They are very shallow in a bunch of spots, so you’ll have to get out and carry the kayak a lot. The Patapsco is more suitable.

Love how you call what’s in the Columbia ice rink a pro shop.

The Columbia ice rink sometimes has somebody there to sharpen it. Mostly on the weekends around public skate times. But it’s spotty, so if you want to be sure, then take them to the Shop within the Gardens Ice House in Laurel.

You could buy outside of Columbia Association. If it’s a county parcel, 6ft fences are allowed. At least that’s what everybody has in my neighborhood.

I would like to add that the schools in Columbia are not worse, they just have lower ratings because there are more students with lower scores which unfortunately correlates with families from disadvantaged socioeconomic backgrounds. But that says nothing about the quality of the schools. All HoCo schools have the same policies, same curriculum, the same engaged staff, and plenty of opportunities to learn. We’ve had nothing but great learning experiences in the Columbia schools so far.

I would add that there is a slight difference between Columbia and EC, whereas Columbia is a little bit more walkable and bikeable within neighborhoods. In Ellicott City a lot of areas don’t even have sidewalks, whereas the majority of Columbia does. In EC, you’ll be lucky if you can walk to an elementary school or playground. In Columbia, you can usually walk or bike to a village center with some stores and amenities, a pool, a playground, an elementary school.

I like that we don’t have to do everything by car. After a certain age the kids can walk to their friends in the neighborhood, can ride the bike to the pool themselves, and can ride to the grocery store to get themselves some snacks and ice cream. If that’s something you like, then Columbia would be the better choice.

If your bill isn’t from Howard County Water and Sewer department, then it’s submetered at the property. The property may have a leak somewhere or your neighbors are extremely wasteful, because that is way high. For reference, I pay $100 quarterly for a household of 4 and that includes watering my garden.