Posted on April 9, 2021 by Miller and Smith Blog Team
– by Alice Shapin – Baltimoremagazine.com
COLUMBIA FOREVER
“It seems, once a Columbia resident, always a Columbia resident,” says Catherine Taylor, sales manager of the Eden Brook active-adult community in Columbia, built by Miller and Smith. Columbia has everything—restaurants, retail, 3,600 acres of lush green space, 114 miles of pathways and sidewalks for walking, biking and jogging, man-made lakes, and ponds.
“Residents just don’t want to move away,” remarks Taylor. So it was with 73-year-old longtime Columbia resident Paula Kampel. Kampel has lived in Columbia for 48 years. “When my husband died, the house was too big for only me, and my kids were concerned about the stairs.” Kampel looked at several options, including a condo, but didn’t like having to park in a garage and then bring her groceries up to her apartment. “I also realized I wanted more space than a condo offered, and I would really miss my screened-in porch.” When Kampel heard about the Eden Brook Active Adult community elevator townhomes with zero entrance (no steps), it seemed perfect. “It’s only two miles from my present home, close to my daughter, who also lives in Columbia, and even closer to the village shopping center I currently walk to. And I was able to get my screened-in porch.” Checking all the boxes, Kampel will be moving in August, and says, “It’s the best of all worlds.”
Two other converts are Edith Koleoso, 62, and Dr. James King, 73, who were getting married and wanted a new place to call their own. Dr. King presently lives in Columbia, Koleoso in Gambrills, and both were excited when they saw signs for Eden Brook. “Columbia offers us our ideal lifestyle,” says Koleoso. “Everything is so walkable. It’s a little like city living, but with plenty of green space and amenities.” The lot they chose is in a quiet area and, she says, “offers just enough socialization and community.”