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 May in Longfellow

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

May 9, 2026

Books in Bloom Festival (10th Anniversary)

Color Burst Park, Merriweather District, Columbia, MD • 11:00 AM–3:00 PM

A free, family‑friendly day celebrating reading with local author showcases, interactive creator labs, and teen writer presentations—perfect for Longfellow residents looking for literary fun and community connection.

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May 16, 2026

Columbia Community Market – Spring Edition

Owen Brown Interfaith Center, Columbia, MD • 10 AM–2 PM

A local market featuring 30+ vendors, food, and free entry—great for families in Longfellow to shop, sample and enjoy community vibes without traveling far.

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May 16–17, 2026

Wine in the Woods Festival

Merriweather Park at Symphony Woods, Columbia, MD • May 16: 11 AM–6 PM; May 17: 11 AM–5 PM

A premier regional wine festival with live music and artisan vendors in a scenic setting—enjoyable for residents near Longfellow seeking an engaging local day‑trip.

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Tuesdays in May 2026 (May 19 & 26)

Drop‑in Garden Time at Columbia's Agriculture Park

Demonstration Gardens, Columbia's Agriculture Park, 1769 W Ash St, Columbia, MD • 5:30 PM–7:00 PM

Weekly informal gardening sessions offering hands‑on experience and expert advice—ideal for Longfellow gardeners or families wanting to learn about growing food locally.

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May 26, 2026

Veterans Urban Farm Memorial Day Dinner

CCUA's Veterans Urban Farm, Columbia's Agriculture Park, Columbia, MD • 5:30 PM–8:30 PM

A meaningful community meal with remembrance ceremony, farm tours, resource booths and yard games—great for neighbors to honor Memorial Day and connect with local agriculture.

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Saturdays beginning May 27, 2026

Columbia Farmers Market – Wednesdays Evening Hours Start

Columbia Farmers Market, Columbia, MD • Wednesdays 4:00 PM–7:00 PM

Starting late May, the farmers market adds weekday evening hours with fresh produce and community activities—a convenient outing for Longfellow families mid‑week.

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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