There are lots of websites that offer statistics. I am not sure that numbers garnered by beauracrats really tell the story of any neighborhood or school system. Even the word "safest" leaves a lot in question. The words "family friendly" are also very subjective.

If you want to live in Columbia, spend a day or two in the neighborhoods. Visit the public areas. Spend time walking the streets. You are the one that knows what you mean by safest and family friendly. When you have found a few within in your comfort zone, show up at the local elementary school when they open Monday morning. Introduce yourself to the office staff, ask for a tour, ask about parent involvement, visit a classroom.

Statistics and websites will not give you the hands on information you will garner with a little personal effort. There is good and bad in every city. There are good and bad students in every school. You will go a long way towards discovering what you are seeking when you understand that you will only get back from a neighborhood or school what you are willing to put into it.

Best of luck

Northfield is a great school district - check out the stats below. I have sold tons of homes inthe Columbia area and would be happy to assist you when the time comes. Drop me a line at Kerremax@comcast.net or visit http://www.KerryRoth.com for tons of real estate info!

I grew up in Columbia, and went to Clemens Crossing Elementary School, which is in the Clemens Crossing "sub-village" within the Hickory Ridge neighborhood. I then attended Wilde Lake Middle and Atholton High. I've got only positive things to say about Clemens.

Certain schools in the county have worse reputations than others. For instance, at the high school level, River Hill and Mt. Hebron are considered premium, while Oakland Mills and Long Reach draw a bit of scorn. But the truth is, there's not much difference between any of the high schools in Howard County. Each school's student populations feature desirables and undesirables.

That said, you can't go wrong with Hickory Ridge. Check out the River Hill development as well.

Hi Wendell,

I encourage you to check out the link below to our Columbia, MD Real Estate Guide. In addition to market information, Trulia provides school information, including parent reviews from Greatschools and test score ratings, as well as community information like crime statistics and community links.

I hope this is helpful.

Best Wishes,

Emily Gibson
Customer Service Representative

Hi Wendell:
Even though your question is very legitimate and we get this question all the time, specific responses to your question which identify communities, violate federal Fair Housing laws. Select an agent and then visit neighborhoods, ask questions, call police stations and research schools on web-sites such as http://www.greatschools.net

I would strongly recommend that you look at Cobblestone Park. This is a very safe gated community with the very best school system.
The link to their site is cobblestonesc.com. For more information call 803-333-8100 and ask for Don Sandlers.
Please let us know if we can help you.
The Schaffer Realty Group
Marian Schaffer http://www.marianschafferrealty.com
877-886-8388

Thanks for the email. Columbia as a whole a great place to live and very safe when compared to other parts of Maryland and the nation. As a Realtor, I can't comment on items like "family" and familial status because of fair housing laws, but I would recommend driving thru different neighborhoods for you to see what fits yours needs.

For schools, Howard County has a great website...... http://www.hcpss.org . It has test scores and demographics on all schools. Howard County is known for great schools. Keep in mind price plays a key role based upon economics. Schools that have high scores also are more expensive places to the live.

I was born and raised in Howard County and the Columbia area. Please let me know if I can help you further.