Columbia attracts visitors, being home to the Turkey Hill Experience, National Watch & Clock Collectors Museum, Wright's Ferry Mansion and the many Victorian era buildings in the Historic District. As a result, Columbia has been named one of "The 20 Best Small Towns to Visit in 2014" by Smithsonian magazine.

A small river town in the Susquehanna Valley, Columbia is a community that is in the midst of being revitalized. With a long, well-rooted history and a distinct culture, Columbia is a tightly knit community where local residents have known each other for generations. Sound daunting? Simmer down -- you won't be an outcast. Being convenient to major business and industrial areas means that residents have also become used to seeing new faces, and this makes Columbia a great destination for folks looking to move into the Susquehanna Region.

Moving to Columbia

If you're looking for an apartment for rent in Columbia, you won't need too long in terms of lead time -- the town has plenty of rental units, with nearly half of the total housing units being renter-occupied. There's not an exceptionally high demand for units either, so you won't be pressured. You'll want to make sure to have all the usual paperwork and deposits ready, of course -- you don't want to miss out on a prime apartment rental because you left your pay stub at home.

When you live in Columbia you have an interesting choice on your hands -- do you want something cheap, something convenient, or something modern? You can get a cheap unit in an apartment complex like Oak Hollow or Oswego Village, but it won't be particularly modern. Likewise, you can get a budget apartment rental in the center of town, which is convenient, but even then it isn't likely to be particularly modern. Look just outside of the center of town, or far on the outskirts, and you can find a more amenity-filled house or apartment for rent.

So, where should you shack up in this Pennsylvania town? There are no well-defined neighborhoods in Columbia, but there are certainly differences between the various areas of town. Living in the borough center puts you near plenty of businesses, and means you can walk or bike to pretty much anything you need -- food, work, and entertainment is all right there. Down by the Susquehanna River are some of the oldest units you'll come across in your search for apartments. Sound dreary? Don't write off these units just yet! In a river-adjacent apartment you'll have the opportunity to enjoy some pleasant scenery from your windows.

The public transportation is here is decent, with a number of bus routes running around town as well as to York and Lancaster. A car is still nice to have though, particularly when the weather gets nasty. Did you know that you won't be moving to a tropical climate? Winters can get frigid, with months of weather around or below-freezing temperatures.

Living in Columbia

Columbia is a town well steeped in history -- historic buildings have been transformed into apartments, historical events such as the burning of the Wrightsville Bridge are celebrated annually, and it's one of the top towns for antiquing in the region. Much of the downtown is part of the Columbia Historic District, with over 800 buildings on its register.

We know, we know, we mentioned the cold winters. But wait, there's more! You can still get outdoors for much of the year and really enjoy yourself. The Susquehanna River and surrounding forests and parks provide year-round activities. Chickies Rock County Park is a popular destination for hiking and enjoying the view, while you can toss a fishing line in from pretty much anywhere along the banks of the river. There are plenty of places to put a boat in the river as well, but be careful -- the Susquehanna River has become known for claiming boaters who aren't wary of the strong currents.

Columbia residents do like their food, and there is a good variety in the area. Right across the river in Wrightsville, the John Wright Restaurant serves classy, seasonal American fare, with much of it sourced from the surrounding area. In the heart of Columbia, you can find tastes from the heart of the bayou at Prudhomme's Lost Cajun Kitchen.

You can't talk about Columbia without mentioning the love of clocks. The town is home to the National Association of Watch and Clock Collectors, and has one of the most thorough watch collections in the world at the local museum. It's also home to a clock tower, library, and the School of Horology -- get your mind out of the gutter! -- that trains professional watch repairers.

Apartments for Rent in Columbia, PA

Apartments for Rent in Columbia, PA

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147 Locust Street - 1

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How much is rent in Columbia, PA?

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Average rent in Columbia, Pennsylvania

Average rent in Columbia, Pennsylvania

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147 Locust Street - 1

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513 Locust Street

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How much is rent in Columbia, PA?

How much is rent in Columbia, PA?

How can I find a pet-friendly apartment in Columbia, PA?

How can I find a pet-friendly apartment in Columbia, PA?

How much should I pay for rent in Columbia, PA?

How much should I pay for rent in Columbia, PA?

How can I find off-campus housing in Columbia, PA?

How can I find off-campus housing in Columbia, PA?