Columbia

Columbia is a planned community in Howard County, Maryland, spreading across ten separate residential villages. Each village contains schools, shopping options, and recreational facilities distributed over roughly 5,700 hectares (14,000 acres).

Developer James Rouse founded the community in 1967 after purchasing land parcels from 140 different owners. His goal was to create an integrated residential area with mixed incomes and ethnic diversity.

The Merriweather Post Pavilion draws concertgoers during summer months and serves as a gathering spot for music and shared experiences. Each June, the arts festival brings international performers to the area and presents shows from different traditions.

The Mall in Columbia sits centrally between the residential villages and offers five large department stores plus roughly 200 additional shops. Paths around the three lakes connect the different villages and allow for walks or bike rides through the area.

Three lakes named Kittamaqundi, Wilde, and Elkhorn sit within the residential villages and offer boating plus fishing spots. The shores are linked by a network of paths that let people walk between village centers without crossing major roads.

Location: Howard County

Inception: June 21, 1967

Founders: James Rouse

Elevation above the sea: 124 m

Shares border with: Ellicott City

Website: https://howardcountymd.gov

GPS coordinates: 39.21562,-76.85820

Latest update: December 12, 2025 21:30