$971,443Average Value$259Average Price per Sq Ft8Homes For Sale
A diverse village community with highly rated schools and annual festivals
Designed by founder James Rouse in the late 1960s, River Hill is one of 10 villages that make up Columbia, Maryland’s first planned community. The area is comprised of single-family homes, townhouses and condos. “I believe people move here because of our neighborhood’s extraordinary diversity,” says Renee Dubois, the village manager of River Hill and its neighborhoods, Pheasant’s Ridge and Pointer’s Run. “We’re also located near Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Lab, the nation’s largest university-affiliated research center and a major employer for the county. As far as educational standards go, our schools have a high proportion of graduates entering STEM programs at major universities.”
Walking trails weave throughout River Hill and its neighborhoods, Pheasant’s Ridge and Pointer’s Farm, with plenty of places to walk dogs or jog through nature. Highly rated schools draw families from all over, and nearby shopping centers in Fulton and Clarksville make it convenient to run errands or dine out. Annual community festivals and weekly farmers markets get neighbors outside and involved, and shared spaces like River Hill Pool and Claret Hall make gathering easier. Built to create a healthy and sustainable community, River Hill balances nature, commerce and residential living in Columbia, Maryland.
Highly rated Howard County public schools
Students can start at Clarksville Elementary School and then move on to Clarksville Middle School. Both are graded an overall A on Niche and have an extensive list of after-school clubs and sports. River Hill High School, rated an A-plus, serves nearly 1,500 students and offers classes in both STEM and the arts. Many graduates move on to attend top universities in Maryland and beyond.
Clarksville Middle School is located in Columbia, MD.
River Hill High School is located in Columbia, Md.
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A wide range of townhouses, condos and single-family homes
According to Dubois, River Hill has roughly 200 townhouses, 150 condos and probably over 1,500 single-family homes. Inside the village are two neighborhoods: Pheasant’s Ridge and Pointer’s Farm. “Many of these homes are gorgeous,” says Realtor Matthew Zielinski with Cummings & Co. Realtors. Zielinski moved to Columbia in 1977 with his family and returned to build his real estate business over 20 years ago. “The trend right now with buyers from D.C. are first-floor primary and in-law suites, which fit their multigenerational needs. Now we see requests like this all over Columbia.”
Single-family homes in River Hill come in various styles and floorplans and can range between $650,000 and $1.5 million. “River Hill was Columbia’s first foray into McMansions because of its proximity to Route 29 and D.C. Commuters gave it a big bump in income and added to the village’s cultural diversity," Zielinski says. Most are modern traditional styles, built between the 1980s through the 2020s, taking inspiration from Colonial and Cape Cod aesthetics. Yards are not necessarily spacious, but they are private with fenced lots and sometimes even pools. Mature trees line the backyards and streetscapes of River Hill, giving the area a quiet, natural atmosphere.
Condos and townhouses support residents who are 55 and older, as well as those who prefer something cozier. However, there are also several units that have three floors and more than 2,000 square feet. Buyers choose attached townhouses with their own garages and back decks, or pick apartment-style condos with modest balconies and modern interiors. Many townhouses and condos can range between $400,000 and $850,000 and can be found either near the River Hill Village Shopping Center or in the Cedar Creek community on the south side of town.
River Hill has great options for condo style living.
Homes with two car garages are common in River Hill.
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A network of walking trails right outside the front door
“We are a suburban community, but we have a few miles of walking paths that were built up through the Columbia Open Space project. There are Tot Lots along the trails with swings and climbing for little kids. But mostly, people love walking their pets around town,” Dubois says. The walking paths can be accessed from most residential streets and weave behind homes within the thickets of forest and natural areas nearby. The Middle Patuxent Environmental Area off Trotter Road is a protected area with 150 species of birds and other wildlife on one of the largest preserves in Howard County. More than 5 miles of hiking trails run through the park, and 100 miles of paved trails connect River Hill to other villages in Columbia.
