Section Image

Harper's Choice

Harper's Choice

$559,664 Average Value
$228 Average Price per Sq Ft
19 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 resident of the neighboring village and a Realtor at Cummings & Co. with more than two 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.

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.
1/2

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.
1/2

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. “It’s a very outdoorsy area," Lapides says. 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 play miniature 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.
1/2

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.
1/3

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. “There’s a lot happening in the downtown area, including the Meriweather Post Pavilion," Lapides says. "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.
1/2

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
Jeffrey Knight
Video By
Jeffrey Knight

Agents Specializing in this Area

See All Agents

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

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)

Harper's Choice Demographics and Home Trends

Housing Trends

Median List Price
$467,500
Median Sale Price
$465,000
Median Single Family Sale Price
$750,000
Median Townhouse Sale Price
$395,000
Median 2 Bedroom Sale Price
$305,000
Median Change From 1st List Price
0%
Last 12 months Home Sales
86
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
-2%
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$228

Neighborhood Facts

Number of Homes
2,489
Number of Homes for Sale
19
Median Year Built
1974
Months of Supply
2.70
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
3,349
Significantly above the national average
1,925
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
2,253
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, Oct 4
    12 - 2pm

    5009 Straight Star Place, Columbia, MD 21044

    $775,000

    • 4 Beds
    • 3.5 Baths
    • 3,824 Sq Ft
    • 5009 Straight Star Place
    • New 1 day ago

    Welcome to 5009 Straight Star Place, a charming colonial tucked away on a quiet, tree-lined cul-de-sac in Columbia, Maryland. Beautifully updated and sunlit by floor-to-ceiling windows, this 5 bed, 3.5 bath home feels spacious and comfortable for every day living and hosting alike.Enter to a 2 story foyer with a waterfall staircase that leads to the bedroom level, where you'll find a

    Rebecca Weiner Compass

    Section Image
  • Saturday, Oct 4
    12 - 2pm

    5472 Cedar Ln Unit A4, Columbia, MD 21044

    $199,900

    • 1 Bed
    • 1 Bath
    • 695 Sq Ft
    • 5472 Cedar Ln
    • Unit A4
    • New 2 days ago

    Welcome to this charming and move-in ready condo tucked in the heart of Columbia! This spacious 1-bedroom, 1-bath home offers a bright, open floor plan with recessed lighting in the living room and a large balcony window that fills the space with natural light. The living room flows seamlessly, making it perfect for both everyday living and entertaining. The home has been freshly

    Donyiel Rountree Keller Williams Realty Centre

    Section Image
  • Sunday, Oct 5
    1 - 3pm

    5484 Cedar Ln Unit A4, Columbia, MD 21044

    $225,000

    • 2 Beds
    • 1.5 Baths
    • 935 Sq Ft
    • 5484 Cedar Ln
    • Unit A4

    Welcome to this well-maintained 2-bedroom, 1.5-bath condo in the Harper’s Choice community of Columbia. Offering 930 square feet of comfortable living space, this ground-level garden-style unit provides both convenience and value.Inside, you’ll find an open floor plan with updated flooring, neutral finishes, and a natural flow between the living and dining areas. The kitchen features

    Creig Northrop Northrop Realty

    Section Image

Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

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.

Nearby Neighborhoods

Reviews

Are you familiar with the Harper's Choice neighborhood? to let others know what life in this neighborhood is like.
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