Apartments for Rent in Columbia, MD (200 Rentals)

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The Art of the Rental Viewing: What to look for during a property tour

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Smart Renter's Guide: Calculating Affordable Rent & Housing Costs

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property at 7250 Dockside Ln

7250 Dockside Ln

ColumbiaMD21045
property at 5394 Eliots Oak Rd

5394 Eliots Oak Rd

ColumbiaMD21044

How a Move-In Inspection Can Protect Your Security Deposit

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Columbia, MD Local Guide

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Columbia Overview

Apartments in Columbia are situated close to shopping, recreation, restaurants, and more. The designers of Columbia wanted to create pleasant place to live, and they certainly succeeded! The community is less hectic than Baltimore, but it is within easy driving distance to the hustle and bustle of Baltimore.

What is the history of Columbia?

Set outside Baltimore City, the land on which Columbia is situated was once farm land. The area sat undeveloped for a number of years when, in 1967, the planned city of Columbia came into being. A collection of ten villages, the city is the second most populated region in the state of Maryland.

How is the weather in Columbia?

The temperature in Maryland can become hot and humid in the summer, reaching highs in the low 100s. The falls are cooler, with temperatures dropping to the 70s, and the winter is typically between 20-40�F with intermittent periods of snow. The spring is warmer, typically between 45-65�F, and it sees a great deal of rain.

How do I get around town?

There are a variety of options available for getting around in Columbia. While most residents typically drive privately owned cars, there are also buses available. The sidewalks are ample, allowing citizens to bike to where they are going, and if your destination is not too far from your Columbia apartment, you can even walk.

What is the Columbia commute like?

There doesn't tend to be a lot of congestion on the local roadways. You have easy access to major highways that are within minutes of apartments in Columbia. Route 29 South takes you toward D.C. and 29 North takes you to Route 70, from which you can hit the Baltimore Beltway or head toward Frederick and Hagerstown, MD. Close by are Routes 10, 100, and 97 that can take you to Annapolis, Glen Burnie, or Pasadena.

What are the local media outlets?

The Columbia Flier has been delivering news to the area for the past four decades. While the area does not have its own television and radio stations, it is less than twenty miles from Baltimore and has access to all the stations that are just a short distance away. These include 97.9 FM, Baltimore's rock station, 98 Rock and television station, WBAL.

Why live in Columbia, MD?

The city was specifically planned with a noble idea in mind: to enhance the quality of life of its inhabitants, and it does just that. Apartments in Columbia are close to a wide array of working opportunities in a variety of fields. The area is host to a diverse community, and has some of the best schools in the state of Maryland. Columbia was rated #1 on Time.com's list of best places to live in the United States, and dwellers in Columbia apartments can enjoy the closeness of a small neighborhood atmosphere and a low crime rate.

What Columbia landmarks should I see?

Universities in Columbia include a Loyola Campus and Howard Community College. A popular landmark along the side of MD 108 near a plaza and Snowden River Parkway marks the first land grant in 1687.

What is there to do around Columbia?

One of the best known recreation spots in Columbia is Merriweather Post Pavilion, a concert hall that hosts the greatest names in popular music and entertainment. Set low in a natural hollow amid the forest, the natural acoustics lend themselves to a tremendous sound that is without rival. Tickets can almost always be purchased the same day of the show.

Any annual festivals or Columbia events to know?

Cherrybration Days are a celebration that lasts an entire month to mark the blossoming of the 1,700 Kwanzan cherry trees. Activities are planned every year, and it is also entwined with efforts to raise breast cancer awareness. The first weekend in May boasts all things sheep for the Maryland Sheep & Wool Festival.

Where are the nearby vacation spots?

The Chesapeake Bay Bridge is a 45 minute drive from Columbia, and it gives access to all the things on Maryland's Eastern Shore. Within another hundred miles is Ocean City with its boardwalk, fresh cooked fries, entertainment, and beautiful beaches. You can also visit Chincoteague and see the wild horses walking along the roadside in their natural habitat.

Where is the best place to move in Columbia?

The choice will really depend on what you favor. If you enjoy the peace and quiet of life in the suburbs, you can choose the western side of town, near Clarksville. If you're wanting a faster pace of live and ease of access to the major highways, the southeastern quadrant is for you. If you like being close to Ellicott City, the northeast is the place to be.

Pet Friendly Lifestyle
Columbia, MD

Ranked #22

Among cities in Maryland for Apartment listings with Pet Friendly Amenities

Pet Friendliness Lifestyle Score

2.5
Pet Friendly

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Best Local Schools in
Columbia, MD

School data provided by Great Schools

Remember the 3 Rules of Real Estate:
Location, Location, Location!

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Getting Around Columbia, MD

Walk Score®

47 / 100

Car-Dependent

Most errands require a car

Bike Score®

40 / 100

Somewhat Bikeable

Minimal bike infrastructure

Transit Score®

35 / 100

Some Transit

A few nearby public transportation options

What Are Walk Score®, Transit Score®, and Bike Score® Ratings?

  • Walk Score® measures the walkability of any address.
  • Transit Score® measures access to public transit.
  • Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.

Frequently Asked Questions about Columbia

What is the current price range for One Bedroom Columbia Apartments for rent?

Today's rental pricing for One Bedroom Apartments in Columbia ranges from $360 to $9,958 with an average monthly rent of $2,410.

What does renting a Two Bedroom Apartment in Columbia cost?

The monthly rent prices of Two Bedroom Apartments currently available in Columbia range from $429 to $10,153. Today's average rental price for Two Bedrooms here is $2,373.

How expensive are Columbia Three Bedroom Apartments?

There are currently 59 Three Bedroom Apartments listings available in Columbia on ApartmentHomeLiving.com. The pricing ranges from $492 to $14,926 - averaging $3,440 for the location.

Expert Rental Resources

Helpful Apartment Articles, How-To's and Tips

The rental experts at ApartmentHomeLiving.com provide you with top advice, tools, and tips for understanding the leasing process and finding the perfect rental. Here are a few helpful rental and leasing articles from our experts to guide you on your search.

decorative image for A Baltimore Local Expert’s Guide To 10 Budget-Friendly Neighborhoods to Rent article

A Baltimore Local Expert’s Guide To 10 Budget-Friendly Neighborhoods to Rent

Written by: Sarah Bregel

There are few cities more eclectic and diverse than Baltimore, Maryland. I should know. I've lived in various parts of Baltimore for most of my life.

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Roommate Matching: Finding the Right Fit and Avoiding Pitfalls

Written by: Cheryl Bowman

A fantastic way to save money and enjoy a built-in community is to share an apartment. However, a bad roommate situation can turn your dream rental into a nightmare.

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The Art of the Rental Viewing: What to look for during a property tour

Written by: Marie Brown

You’ve scrolled through countless listings, walked through a blur of rentals, and finally found what feels like the one. The pictures? Fantastic. The neighborhood seems just right.

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Know Your Budget: Calculating What You Can Realistically Afford When Renting

Written by: Lauren Harrington

Renting an apartment or house isn’t just about looking through online ads, choosing a few apartments or homes you want to tour, filling out an application, and putting down a deposit. Those things are all necessary and important.