It's Easy To Get There From Here.
Columbia is located midway between Baltimore and Washington, D.C. in Howard County. Columbia's proximity to both cities makes it an easy commute to either metropolitan area. Downtown Baltimore is 20-30 minutes away, while Washington is a 30-40 minute drive. Columbia also offers commuters alternatives to the car, such as commuter bus services as well as easy access to the nearby MARC commuter rail system.

Columbia enjoys convenient access to Annapolis, the Chesapeake Bay and popular beach resorts. Three international and regional airports are located within an hour's drive from Columbia, with Baltimore - Washington International Airport only 20 minutes away.

Everything You Could Want In A City.
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." Vibrant. Dynamic. Columbia is a community engaged and engaging.

The Village Concept. A New City is Born.
From its inception, its founders wanted to ensure that Columbia would be a community of diversity, built on a more human scale, with abundant open space available to all.

To achieve these goals, the city's master plan called for a series of self-contained villages, around which day-to-day life would revolve. Today, nine such villages are comprised of several neighborhoods, schools, a shopping center, community and recreational facilities, and homes. Virtually every basic service and amenity is within easy reach, whether you choose to drive, ride a bike or even walk.

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. The city's extensive pathways give ready access to neighborhood centers and connect homes to tot lots and open spaces.

Columbia's Children Have Always Been Important.
Columbia has always placed a great deal of emphasis on its children. That's why you will find 14 elementary, five middle and eight high schools located in the city. And why, for the past seven years, Howard County's school system, of which Columbia is a part, has been rated the best in Maryland. Howard County students consistently perform above the Maryland and national averages on the SAT. To find out more, visit the Howard County Public School system's website at http://www.howard.k12.md.us

For young children, there are 30 child care centers, and 148 tot lots and play areas. Plus, there are plenty of adult education opportunities as well. Graduate, undergraduate and continuing studies can be pursued through Loyola College, Johns Hopkins University and Howard Community College.

Exactly How Do People Live In Columbia?
Any way they want. You can shop The Mall in Columbia's 230+ stores. Or take advantage of the nine village shopping centers, as well as other convenient retail centers. With more than 120 restaurants and eateries, you'll find everything from formal dining to casual family fare. Of course, when you have to cook, there are eight major supermarkets from which to choose. You'll find cinemas, concerts and theatre in Columbia.

The Columbia Association. A Community Resource.
The Columbia Association (or CA as it is commonly called) is a non-profit, community run corporation existing solely for the benefit of Columbia residents. It's responsible for a variety of cultural and recreational programs and facilities that contribute to Columbia's unique community-focused character. The association builds and operates recreation facilities and manages 24 neighborhood centers. Also offered are before and-after-school care programs for kids and teens, summer camps, and community-building activities such as the Columbia Art Center and the Columbia Volunteer Corps. To find out more, visit the Columbia Association website at http://www.columbiaassociation.com.

People like to play in Columbia.
And with so many facilities dedicated to healthy living, it's easy to see why. There are more than 5,300 acres of open space in Columbia (currently 3,100 acres are maintained by Columbia Association), including parks, playgrounds and natural areas. 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. Howard County also supports child and adult soccer, softball and lacrosse leagues.

Something For Everyone.
Because Columbia is so community focused, it's host to a multitude of festivals, performances and events year-round. Venues like Town Center Lakefront, Symphony Woods, and other locations throughout the city are home to a wine festival, antique shows, the Columbia Festival of the Arts, an international equestrian event, the Columbia birthday celebration, the Lakefront Summer Concert Series, and a multitude of other events.

From cinema to dinner theatre, internationally known performers to local favorites, you'll find Columbia constantly entertaining. Enjoy world-class performers each season at Merriweather Post Pavilion of Music. Or take in a production at Toby's Dinner Theatre, the Jim Rouse Theatre for the Performing Arts, or the Smith Theatre at Howard Community College.

The city is also home to two Howard County Public Library branches. And Columbia's interfaith centers are always busy with community and family activities.

Now Let's Get Down To Business in Columbia.
Columbia's business mix is as diverse as its population. The city's central Washington/Baltimore location, its transportation systems, its established financial and high technology professional communities -- for every reason, having a business in Columbia just makes sense.

In Columbia, companies can draw on one of the most highly educated labor pools in the country. In addition, corporate, political and financial centers from Washington, D.C. to New York and Boston are easy to reach. It's also one of the few cities where a person can both live and work comfortably.

Now You Know Why It's All Here Now.
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.