place to shop until you drop. The Mall in Columbia has Macy's, JC Penny, Sears, Lord & Taylor and Nordstrom among its 200 stores, a movie theatre and restaurants. This facility is the social gathering point for the city.