Mary's Land Farm has a variety of activities for children and adults. Visitors can shop at the farm store, pet barn animals, attend creative workshops, go on field trips, and even stay at the farm’s on-site inn. The Clarksville Commons is popular for its evening concerts and Saturday farmers’ market, while St. Louis Church has a two-week-long yard sale and picnic in June. The Robinson Nature Center offers indoor exhibits, trails, a children’s discovery room and a planetarium. Heritage Heights Park is mostly wooded, except for the Clarksglen Park playground, which features a climbing wall. The Columbia Gym in the River Hill Village Center offers fitness classes, equipment and an indoor pool.
River Hill has quiet spots to hike in the Middle Patuxent Environmental Area.
The colorful & interactive exhibits at The Robinson Nature Center makes it fun to learn.
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Annual and weekly community events and festivals
“We sponsor a few large events every year, like our huge 4th of July Parade. It’s a 2-mile-long parade path where people throw candy and beads like it’s Mardi Gras. The kids love it, and it takes months of preparation. We register parade participants six months in advance.” The community also hosts pool parties in August and a Halloween pumpkin patch in October. They are working toward hosting a River Hill Community Day that will involve the local firehouse with activities for adults and children alike. “The Village office is located at Claret Hall, where people can rent the banquet room for birthday parties, small wedding receptions and Christmas parties,” Dubois says. What makes the community strong, though, according to Dubois, are the volunteers who make these events happen. “I have some of the greatest volunteers ever. We pull invasive plants, put on a Halloween magic show and work together to make this place a really great community.”
Long-time locally owned restaurants, car dealerships and major stores
Most of the shopping and dining in River Hill takes place on the Clarksville Pike, where there are a few shopping centers, major grocery stores and locally owned restaurants. There are several car dealerships and stores such as Giant Food and Roots Market. Chain spots like Wendy’s and Starbucks mingle with small businesses like Anthony’s NY Pizza and Bushel and a Peck Kitchen & Bar. “El Azteca started as a mom-and-pop place 20 years ago,” Zielinski says. “Today, the owners are a pillar of the community.” Locals can also head 5 miles south to Fulton’s bustling Maple Lawn district, a planned community with dozens of shops and restaurants in its square. The Mall at Columbia features over 200 retail stores, a food court and a movie theater. Merriweather Post Pavilion is next door, one of the top outdoor concert venues in the country. Columbia is also home to Johns Hopkins Howard County Medical Center, which offers a full range of hospital and wellness services. Beside it, Howard Community College offers over 100 degree and workforce development programs.
River Hill Village Center brings you Giant for all your grocery needs.
There is an abundance of shopping options in River Hill Village Center.
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Commutes to Baltimore and bus lines to Washington D.C.
River Hill is closest to Ellicott City, which is about 13 miles away via Route 29. Baltimore is about 23 miles northeast of town, which is about a half-hour drive on Interstate 95. Baltimore is home to the Johns Hopkins Hospital, as well as the Baltimore Washington International Airport. Washington, D.C. is about 27 miles south via Route 29 and takes about an hour to reach when traffic is light. Commuters can also take the Clarksville Park & Ride bus service south to Washington, which takes about two hours.
