It’s not in the heart of Columbia but highly recommend Brompton House in Elkridge (about 5 minutes from columbia and all the shopping centers. 10 minutes from the mall. I lived there for 2 years and paid $2000 for a 3 bedroom townhome with a garage. That includes all the amenities so a gym, pool for kids and other little things! The community is extremely family friendly and the complex is tucked away and there is a ton of places to walk right next to the apartment!