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Columbia

Columbia

Located in Lancaster County

$294,389 Average Value
$168 Average Price per Sq Ft
30 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
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Grace Kim

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to John Zunner, 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

Area Facts

Number of Homes
5,241
Number of Homes for Sale
30
Median Year Built
1947
Months of Supply
1.80
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,683
Below the national average
1,930
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
2,211
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
952
Average 1 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
609
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
7,840

Open Houses

  • Sunday, Mar 22
    Open Sun 1PM - 3PM

    245 N 4th St, Columbia, PA 17512

    $319,999

    • 5 Beds
    • 1.5 Baths
    • 2,210 Sq Ft
    • 245 N 4th St
    • New 17 hours ago

    Classic character meets modern updates in this beautifully restored home featuring original woodwork, refinished hardwood floors, a striking stone fireplace, a fully updated kitchen, and the rare convenience of a detached garage with additional off-street parking — a feature that’s hard to find in Columbia.A covered front porch welcomes you inside, where the home’s original staircase and

    Jacob Friedman JRHeller.com LLC

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  • Sunday, Mar 22
    Open Sun 12PM - 4PM

    118 Erica Ln, Columbia, PA 17512

    $489,990

    • 3 Beds
    • 2 Baths
    • 1,498 Sq Ft
    • 118 Erica Ln
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  • Sunday, Mar 29
    Open House 3/29

    170 S 5th St, Columbia, PA 17512

    $299,000

    • 3 Beds
    • 3 Baths
    • 2,080 Sq Ft
    • 170 S 5th St

    Fully Renovated 2-Story Home in Columbia – 3 Beds, 2.5 Baths, Fenced Yard -- Parking in the back Welcome to this beautifully renovated two-story home in the heart of Columbia, offering 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, and a fully fenced backyard. Everything in this home is brand-new, giving you the look and feel of new construction with modern style throughout. The first floor features a bright, open

    Tom Taglieri Coldwell Banker Realty

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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

Somewhat friendly

Bike Score®®

30 / 100

Fairly friendly

Walk Score®®

50 / 100

Somewhat friendly

Transit Score®®

30 / 100
Source: Local Logic
Sources: Local Logic

Local Logic measures the walkability, access to public transit and 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