Socio-Political Vibe: Socially Progressive and Centrist Liberal, although classist with numerous NIMBYs, "liberal elite," and "champagne socialists" in charge. Speak a good game on supporting the disenfranchised but often show their true feelings through local legislation (not to mention bigoted dog whistles). Still a very nice place to live (even for more economically left ideologies) - lots of ethnic and racial diversity, county laws supporting (and protecting) LGBTQIA+, religious diversity (Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Hindu, etc.), and a notable Deaf population (because of the Maryland School for the Deaf). Just don't expect as much support for the (predominantly Black or Latino) working- or lower-middle class communities, neighborhoods, or schools as wealthier areas... at least, beyond lip-service and events celebrating 'diversity.'

Crime and Safety: Due to the size of Columbia (second largest 'city' in Maryland) crime exists, but even the "worst" zip code is 44% below the national average for crime (per capita), and 59% below for violent crimes. Most crime is property-related (burglary, automobile theft, etc.) and the majority of residents feel safe in their neighborhoods and on the numerous bike and walking paths. Howard County Police Department is generally decent, from both a community and investigative perspective. They're far from perfect, and there will always be detractors, but in general HCPD uses less force, makes fewer arrests for low level offenses, solves murder cases more often, and holds officers more accountable than most other regional PDs.

Cost and Economy: Columbia is expensive to live in, with a CoL 18.3% above the national average. Most of this comes in the cost of housing, where renting an apartment is almost the cost of a mortgage on a townhouse. You'll find everything here, from groceries to gas, a little more costly, except one thing: healthcare. Due to the extensive health network and facilities in the area, with the right insurance and doctors, you'll pay $20-$30 for co-pays and dollars (or cents) for prescriptions. As for work, there are plenty of commercial and industrial opportunities (particularly in retail and services), medical positions at the numerous offices, and public sector jobs... and that's in Howard County alone. If you're willing to commute 30-60 minutes in any direction, then you have seemingly endless opportunities; the unemployment rate in Maryland is around 4%, even with inflation and a recession.

Activities and Events: Columbia has minimal nightlife, limited to various sports bars and restaurants, as it was designed as (and to an extent remains) a family-focused planned city. There is still plenty to do here, though, starting with over 114 miles of pathways and sidewalks that lead to numerous parks and natural sites. We have tons of shopping areas, from commercial sites to Columbia Mall (one of the few indoor malls still going strong in the metro area). For entertainment we have two movie theaters, a dinner theater (and other smaller stages), and Merriweather Post Pavilion for large concerts. You'll also find events held at Symphony Woods and on the lakefront in downtown. Check your local news and there's probably something going on somewhere every week.

Weather and Climate: We are in a temperate zone, so expect all four seasons. Summers are hot and humid (mid-80s but feel like the 90s), although being further in-land we're not as bad as the counties east of us. Winters are cold and bitter (low-40s); in the past decade, we don't get snow as often but instead freezing rain and sleet that leave everything coated with a half-inch of ice (which will close schools, government, and make roads and sidewalks treacherous). Spring and Fall tend to be pleasant but unpredictable, especially as climate has changed; it's not unknown to have snow flakes in April, barbecue weather in October, or all four "seasons" in a week.