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Harper's Choice

Harper's Choice

Suburban Neighborhood in Columbia, Maryland

Howard County 21029, 21044

$555,491 Average Value
$228 Average Price per Sq Ft
5 Homes For Sale

Outdoorsy suburban Columbia village

Harper’s Choice is one of 10 villages that make up Columbia, Maryland’s first planned community designed and founded by James Rouse. His intent was to create a city that would both respect the land and provide growth of the people, which can be seen through the miles of green space throughout Columbia and the all-inclusive supermarket and shopping centers of each individual village. Within Harper’s Choice are three subdivisions: Longfellow, Swansfield and Hobbit’s Glen. “Each community in Harper’s Choice has its own personality,” says Jill Lapides, a 35-year local of the neighboring village and Realtor at Cummings & Co. with more than 2 decades of experience selling in the Columbia area. In Longfellow is the elementary school, where the community gathers for seasonal events like the Fourth of July Festival. And in Hobbit’s Glen, avid golfers and racquetball players can practice their swings. “Located between Washington and Baltimore, Harper’s Choice is a bedroom community with great amenities,” says Lapides.

Harper's Choice is in the northwest part of Columbia.
Harper's Choice is in the northwest part of Columbia.
Harper's Choice is one of 10 villages that make up Columbia.
Harper's Choice is one of 10 villages that make up Columbia.
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From townhomes to private colonial estates

Residential options in Harper’s Choice include units in multifamily complexes to single-family ranch homes and million-dollar estates. On the lower price end, 1,000- 1,500-square-foot townhomes, condos and apartments typically cost between $200,000 and $400,000 for units with more recent updates. “Of the surrounding villages, this one has more modern contemporary architecture, among other styles,” Lapides says. Split levels and Colonials with attached garages, some nestled in quiet cul-de-sacs, range from 1,500 to 3,500 square feet in size and around $350,000 to $850,000 in price. Larger, 4,000- to 7,000-square-foot Colonial Revival and modern estates hidden behind mature trees or along the golf course can cost from about $950,000 to upwards of $1.5 million.

The homes in Harper's Choice have lush green grass.
The homes in Harper's Choice have lush green grass.
Enjoy living in Harper's Choice with a great front yard.
Enjoy living in Harper's Choice with a great front yard.
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Trail walks and golfing at Hobbit’s Glen

Harper’s Choice residents don’t have to go much farther than their backyards to embrace the fresh air at one of the many green spaces and walking trails. “There are thousands of miles of walking and biking paths in Columbia, says Lapides. “It’s a very outdoorsy area. You can walk from Harper’s Choice to downtown Columbia easily.” On the east side, Cedar Lane Park offers 93 acres of playgrounds, athletic fields and courts and even a dog park. Sitting adjacent is Columbia SportsPark, where locals can mini golf, take a swing in the batting cages and practice at the skatepark. This park also hosts school events and community fundraisers throughout the year. Also nearby is Columbia Athletic Club, complete with a fitness center, indoor pool and athletic courts. Hobbit’s Glen Golf Club is a membership-based course, but the driving range and short-game area are open to the public.

Golf can be difficult. But not difficult to access the driving range when in Harper's Choice.
Golf can be difficult. But not difficult to access the driving range when in Harper's Choice.
If you're looking for a nice stroll or place to bike, Harper's Choice has many trails.
If you're looking for a nice stroll or place to bike, Harper's Choice has many trails.
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A-rated Howard County public schools

Students living in Harper’s Choice can begin with a 12-1 student-teacher ratio at Longfellow Elementary School, which Niche grades an A-minus and ranks in the top 15% of best public elementary schools in Maryland. “Every summer, the surrounding villages come out to the school to watch the Fourth of July Parade. It’s a fun time,” Lapides adds. Learners can then advance to an 11-1 student-teacher ratio at Harper’s Choice Middle School, which receives a B-plus grade. Wilde Lake High School – which Niche grades an A and ranks in the top 13% of best college prep high schools in the state – offers more than 55 student-led clubs, including International Club and Mock Trial Team.

Wilde Lake High is ranked 11th in Howard County Public High Schools and is in Harper's Choice.
Wilde Lake High is ranked 11th in Howard County Public High Schools and is in Harper's Choice.
Harper's Choice Middle School in Harper's Choice helps your students succeed.
Harper's Choice Middle School in Harper's Choice helps your students succeed.
Longfellow Elementary School in Harper's Choice helps students advance in their academics.
Longfellow Elementary School in Harper's Choice helps students advance in their academics.
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Running errands at Harper’s Choice Village Center

When in need of groceries or a quick bite, residents head to Harper’s Choice Village Center. The shopping plaza has a Safeway, salons, storefronts, a gas station and several fast-food eateries including a Guatemalan taco take-out spot. For a more upscale dine-in, locals might indulge in modern burgers and seafood fare with a seasonal cocktail at The Turn House, a restaurant overlooking the golf course greens. “Columbia is going through a renaissance of development, and one thing that’s really growing is the restaurant scene,” says Lapides. “There’s a lot happening in the downtown area, including the Meriweather Post Pavilion. This huge outdoor venue is always hosting a famous musician.”

