Market Overview
Columbia's median sold price is $485K with homes averaging 24 days on market; Severn is at $510K and 36 days (12-month settled sales in smover's records, through Aug 2026). Severn is pricier ($510K median vs $485K), a difference of about $25K. Columbia moves faster, with homes averaging 24 days on market compared to 36 in Severn. Columbia offers a lower entry point at $200K–$1.2M.
Columbia
MD
Severn
MD
Median Sold Price
12 months through Aug 2026
$485K
$510K
Avg Days on Market
12 months through Aug 2026
24 days
36 days
Price Range
$200K–$1.2M
$200K–$750K
Notable Neighborhoods
Wilde Lake, Kings Contrivance, River Hill, Long Reach
Severn Run, Meade Village, Piney Orchard, Arundel Mills
Schools
Columbia has a 87% average SOL pass rate; Severn has 77% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Columbia include Wilde Lake High School and Atholton High School; in Severn, Meade High School and Old Mill High School. See Columbia schools | See Severn schools
Columbia
MD
Severn
MD
Avg Pass Rate
87%
77%
Public schools
Wilde Lake High School, Atholton High School, Hammond High School
Meade High School, Old Mill High School, Severn River Middle School
These are district-wide assessment results. Verify current school assignments, boundaries, and programs with each local district for a specific address.
Commute
Severn is closer to downtown at ~40 minutes vs ~45 minutes. Neither city has direct Metro access. Major highway access: Columbia (I-95, Rt 29, Rt 175), Severn (I-97, Rt 32, Rt 3).
Columbia
MD
Severn
MD
Drive to Downtown
~45 min
~40 min
Metro Stations
No Metro access
No Metro access
Metro Lines
N/A
N/A
Major Highways
I-95, Rt 29, Rt 175, Rt 32
I-97, Rt 32, Rt 3
Commuter Rail
None
None
MD
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Related Comparisons
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Columbia or Severn more affordable?
Columbia is more affordable with a median sold price of $485K, compared to $510K in Severn (12-month settled sales in smover's records, through Aug 2026). Both cities offer a wide range of housing options, from condos and townhomes to single-family homes. Columbia prices range from $200K–$1.2M. Severn prices range from $200K–$750K.
What are the public-school pass rates in Columbia and Severn?
Columbia public schools have a 87% average SOL pass rate; Severn has 77% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Columbia include Wilde Lake High School and Atholton High School; in Severn, Meade High School and Old Mill High School. Pass rates reflect district-wide assessment results; check the specific assigned schools for any address.
Which is easier to commute from, Columbia or Severn?
Severn has the shorter commute to downtown at ~40 minutes vs ~45 minutes. Columbia has no direct Metro access. Severn has no direct Metro access.
How do Columbia and Severn compare?
Columbia is a master-planned community in Howard County, known for its village system, lakefront areas, extensive trails, and central Maryland location. Severn is a growing community in Anne Arundel County near Fort Meade and the NSA, with access to Baltimore and D. The right choice depends on your priorities: budget, commute length, home types, and neighborhood feel. smover lets you compare agent profiles and available transaction records in either city.
Median sold prices and days on market are 12-month aggregates of settled sales in smover's records, through Aug 2026. School data from Virginia DOE, Maryland MSDE, and DC OSSE public reports. Property tax rates from Virginia Dept. of Taxation (2024). Walkability scores from Walk Score (2024). Crime data from FBI UCR and Virginia State Police (2023). Commute times are approximate rush-hour estimates. Updated September 2026.