Evergreens at Columbia Town Center

Pros

• The Evergreens at Columbia Town Center is described as beautiful, well kept, and attractive.
• The staff are fantastic, friendly, helpful, and responsive.
• The community offers a wide range of activities and amenities, including a pool, hot tub, gym, gardens, and social events.
• The apartments are spacious and well equipped, with in-unit washers/dryers and full kitchens, and some have balconies.
• The community feels safe, welcoming, and it fosters a strong sense of belonging.
• The location is very convenient, directly across from Columbia Mall with nearby shops, restaurants, and transit.
• The pricing is reasonably priced, offering good value for the area.
• Residents have described living there as a five-star-like experience, supported by professional management and a sense of luxury.

Cons

• The grounds were disruptive.
• The price was too expensive for some.
• There is no dining area.
• The upfront entrance fee plus high rent made it unaffordable for some potential residents.

Review

Evergreens at Columbia Town Center is best suited for active retirees and couples who want a high-end, independent-living experience anchored in a prime Columbia, Maryland location. This community serves those who value a sophisticated residential environment with plenty of social activity, well-maintained grounds, and a robust slate of amenities. The appeal is enhanced by direct proximity to the Columbia Town Center Mall, restaurants, theaters, and convenient transit options, making daily errands and social outings easy without a car. It is a turnkey option for residents who can manage their own meals and daily routines while enjoying the ambiance of a resort-like setting.

Those who should consider alternatives are precisely the individuals whose needs extend beyond independent living. The Evergreens does not offer on-site dining or formal care services, so households seeking daily meals or continuous assistance should look elsewhere - likely at true assisted living or continuing-care environments. Budget-conscious buyers will want to weigh the monthly rent against the value received, as several reviews flag the price as a meaningful consideration. The upfront cost is modest by some market standards, but the ongoing rent in this highly desirable area can strain a tight budget, especially when long-term care costs are not included.

The strongest positives here - apartments that feel luxurious, abundant common spaces, and a lively social calendar - often offset the most notable drawbacks. Residents enjoy swimming and a hot tub, a well-equipped gym, a greenhouse, and outdoor spaces that invite relaxation and conversation. In-unit advantages matter: each apartment typically includes a full kitchen, a washer and dryer, and often a balcony, while parking and mall-adjacent convenience add undeniable value. The price of admission buys maintenance-free living, security, and the reassurance of a well-staffed environment with responsive managers, which many reviewers describe as professional and cordial. The community also prioritizes connections, with frequent events, games, live music, and group activities that foster a genuine sense of belonging.

Living experience across long-tenured residents and newer arrivals reinforces a practical, community-first vibe. Several comments highlight staff excellence and a welcoming atmosphere, with residents praising the cleanliness, ongoing maintenance, and the effort to create a real sense of neighborhood. Testimonials from people who have lived there for years describe a reliable, hotel-like quality of life, where social interactions are plentiful and friendly, and where common rooms are designed for gatherings, parties, and informal entertainment. The guest-room option for visiting family demonstrates a hospitality-oriented culture, while tours and move-in experiences are depicted as smooth and professional, supported by proactive management.

For families evaluating options, the decision hinges on prioritizing social stimulation and convenience versus cost and care coverage. If the goal is a vibrant, socially engaged independent living environment with upscale amenities and a walkable, mall-facing location, this community ranks highly. If daily meals, on-site dining, or regular health services are non-negotiable, alternatives with inclusive dining plans or structured care will be necessary. Prospective residents should also weigh the price against the quality of life, and consider testing fit by staying a night or two in the guest room to gauge personal comfort, pace, and the feel of the community firsthand.

Bottom line: Evergreens at Columbia Town Center excels for discerning seniors who want a polished, amenity-rich independent living experience in a premier location, backed by responsive staff and a strong sense of community. It is less well-suited for households needing ongoing care, on-site dining, or budget-sensitive plans. For those in the latter category, exploring lower-cost independent options or communities with bundled meals and care options will be prudent. Prospective movers should engage in a thorough visit, review the activity calendar, confirm the dining arrangements (or lack thereof), and assess whether the lifestyle, location, and monthly pricing align with long-term needs and finances.

Physicians

• Mid Atlantic Nephrology Association (0.2 miles)
• Columbia Dermatology Center (0.2 miles)
• Hopkins gastroenterology clinic (0.2 miles)
• American Spine (0.2 miles)
• Aina, Abimbola Center for Maternal and Fetal Medicine (0.3 miles)
• American Vein Institute (0.3 miles)
• Parnes May & Associate - Wendy Hurwitz MD (2.8 miles)

Hospitals

• Howard County General Hospital (0.3 miles)
• Howard County General Hospital, Johns Hopkins Medicine (0.3 miles)
• Sheppard Pratt Health System (5.5 miles)
• Bon Secours Health System (7.9 miles)
• Spring Grove Hospital Center (9.1 miles)

Pharmacies

• CVS Pharmacy (0.5 miles)
• Walgreens (2.2 miles)
• Walgreens (3.3 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (3.5 miles)
• Wegmans (3.7 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (4.6 miles)
• Walgreens (4.6 miles)

Cafes

• Starbucks (0.5 miles)
• Café Nordstrom (1 miles)
• Starbucks (2.9 miles)
• Starbucks (3.4 miles)
• Starbucks (3.7 miles)
• Starbucks (4.1 miles)
• Tous Les Jours (5 miles)

Restaurants

• McDonald's (0.7 miles)
• Cured / 18th & 21st (0.7 miles)
• Akira Ramen & Izakaya (0.8 miles)
• The Cheesecake Factory (0.9 miles)
• The Food Market (0.9 miles)
• Uncle Julio's (0.9 miles)
• P.F. Chang's China Bistro (0.9 miles)

Theaters

• AMC Columbia 14 (0.9 miles)
• Cinemark Holdings (9.1 miles)

Parks

• Martin Road Park (1.9 miles)
• Centennial Park (2.1 miles)
• Blandair Regional Park (2.4 miles)
• Lake Elkhorn Park (2.8 miles)
• Centennial Park (3 miles)
• David Force Park (5.6 miles)
• Triadelphia Reservoir (7 miles)

Places of Worship

• Bridgeway Community Church (3.1 miles)
• St Augustine's Church (8.8 miles)