Grocery shopping in Harper's Choice is easy when Safeway is right down the street.
Grocery shopping in Harper's Choice is easy when Safeway is right down the street.
El Sabor Chapin is a foodtruck in Harper's Choice that makes tasty food.
El Sabor Chapin is a foodtruck in Harper's Choice that makes tasty food.
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Cruising on Clarksville Pike and the RTA

The main thoroughfares around Harper’s Choice are Clarksville Pike and Harpers Farm Road, the latter leading to downtown Columbia in less than 4 miles. The Patuxent Freeway and U.S. Route 29 are nearby, making commutes easy for those working in the big cities. The RTA bus system picks up passengers throughout town, dropping off at big stops like Johns Hopkins Howard Medical Center on the south side. For further travel, the BWI airport is 20 miles east.

Mary Beth Greene
Written By
Mary Beth Greene
Bryan Allen
Photography Contributed By
Bryan Allen
Tyler Cataldo
Video By
Tyler Cataldo

Agents Specializing in this Area

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Schools

Source:
GreatSchools: The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process. View GreatSchools Rating Methodology

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Jason Miller, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Parks in this Area

Transit

Airport

Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall

29 min drive

Bus

Cedar Ln & Little Patuxent Pkwy (Southbound)

Bus

Cedar Ln & Rock Coast Rd (Northbound)

Bus

Twin Rivers Rd & Harpers Farm Rd Wb

Bus

Cedar Ln & Little Patuxent Pkwy (Northbound)

Bus

Little Patuxent Pkwy & Harpers Farm Rd

Bus

Harper's Choice Village Center

Bus

Harpers Farm Rd & Gloucester Rd (Eastbound)

Crime and Safety

1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime Harper's Choice US
Homicide 4 4
Sexual Assault 3 4
Assault with Weapon 3 4
Robbery 4 4
Burglary 4 4
Motor Vehicle Theft 4 4
Larceny 4 4
Crime Score 4 4

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

Demographics and Home Trends

Home Trends

Median Price (12 Mo)
$415,000
Median Single Family Price
$750,000
Median Townhouse Price
$415,000
Median 2 Bedroom Price
$298,000
Median 1 Bedroom Price
$207,225
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$228
Number of Homes for Sale
5
Last 12 months Home Sales
93
Months of Supply
0.60
Median List Price
$422,500
Median Discount From 1st List Price
0%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
-6%

Home Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
2,371
Median Year Built
1974
Avg. Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
3,766
Significantly above the national average
1,935
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
2,211
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,368
Average 1 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
748
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
7,840

Open Houses

  • Saturday, Apr 26
    12 - 2pm

    11122 Ivy Bush Ln, Columbia, MD 21044

    $750,000

    • 4 Beds
    • 2 Baths
    • 2,250 Sq Ft
    • 11122 Ivy Bush Ln

    Here is. your chance to get instant equity as home has been appraised at $775,000. Welcome to your dream home at 11122 Ivy Bush Lane, nestled in the vibrant community of Columbia, MD. This contemporary gem is located in the highly desirable Hobbits Glen neighborhood, just steps away from the lush greens of the Hobbits Glen golf course and walking trail.Inside, you’ll find 2,250

    ChiYon Barbosa Compass

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  • Sunday, Apr 27
    1 - 3pm

    11501 Manorstone Ln, Columbia, MD 21044

    $1,699,999

    • 5 Beds
    • 4.5 Baths
    • 6,517 Sq Ft
    • 11501 Manorstone Ln
    • New 2 days ago

    Welcome to this custom-built, estate-style residence located in the prestigious Forest Glen community of Howard County. Renovated from top to bottom between 2020 and 2025, this 5-bedroom, 4 full and 2 half-bath home offers a seamless blend of timeless elegance and modern luxury, with no detail overlooked. Step inside to wide-plank, sand-in-place French white oak floors that run throughout the

    Keisha McClain Hubble Bisbee Christie's International Real Estate

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Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Jason Miller, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Average Home Value




Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Owners

Demographics

Total Population
9,334
Median Age
40
Population Density
6 ppl/acre
Population under 18
23.6%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
18.8%
On par with the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$105,642
Significantly above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$123,881

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
92.8%
College Graduates
61.8%
Significantly above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
34.8%
Above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
69.3%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
42''
Average Winter Low Temperature
25°F
Average Summer High Temperature
87°F
Annual Snowfall
15''

Area Factors

Somewhat Bikeable

Bike Score®

21 / 100

Car-Dependent

Walk Score®

29 / 100

Some Transit

Transit Score®

28 / 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score

Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.

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Reviews

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Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
NEIGHBORHOOD
Harper's Choice