Welcome to Howard County

Set away from the noise of the city, Howard County offers a tranquil, peaceful lifestyle.

Conveniently located in the heart of central Maryland between Baltimore and Washington, Howard County offers the perfect blend of modern living with historic charm. The county is consistently ranked among the most affluent, advanced, and educated communities in the United States. The origins of Howard County date back to the 1800s, when it officially became the 21st of Maryland’s 23 total counties in 1851. The county was primarily agricultural in character until 1966, as construction began on the new town of Columbia. Now, with approximately 100,000 residents, Columbia is well-known as an expertly-planned community and a desirable place to reside.

Since its early days, Howard County has become a highly sought-after place to live, work, and play. Residents can enjoy the very best of access to leading educational and healthcare institutions, premier retail, and breathtaking recreation and entertainment options. 

What to Love 

  • Close access to nature and ample recreational opportunities 
  • Highly regarded educational institutions, including both public and private schools 
  • Community events and festivals throughout the year
  • Everything from bustling modern and historic cities to horse and farm country

Local Lifestyle 

Howard County is the perfect blend of historic and modern, while also being both rural and urban. There’s plenty of reasons that residents from all walks of life are drawn to Howard County, spanning from retirees to families to working professionals. For example, if you want a suburban feel with ample historic charm and character, then you might like living in Ellicott City. Meanwhile, those who prefer countryside living over the busyness of a city might opt to live in Western Howard Counties rural charm. 

With many large and small communities to choose from, you’ll be sure to find one that suits you. There’s a neighborhood for every lifestyle. Howard County is home to 110,370 households and is proud to boast a robust economy. It’s situated closely to 50 federal agencies, universities, and many Fortune 500 companies, along with various technology, defense, and health care companies. 

Dining, Entertainment & Shopping

For some retail therapy, head over to The Mall in Columbia. This premier retail destination consists of over 200 stores, ranging from local boutiques to designer stores. Hungry after shopping? Grab a bite to eat at Konstantine’s Greek Taverna, which is known for their delicious Mediterranean cuisine and cozy atmosphere. Opt to celebrate a night out at Stanford Grill, known for their upscale American menu and sophisticated ambiance or to Tersiguel’s in downtown Ellicott City for fantastic farm to table French cuisine. For a more exotic experience, head over to Royal Taj Restaurant, a relaxed eatery that offers delicious Indian food.

Things to Do

No matter your interests, there’s no shortage of things to do in Howard County. Whether you prefer spending the day outside connecting with nature or attending a concert with friends, you can find something for yourself. If you’re new to town, be sure to check out the Howard County Fair, a family-friendly week-long event that takes place in August. 

The Merriweather Post Pavilion, located in Columbia, is an outdoor concert venue nestled on a 40-acre lot. The venue has provided artists and fans with good times, great music, and awesome memories since first opening 52 years ago, and the Pavillion features a wide array of musical talent and genres over the concert season. 

For a more relaxing activity, spend some time outdoors at the Centennial Lake, an expansive 325-acre park that features a 52-acre lake nestled at the center. Walk, run, or bike the 2.6 mile paved pathway that weaves its way around the lake. Patapsco Valley State Park, located in Ellicott City, is another great place to spend time in nature around Howard County. 

Schools

Howard County is served by the Howard County School District and is proud to offer its students close access to a number of exemplary schools, including: 

  • Centennial High School
  • Marriotts Ridge High School
  • Glenelg Country Day School
  • River Hill High School
  • Many many others with fantastic reputations which draw new residents from all over the world
 

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