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About Columbia, PA

About Columbia, PA

A slower pace in Columbia

Columbia is where residents immerse themselves in the past in everyday life. From its wealth of history, centennial homes and antique shops, time slows down in Columbia. This historic river town was established in 1727 along the banks of the Susquehanna River. Jeffery Seibert, Broker with Keller William Elite, aptly describes Columbia as a place where families have lived for generations, underscoring the tight-knit nature of the community. But Columbia’s history extends beyond its residents; it was a pivotal stop on the Underground Railroad, with many of its historic homes still harboring hidden rooms and tunnels.

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River Park features space for outdoor activities in Columbia.
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Columbia-Washington Boro is a quaint, historical town.
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Stylish 19th-century homes

The borough’s grid-like design blends its turn-of-the-century homes with historic shops, creating a quaint, centralized atmosphere. Many of these structures were built in the 19th century, and they are often adorned with elegant shingles and ornate facades, showcasing Victorian, Queen Anne and Italianate Styles. The Columbia Historic District contains many of these historic structures and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1983. Columbia's median price of around $250,000 is lower than the national median, but things may not stay this way forever. “Our prices are continuing to increase, and people are putting real money into restoring and preserving the historical integrity of our beautiful architecture,” Seibert says. The borough's CAP Index crime score is 4 out of 10, on par with the national score.

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Single family homes are abundant in Columbia-Washington Boro.
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You can find some Victorian style homes sprinkled throughout Columbia-Washington Boro.
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Columbia Borough School District

The Columbia Borough School District serves this community, and it holds an overall C-minus on Niche. Schools include Park Elementary and Columbia High/Middle School Hill Campus, which offers a multitude of after-school recreation, including football, golf and even bowling. “The school district is a hidden aspect of the community because seventh through 12th graders share a building, and by the time you graduate, you’ll have made long-lasting friendships,” Seibert says.

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Older students attend the Columbia High School in Columbia-Washington Boro.
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Younger students attend Park Elementary School in Columbia-Washington Boro.
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Columbia Markethouse and antique shopping

Columbia’s art and culture scene thrives in its historic downtown, packed with local coffee shops, boutiques and art galleries. Hinkle’s Restaurant has been dishing out classic breakfast staples and fountain drinks for over a century. Columbia Kettle Works is a brewpub with live music, local brews and specialty pizzas. Local farmers and makers sell their goods at Columbia Markethouse, a weekly farmer’s market that has been running since 1869. Residents can conveniently access Weis Markets on Columbia Avenue. Vintage lovers can browse Burning Bridge Antique Market and Fragments of The Past.

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Find unique items at the Burnung Bridge Antiques Market in Columbia-Washington Boro.
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Unwind after a long day at the Columbia Kettle Works in Columbia-Washington Boro.
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Family-friendly activities in Columbia

The borough is also home to the National Watch and Clock Museum, as well as the Turkey Hill Experience, where visitors can learn about the dairy experience and mix up their own flavors of ice cream. The Columbia Crossing River Trails Center provides access to a 14-mile trail along the edge of the historic Pennsylvania Mainline Canal.

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Set time aside to visit the National Watch and Clock Museum in Columbia-Washington Boro.
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Spend time with kids at the Cedar Bluff Park in Columbia-Washington Boro.
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First Fridays and concerts in the park

Locust Street Park resonates with sweet melodies during Music in The Park, while Columbia Riverfront Park comes alive with local artisans selling handmade wares at markets. The park offers a boat launch and views of the Veterans Memorial Bridge connecting Columbia to Wrightsville. “There are a number of social clubs that take care of the community,” Seibert says. The Lions Club hosts Thunder on the River in June, celebrating antique cars from the 1940s, '50s and '60s. “We also have First Fridays Downtown, where people shop with music and food trucks and just a good old time,” Seibert adds.

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Head to River Park in Columbia-Washington Boro, and enjoy the views of the Susquehanna River.
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There are lots of local art shops in Columbia-Washington Boro.
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Hannah Rainey
Written By
Hannah Rainey
Danny Lambert
Photography Contributed By
Danny Lambert
Grace Kim
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Grace Kim

Neighborhood Map

Columbia by the Numbers

10,457
Population
$300K
Average Housing Value
32
Average Days on Market

Average Home Value



Source: Public Records

Top Schools in Columbia, PA

Source:

Best Public Elementary Schools

Central Manor Elementary School
#1 Central Manor Elementary School
A-
Niche
6
GreatSchools
Farmdale Elementary School
#2 Farmdale Elementary School
A-
Niche
6
GreatSchools
Mountville Elementary School
#3 Mountville Elementary School
B+
Niche
6
GreatSchools
Park Elementary School
#4 Park Elementary School
C
Niche
2
GreatSchools

Best Public Middle Schools

Manor Middle School
#1 Manor Middle School
A-
Niche
8
GreatSchools
Landisville Middle School
#2 Landisville Middle School
B+
Niche
7
GreatSchools
Centerville Middle School
#3 Centerville Middle School
B+
Niche
6
GreatSchools
Columbia Middle School
#4 Columbia Middle School
C-
Niche
COLUMBIA MS HILL CAMPUS
#5 COLUMBIA MS HILL CAMPUS
3
GreatSchools

Best Public High Schools

Hempfield Senior High School
#1 Hempfield Senior High School
B+
Niche
8
GreatSchools
Penn Manor High School
#2 Penn Manor High School
B+
Niche
6
GreatSchools
Columbia Junior/Senior High School
#3 Columbia Junior/Senior High School
C
Niche
2
GreatSchools

Best Private Schools

Our Lady of the Angels School
#1 Our Lady of the Angels School
Prospect Grove High School
#2 Prospect Grove High School

Agents Specializing in this Area

Agent Spotlight

Alice Stewart
(443) 464-2018
I'm an expert real estate agent with Coldwell Banker Realty, licensed in the states of MD and PA. I provide home-buyers and sellers with professional, responsive and attentive real estate services. Want an agent who'll really listen to what you want in a home? Need an agent who knows how to effectively market your home so it sells? Give me a call! I'm eager to help and would love to talk to you.
"How can I make you smile today?"
#aliceisyourrealtor
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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.