Columbia

Longfellow, Columbia Neighborhood

Harper's Choice is a calm and inviting neighborhood known for its quiet atmosphere and well-distributed green spaces close by. The residential options include a variety of single detached homes, townhouses, and small apartment buildings, offering spacious layouts with three or more bedrooms. Residents benefit from convenient access to primary and secondary schools throughout the area, fostering educational opportunities within easy reach. The neighborhood features numerous bike lanes that support comfortable cycling across the community. Dining needs are met with several local restaurants and cafes, while grocery stores are accessible for many residents. Parking is ample, contributing to hassle-free vehicle use.

The character of Harper's Choice is exemplified by its relaxed environment. The noise levels in this part of the community are very low, as the streets are usually very peaceful. Finally, although the neighborhood does not contain any public green spaces, parks are very well-situated in nearby neighborhoods, resulting in them being easy to get to from the majority of locations within Harper's Choice.

Highlights of Longfellow

Parks, schools, dining, and what makes this neighborhood special

🌳 Longfellow Park

Located at the heart of the neighborhood on Hesperus Drive, Longfellow Park is a beloved green space featuring a large playground, baseball fields, basketball courts, and picnic pavilions, making it a gathering spot for local families and community events.

🏫 Longfellow Elementary School

Situated on Hesperus Drive, Longfellow Elementary is known for its strong academic reputation and active PTA, serving as a cornerstone for neighborhood families and fostering a tight-knit community spirit.

🍽️ Food Trucks at Longfellow Pool

In the summer months, residents flock to the Longfellow Pool on Green Mountain Circle where local food trucks regularly set up, creating a casual and family-friendly dining hangout after a swim.

🛒 Harper's Choice Village Center

Just minutes away via Cedar Lane, this shopping plaza serves Longfellow residents with a Safeway, restaurants like Hunan Legend, the Harper's Choice Pharmacy, and essential services within easy reach.

🚴 Columbia Association Pathways

The neighborhood is interwoven with Columbia’s scenic pathway system, offering residents access to miles of trails for walking, running, and biking, including picturesque routes through woods and along Wilde Lake.

Longfellow

This November in Longfellow

Things to do, events, and what's happening this month

November 3, 2026

Adventure Day

Columbia Association Columbia Gym

A convenient school-break option for Longfellow families, Adventure Day welcomes children in grades K–6 for supervised activities at a Columbia Association facility. Parents can register children for a full day of recreation, with early-care available for an additional fee.

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November 7, 2026

Cranksgiving

Downtown Columbia

This community bike ride is a nearby way for Longfellow residents to enjoy Columbia’s pathways while helping neighbors in need. Cyclists of all skill levels bring food donations for Grassroots Crisis Intervention, making the outing a social, active, and service-oriented way to spend a November weekend.

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November 7, 2026

Howard County Drone Show

Columbia Lakefront • 4:30 PM–7:30 PM

Residents can enjoy a free evening at the Columbia Lakefront with food trucks, live music, a veterans monument celebration, and an approximately 15-minute drone show set to music. Its central Columbia location makes this an especially easy family-friendly outing from Longfellow.

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November 9, 2026

Through the Eyes of a Community Health Worker: A Photovoice Exhibition

East Columbia 50+ Center • 6:00 PM–7:30 PM

This free neighborhood storytelling event uses photography to highlight strengths and opportunities in Owen Brown. Longfellow residents interested in local history, community health, or civic conversation can view residents’ perspectives, discuss Columbia-area issues, and enjoy light refreshments close to home.

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November 6, 2026–January 10, 2027

Irving Berlin’s White Christmas

Toby’s Dinner Theatre • Various performances

Toby’s seasonal production offers Longfellow residents an easy local night out combining live musical theater with dinner. The familiar holiday story, classic Irving Berlin songs, and Columbia location make it suitable for date nights, family celebrations, or an early start to the holiday season.

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From the Neighborhood

Stories, updates, and things to know in Longfellow

Know Your Neighborhood

Local characteristics and demographics for Longfellow

Neighborhood Characteristics

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Demographics

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