Median home cost: $493,000
Population: 107,315
Families (0-17): 23%
12 City parks
12 Playgrounds
Top Schools: Atholton High School, Howard High School, Waterloo Elementary School, Atholton Elementary School, Wilde Lake High School, Oakland Mills High School, Stevens Forest Elementary School
With a blend of residential homes, schools, scenic parks, trails and lakes, as well as an arts and cultural district, this modern community in Howard County founded as recently as 1967 has long been regarded as a fitting place to raise a family. In 2026, it made the top 10 for Niche’s “Best Cities to Raise a Family in America” and has received a number of other accolades — Money Magazine called Columbia “Howard County’s piece de resistance,” and it was named best place in Maryland to live and among the happiest cities in the U.S.
Musically inclined
The Merriweather District is home to the Merriweather Post Pavillion, an outdoor family- friendly concert venue. Nearby is Merriweather Park at Symphony Woods, which offers a variety of community and family-friendly events in the Chrysalis Amphitheater. All summer, enjoy free concerts outside at Color Burst Park with splash pads, ice cream and green space. This month, Lakefest will be at the Columbia lakefront (June 12-14). Stroll though the colorful displays of art and watch pop-up shows made for all ages.
A Hub of Community Resources
The Columbia Association goes back to Columbia’s founding as the primary community organization serving Columbia, hosting artisan markets, developing and maintaining recreational facilities and offering a wide variety fitness classes, workshops, art, camps and more. The nonprofit regularly hosts fun events for families like midnight mini golf and kids’ movie nights.
More for Families
- Columbia Ice Rink
- Howard County Library System – Easy Columbia Branch
- Toby’s Diner Theater
- The Mall in Columbia
- Columbia Swim Center
Family-Friendly Eats
- The Ale House Columbia
- Cazbar
- Maggiano’s Little Italy
- Sushi King
- The Cheesecake Factory
Pediatricians
- Kenneth M. Klebanow, M.D. (Kenneth M. Klebanow, MD & Associates PA)
- Nadeem A Hashmi, M.D.
- Meadowridge Pediatrics (Ilchester)
More To Explore: Have fun with art and play at Play Street Museum, DoodleHATCH Interactive Art Museum, Building Kidz of Columbia and more.