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
Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall
28 min drive
Bus
Clarksville Park & Ride
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Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
River Hill
US
Homicide
1
4
Sexual Assault
3
4
Assault with Weapon
2
4
Robbery
2
4
Burglary
4
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
3
4
Larceny
3
4
Crime Score
3
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
River Hill Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in River Hill, Columbia sell after 25 days on the market compared to the national average of 55 days. The median sale price for homes in River Hill, Columbia over the last 12 months is $964,500, up 2% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Nestled in the prestigious Village of River Hill, this striking custom home presents a rare opportunity—one that buyers don’t often see. Blending elegance and comfort, the home is introduced by a timeless white brick façade, enhanced by professionally designed landscaping, extensive hardscaping, mature trees, and a tranquil, private yard. As you enter, the soaring two-story foyer greets you,
Located in the coveted Cedar Creek community of Columbia, Maryland, this exceptional Colonial-Craftsman residence offers a tranquil setting surrounded by nature while delivering the refined finishes and expansive living spaces expected in luxury living. From the moment you step inside, the open yet traditionally inspired floor plan welcomes you with thoughtful design and elegant details
This is the one that checks every box... and then some. Perfectly set in the highly sought-after Village of River Hill and freshly painted throughout.Step inside to a grand two-story foyer, with formal dining on the left and a flexible living or playroom on the right. Just beyond, the home opens into a stunning two-story family room with a wood-burning fireplace featuring a high-efficiency
Impressively updated cedar Colonial in the heart of River Hill, one of Howard County’s most sought-after communities, where lifestyle, convenience, and natural beauty come together. This beautifully improved home features rich hickory hardwood flooring, custom REICO cabinetry, granite countertops, porcelain sinks, stone tile, and updated fixtures and finishes throughout, creating a warm and
Must see 5 bedroom, 3.5 bath, 2-car garage renovated colonial in sought-after River Hill on an ideal cul-de-sac lot! Endless improvements and upgrades to the home include: new energy-efficient Carrier gas HVAC (2021); new gas water heater (2021); renovated eat-in kitchen w/42" cabinets, quartz countertops and center island; gleaming hardwoods on the main floor; tall 9' ceilings; family room
Price Improved! Open House Saturday (3/28) 1-3pm! Wow, get ready to fall in love with this beautiful, impeccably maintained boasting 4,976 sq ft Colonial with 4 bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms offered by the original owners in the highly sought-after Village of River Hill community. Step inside to a bright, open floor plan with high ceilings, newer hardwood floors (installed in 2019) throughout, and
NEW PRICE-NEW PICS! Discover the perfect blend of comfort and style in this stunning 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom unit located in the desirable Fieldstone at River Hill community. Spanning 1,900 square feet, this contemporary garden condo boasts an open floor plan that invites natural light to dance across the New luxury vinyl plank flooring. Neutral fresh paint, high ceilings, and architectural
Incredible opportunity to purchase a recorded lot in an exclusive five lot subdivision! This gorgeous level .32 acre lot backs to trees. Bring your builder or use ours. Purchasing in this enclave also means enjoying the best of Clarksville and River Hill amenities, including shopping, dining, and entertainment just minutes away. Plus, with easy access to commuter routes MD-32 and MD-108,
New construction in Clarksville! Incredible opportunity to build a new home in an exclusive 5 lot enclave. Gorgeous level lot. Public water and sewer. Just minutes to shopping, restaurants and schools. Easy access to Rt 32 and 29. This is a to be built home. No model on site. Choose from several floor plans. Final pricing based on completed build design. Plans need to be approved by the HOA. You
Spacious River Hill rental with 4 bedrooms, 3 full baths, and a flexible lower level in one of Columbia’s most desirable communities. This well-maintained home in the highly sought-after River Hill community of Columbia offers comfort, space, and an unbeatable location within walking distance to elementary and middle school. This light-filled home features 3 bedrooms and 2 full baths on the upper
This spacious, bright and beautifully maintained townhome is located in one of Howard County's most sought-after communities, River Hill. The open-concept main level with 9' ceiling and hard wood floor also features a cozy gas fireplace, as well as access to a deck. Upstairs, you'll find three spacious bedrooms, all with vaulted ceilings. The primary suite features a walk-in closets and a
Spacious Townhome in the Highly Sought After River Hill School District! This large, open townhome features fresh paint throughout and a combination of hardwood and luxury vinyl flooring across all levels. The bright main level offers an open kitchen with 42-inch cabinets and quartz countertops, flowing seamlessly into the dining area with access to a private deck, perfect for relaxing or
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