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Columbia Named Best Place to Live
Columbia, Maryland continues to be a magnet for individuals and families seeking a better quality of life. Ranked #1 Best Place to Live in the Southeast in Livability’s 2024 ‘Top 100 Best Places to Live in the U.S.’ Report, Columbia’s location in the heart of Howard Country is highlighted as a distinguishing factor. Its proximity to Washington, D.C., and communities filled with nature, culture, and innovation help the city stand out in a sea of over 2,000 studied. Acknowledged for its great schools, focus on sustainability, and pristine parks (including our own Color Burst Park,) we love seeing Columbia rise to the top and are happy to be a part of it.
Livability graded cities across the country factoring in eight different categories: Amenities, Economy, Education, Environment, Health, Housing & Cost of Living, Safety, Transportation, and LivScore (a proprietary algorithm that weights all the categories.) Columbia ranked second in 2023 with a LivScore of 828. Shifts in leading indicators used for the study boosted Columbia’s ranking to 874 this year, a metric that ties it for second-best city overall and secures its #1 ranking among ranked cities.
Columbia also ranked highest in categories for Education, Health, and Economy. It tied for first place in the Transportation category and ranked second for Housing & Cost of Living.
Recognition on livability extended to Niche.com, who also gives Columbia, Maryland an A+ on its report card, and awards it the #7 Best City to Live in America. Data pulled from the US Census Bureau, Corporation for National & Community Service, and US Department of Agriculture help Niche.com determine how communities are ranked.
Columbia also received an A+ for being a good city for families and secured top rankings in public schools, diversity, nightlife, and housing categories. The 5-star reviews couldn’t paint a better picture of our community. Whether you’re looking to explore the bike loop around Lake Kittamaqundi, dine at Peter Chang at Merriweather District, or relocate your business, rest assured that living in the third city will immediately feel like home.