Columbia, PA - any thoughts? (Lancaster, Harrisburg: section 8, for sale, real estate market)

[denise817]

I've noticed from researching the real estate market that a LOT of houses are up for sale in Columbia, PA. Is there a reason why so many people are leaving the town? I'm looking to move and a lot of the houses there seem nice, but there must be a reason why everyone seems to be selling.

[danwxman]

I just drove through the town a few days ago...I didn't notice anything particularly bad about it. It's got some BEAUTIFUL historic homes, and it's conveniently located right off Rt 30 between York and Lancaster. Close to Rt 30 there's some run-down sections, but I thought most of the downtown was nice, with some pizza shops, corner stores, art shops etc.

[trlstreet]

I like Columbia, from the 4-5 times I've been there. It has some tough areas and its downtown is far from bustling, but it seems to have a lot going for it. There is a lot of history there, a lot of great old homes that can be had for a good price. Its on the river (though separated by the rr tracks) and a convenient commute from York, Lancaster, and probably even Harrisburg (stretching it). I think Columbia has a lot of potential to become an even better town if they can get what once used to be a sizable business district kick started.

[whlutz]

I have lived in Columbia all of my life and I know most if not everything about it. My cousin is currently the mayor and the community is slowly coming back to life. To answer denise817 question about so many homes being for sale is "no" there is nothing wrong with Columbia. Property taxes are a major problem and many people can no longer afford to pay them because their wages have not kept pace. Also, section 8 housing is another problem that needs to be addressed. These problems will be addressed. Homes are priced well below market value so jump on them, they are very beautiful and have great potential. We also need some new thinking to come into town...so please come, it's a wonderful community.

[danwxman]

Originally Posted by whlutz

I have lived in Columbia all of my life and I know most if not everything about it. My cousin is currently the mayor and the community is slowly coming back to life. To answer denise817 question about so many homes being for sale is "no" there is nothing wrong with Columbia. Property taxes are a major problem and many people can no longer afford to pay them because their wages have not kept pace. Also, section 8 housing is another problem that needs to be addressed. These problems will be addressed. Homes are priced well below market value so jump on them, they are very beautiful and have great potential. We also need some new thinking to come into town...so please come, it's a wonderful community.

Wasn't there a plan a couple years ago for a 20-story condo tower along the river? Whatever happened to that?

[jeffselan]

I might be wrong but I thought it was jobs. I don't live too far from there. Looks like the downtown died like so many others across the USA.

Great town though, near Amish country. Very easy drive to York, Lancaster, ect.

[whlutz]

Hello danexman,
In response to your question about the 20 story apartment building, this is what's happening. The site has been cleared, but there was a problem with ground contamination, because the site was a foundry for over 100 years. This problem has been overcome and permits are in the pipeline. There are also plans being undertaken to re-route the truck traffic away from the downtown and along the river. This is plan is vital in bringing the downtown back to something like it used to be. We are working very hard to overcome many obstacles that are hindering a comeback, but we can it. We heed some fresh ideas and new thinking and your comments are welcome.

[whlutz]

Hello Jeff,
Yes, years ago jobs, or lack of them, were a major issue in Columbia. Over the years people have learned that if they want a fairly good paying job they can't expect to get one a few blocks away from their front door. What killed the downtown was something called Park City and the drive 20 miles to buy something mind set. With gas prices what they are now and what it costs to drive that 20 miles, downtown Columbia is starting to look pretty good again, why drive when all you have do do is take a short walk? If we can over come the problem of speculaters buying these wonderful victorian homes that are undervalued by market terms and renting them out to section 8 people and get young professionals to buy them that want to raise families, Columbia will make a very dramic comeback. If you buy one, there are all kinds of grants available to help you fix them up. I encourage young professionals to look into it, we are after all the midpoint of two counties.

[Positiveone]

Isnt Columbia in Lancaster County? If so then i thought the job market was strong in Lancaster County as i read from many posts/threads on city/data.

[whlutz]

Positiveone,
Yes, the job market is strong in Lancaster County. If you read my post I am saying that the job market in the Boro of Columbia is no-existent and people have now learned they must travel to find meaningful employment. Columbia is becoming a bedroom community like so many others. What is a major problem in Columbia that hurts development and lowers property values and contributes to some serious crime is that their are over 1,500 renters in this small town and that means a transiant population. Most are section 8 renters and they don't care about Columbia in any way. This is hurting Columbia in the worse way. As a life long resident and coming from a family thats been here over 150 years I am very heart sick seeing how a lot of Columbia has deteiorated. We are working to change all of that but we need time and help. We need young professionals with families to buy homes here and make a commitment to building a life in Columbia. This will raise property values and drive landlord speculators out.