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Columbia

Columbia

Located in Lancaster County

$293,982 Average Value
$166 Average Price per Sq Ft
31 Homes For Sale

Columbia’s historic roots and generational ties

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.

Townhomes of various architectural styles are common in Columbia.
Townhomes of various architectural styles are common in Columbia.
Colorful row homes line the streets of Columbia.
Colorful row homes line the streets of Columbia.
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Columbia’s 19th-century architecture draws restoration efforts

The borough’s grid-like design blends its turn-of-the-century homes with historic shops, creating a quaint, centralized atmosphere. With many of these structures built in the 19th century, these homes are adorned with elegant shingles and ornate facades, showcasing Victorian, Queen Anne and Italianate Styles. The Columbia Historic District contains many of these historic structures, listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1983. You’ll find that prices in Columbia range from $145,000 for a three-bedroom row home to $230,000 for a historic four-bedroom. “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.

Historic townhomes are common in Columbia.
Historic townhomes are common in Columbia.
You can find some Victorian style homes sprinkled throughout Columbia.
You can find some Victorian style homes sprinkled throughout Columbia.
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Historic downtown showcases local businesses and markets

Columbia’s art and culture scene thrives in its historic downtown with local coffee shops, boutiques and art galleries. Hinkle’s Restaurant has been around for over a century, dishing out classic breakfast staples and their popular old-fashioned soda pop station and ice-cream counter. Columbia Kettle Works is a brewpub where residents come to experience live music, local brews and specialty pizzas. Columbia Markethouse is a weekly farmer’s market that has been running since 1869. Residents can conveniently access Weis Markets on Columbia Avenue when running low on essentials.

Living in Columbia, rummaging through antiques is sure to be your favorite hobby. Stop by Burning Bridge Antique Market, where you’ll get lost relics and refined furnishings. While Fragments of The Past breathes an air of nostalgia for its patrons, showcasing vintage video games and toys.

Grab an old-fashioned milkshake at Hinkle's Restaurant in Columbia.
Grab an old-fashioned milkshake at Hinkle's Restaurant in Columbia.
Grab some fresh coffee from the Prince Street Cafe in Columbia.
Grab some fresh coffee from the Prince Street Cafe in Columbia.
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Social clubs and seasonal festivals support community spirit

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 40s, 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.

Local schools offer diversity and strong community ties

The Columbia Borough School District serves this community, boasting a score of an A in the diversity category, according to Niche. These 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.

Older students attend the Columbia High School in Columbia.
Older students attend the Columbia High School in Columbia.
Local students attend Columbia Middle School in Columbia.
Local students attend Columbia Middle School in Columbia.
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River trails and clock exhibits highlight Columbia’s character

Though time seemingly stands still in Columbia, stop by the National Watch and Clock Museum and explore their collection of clocks. The Turkey Hill Experience is also a local favorite, where visitors will learn all about the dairy industry. The Columbia Crossing River Trails Center is the 14-mile Northwest River Trail trailhead, following along the historic Pennsylvania Mainline Canal.

Spend time with kids at the Cedar Bluff Park in Columbia.
Spend time with kids at the Cedar Bluff Park in Columbia.
Enjoy the green space at Lake Grubb Nature Park in Columbia.
Enjoy the green space at Lake Grubb Nature Park in Columbia.
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Hannah Rainey
Written By
Hannah Rainey
Danny Lambert
Photography Contributed By
Danny Lambert
Grace Kim
Video By
Grace Kim

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Ginger Parker, an experienced agent in this area.

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

Parks in this Area

Columbia Housing Trends

Housing Trends

Median List Price
$259,900
Median Sale Price
$247,000
Median Single Family Sale Price
$249,950
Median Townhouse Sale Price
$341,765
Median Change From 1st List Price
0%
Last 12 months Home Sales
207
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
-1%
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$166

Area Facts

Number of Homes
5,249
Number of Homes for Sale
31
Median Year Built
1947
Months of Supply
1.80
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,681
Below the national average
1,929
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
2,218
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
952
Average 1 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
609
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
7,840

Open Houses

  • Saturday, Dec 27
    Open House 12/27

    1040 Hilmar Cir, Columbia, PA 17512

    $125,000

    • 2 Beds
    • 1 Bath
    • 928 Sq Ft
    • 1040 Hilmar Cir
    • New 15 days ago

    This property will be offered at Public Auction on Saturday, January 10, 2026 @ 12pm. The listing price is the opening bid only and in no way reflects the final sale price. 10% down due at auction, 2% transfer tax to be paid by the purchaser, real estate taxes prorated. This semi-detached home sits at the end of a quiet cul-de-sac and offers convenient access to the local school district as well

    Thomas Stewart Cavalry Realty LLC

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Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Average Home Value





Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

Columbia Has More Owners

Demographics

Total Population
10,457
Median Age
41
Population Density
9 ppl/acre
Population under 18
23.7%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
20.7%
On par with the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$46,363
Significantly below the national average
$79,601
Average Household Income
$61,153

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
82.5%
College Graduates
16.1%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
4.1%
Below the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
60.9%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
45''
Average Winter Low Temperature
22°F
Average Summer High Temperature
86°F
Annual Snowfall
19''

Area Factors

Bikeable

Bike Score®®

56 / 100

Somewhat Walkable

Walk Score®®

69 / 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score

Walk Score® measures the walkability of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.

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.
Columbia
Ginger Parker
Howard Hanna Krall Real Estate
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