Columbia, Maryland is a 14,000-acre community located midway between Baltimore and Washington, DC. This award-winning community was established in 1967 and is being developed by The Howard Research & Development Corporation, an affiliate of The Rouse Company.

Today more than 88,000 people call Columbia home. They enjoy a community filled with social and cultural outlets, jobs, quality education, 5300 acres of open space, and abundant recreation opportunities.

From its inception, Columbia was seen in terms of human values, not just in terms of economics and engineering. Begun in the early 1960's, this "new town" was designed to eliminate uncontrolled sprawl and the inconveniences of then current sub-division design. But even more, Columbia was built on the premise that a community could foster a true coming together for all of its residents. It is a place for all people, embracing different races, religions and income groups. This vision is reflected in Columbia's physical layout and in many innovative programs whose benefits residents enjoy today.

Since 1967, The Howard Research and Development Corporation, an affiliate of The Rouse Company, has developed Columbia into a city of 96,000 residents who enjoy a community filled with social and cultural outlets, jobs, quality education and abundant recreational opportunities. In all, Columbia has been a model for other planned communities, adding greater convenience to everyday life.