Economic problems and violence due to guerrilla warfare in Columbia have led to the immigration of Colombians to the United States, particularly in South Florida, Central Florida, New Jersey, Queens County in New York City, Philadelphia, the Washington DC metro area, eastern Long Island, and an expanding community in the Los Angeles, Houston and Atlanta areas. While Columbians initially settled in urban areas, they are increasingly migrating to suburban areas in states like New Jersey and Connecticut, as their socioeconomic status improves.

Musical styles that are enjoyed by Colombian Americans include vallenato, salsa and cumbia. The majority of Colombians are marginal Roman Catholics. Colombian food is varied due to the several distinct regions of Colombia. Popular dishes include bandeja paisa, sancocho (chicken or fish soup with plantain), empanadas (meat-filled turnovers), pandebono and pan de queso (types of cheese-bread), and arepas (corncake similar to a tortilla). The main pastime of Colombians in the United States is soccer, and most Colombian Americans raised in the United States continue to follow soccer. Another popular pastime, especially among the older generation, is parqués, a Colombian board game which is very similar to Parcheesi.