Columbia Ranks Among 'Best Cities in America' on 2016 List

COLUMBIA, MD  — New rankings have landed Columbia in the third spot on the 2016 Best Cities in America list.

Niche.com analyzed 224 cities for its list, and Columbia was number three, after winner Arlington, Va., and runner-up Cambridge, Mass.

What do you think makes Columbia one of the best cities in America? Tell us in the comments!

The service information provider used data from the U.S. Census, FBI and other official sources to evaluate factors such as crime, education, cost of living, employment opportunities and community amenities.

Then Niche.com issued letter grades in various categories, and Columbia received high marks except when it came to cost of living, where it earned a "C."

Columbia received an A+ for its education, public schools, diversity and health/fitness offerings.

Pictured, Lake Elkhorn in Columbia. The city received an "A" for family amenities and an "A-" for outdoor activities on Niche.com's 2016 rankings of the best cities in which to live. Photo Credit: Elizabeth Janney.