ELLICOTT CITY, MD – Howard County Executive Calvin Ball has announced that Columbia has been named Maryland’s “Best Places to Live in the U.S.” for 2024 by Livability. Columbia ranked highest for education, health and economy.
Having raised my family in Columbia, I have always known what a special place Columbia is to all its residents and visitors. Located in the heart of Howard County and home to great schools, a thriving arts and cultural scene, a plethora of pristine parks, trails and lakes, and a focus on sustainability, Columbia is a community that blends nature, culture and innovation. As we continue to build a diverse and inclusive community that offers the best life to our residents and all who visit us, it is humbling to see Columbia and Howard County once again recognized for its greatness.
Livability curates its Top 100 Best Places to Live in the U.S. based on approximately 100 data points and an algorithm that considers measures of a city’s economy, housing and cost of living, amenities, transportation, environment, safety, education and health. With a population of more than 106,000, Columbia scored an overall quality of life LivScore of 874, tying for second with Cary, North Carolina.
This latest recognition joins Columbia’s long list of accolades, which, within the last year has included Columbia being named one of the Best Cities to Raise a Family in America, Best Cities to Live in America, Happiest Cities in America, Safest Cities in America, Best Places to Raise a Family, Best Places to Live in the U.S. and Best City for Summer Jobs.