Great info, thanks

[removed]

[removed]

Tamar Meadows off Tamar met the criteria 6 years ago and folks I know that live there now have no complaints but it's a large complex so for noise ymmv and you'll have zero control/recourse.

Can someone please explain to this regular person with a job and a life what Lakey Boyd did that was so bad? Nothing I've read presents any tangible allegations. My feeling is that it's just some board members with nothing better to do.

Metropolitan in town center is great, but expensive. High rent means most residents are very nice and friendly.

Just over the hoco line in aac is the Arundel which I have been enjoying for the last year and a half

Thanks, I was trying to find when the '23 elections are and I couldn't, so I guess that explains it!

You should be ok with any stroller and it’s also fine to bring your carrier. The trial class is free! The winter months can be a little tough and sometime goes virtual, or sometimes at the mall, but you might get the best experience after the cold weather.

Thank you for this very detailed information. Definitely some things to consider, but so far no deal breakers from what I know of myself based on what’s been shared.

IIRC it’s a 2 year term and elections were in spring of 22. So probably need to see if they can be recalled.

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.

[deleted]

Thanks for your continued reporting on this. Do you know when the 2023 elections are for the board members? I'd very much like to help vote Klein out.

Cool, appreciate it

I would assume but I’m not really sure. There are some big medical buildings with various suites which I assume would have outpatient surgical centers, just haven’t directly experienced that.

Re: the weather -- I grew up in the Chicago area. The winters here are relatively mild compared to the Chicago area. In other words, we have winter, but not all winters are created equal.

On the flipside I prefer Chicago area summers.

I’ve heard about that class! I only have a Nuna triv, which is a very sidewalk-only stroller. Do you think that’d be ok for a trial class? Also baby doesn’t love the stroller (more of a carrier kid), but I’d be willing to give it a go

I’d avoid Columbia. Extremely overpriced and no culture.

We met a lot of good friends through Howard County Fit4Mom Stroller strides class, it’s a light workout, but they do a play group afterwards on some days

Very balanced, thank you. When you say clinics, does this include ambulatory surgical centers (outpatient)?

As an RN there are tons of potential places you could work in Columbia.. Howard County General, Gilchrist Hospice, many clinics as well. I live in Columbia but have been to CA (especially the LA area) many times, and the traffic is nothing compared to LA. If you’re heading down to the DC area it can be comparable though, so working down that way would be best avoided. Columbia is diverse, liberal, and safe. (I’ve never had an issue). As far as culture, it’s also a bit like LA in that there are lots of suburbs and strip malls, but cool independent things interspersed.

Have done the commute from Columbia area to Annapolis area to get to work at 0700, and the traffic is not bad at that time in the morning. With a nursing schedule I think you should be good.

One of the biggest differences from California will be moisture. This is a wet, humid state. Air conditioning is mandatory. Mold and seasonal allergies can be a real issue. Many days of the summer will feel like you’re walking around inside someone’s mouth. It will be 85 degrees at 2am because wet air doesn’t loose heat. It can feel incredibly clammy in the colder months.

Ellicott city over Columbia, by far. But that's because I've noticed more crime in Columbia than Ellicott City.