HOWARD COUNTY

County Offices
3430 Courthouse Drive
Ellicott City 410-313-2001
https://www.howardcountymd.gov

Chamber of Commerce
5560 Sterrett Place
Columbia 410-730-4111
https://www.howardchamber.com

Settled in the early 1700s, Howard County is a study in contrasts. Some sections were settled before the birth of our nation itself, while other areas have just recently seen rapid development spurred by the region’s industrial growth. Originally, tobacco farming was the primary activity, followed by commerce and industry. Modern Howard County has managed to incorporate the rich legacy of its historic past with a dynamic present and bright future. Old mills, architectural landmarks, farmland and open countryside have all been preserved in this region where the rolling green hills of the Piedmont meet the rocky fall line of the glaciers. Amid the presence of high-tech industries, the breeding of thoroughbred horses is still one of the county’s primary activities.

Prosperous Howard County is one of the fastest growing regions in Maryland, due in part to its location along major transportation routes and its proximity to excellent transportation facilities. A port, railroad lines and the BWI Airport are all convenient to area businesses. Commuters enjoy a number of major thoroughfares, both interstates and federal highways. Located in one of the largest employment centers in the nation, Howard County provides residential communities and neighborhoods for commuters that represent approximately two-thirds of the population. At the same time, a significant number of residents are employed locally by companies involved in high-tech engineering, biotechnology and telecommunications.

Services
Newcomers to Howard County can look forward to nationally recognized healthcare facilities and services. Howard County General Hospital is a member of Johns Hopkins Medicine, serving the community for more than 25 years. The hospital was awarded JCAHO Accreditation with Commendation, a level of accreditation that only 15 percent of U.S. hospitals ever receive. Supportive healthcare facilities in the county provide long-term and acute-care services, prenatal and child care, geriatric services, and mental health programs.

Education is a lifelong pursuit in Howard County, where highly respected public schools offer state-of-the-art teaching methods and curricula. Computers and technology are widely integrated, both as educational tools and in the teaching of student literacy. Affordable opportunities to pursue a higher education close to home are available at Howard Community College. Situated beside a lake on a 120-acre wooded campus, the college offers a wide range of academic pursuits and extracurricular activities for students of all ages and walks of life. Graduate courses are also available in Columbia from Loyola College, Johns Hopkins and Towson State University. Other popular choices are the University of Maryland-College Park and the University of Maryland-Baltimore County.

Quality of Life
Beyond providing a favorable and unique location in the metropolitan area, Howard County also offers an outstanding environment in which to live, work, play and raise a family. The County’s innovative and efficient land-use planning and public services enhance the high quality of life. The area boasts cultural activities and entertainment for every age and taste. Within the county are numerous historic landmarks, a headliner amphitheater, countless cultural and arts festivals, other special events, and several fine museums.

Within a 30-minute drive are the famous metropolitan jewels of Washington and Baltimore with world-class professional sports and performing arts venues. When residents of Howard County are feeling the need for a getaway or day trip, the Atlantic Ocean, the mountains, the City of Philadelphia and even the glittering “Big Apple” of New York City are among the popular destinations.

Although the cultural resources of Baltimore and Washington, DC are close at hand, Howard County hosts a local ballet company, children’s theater, and concerts at Merriweather Post Pavilion. The Alfred J. Smith, Jr., Theatre for the performing arts at Howard Community College provides the setting for an outstanding cultural arts program. Organized activities for children bring families, friends, and neighbors together. The active parks and recreation department even plans holiday parties, sponsors a toddler swim class at the YMCA, and presents concerts and theater programs. The Columbia Teen Center has developed educational and recreational services, including drop-in after school enrichment programs. Local libraries sponsor puppet shows and active scouting troops and 4-H clubs flourish as well.

Throughout the small towns and countryside of Howard County, the options for attractive and relatively affordable housing continue to draw new residents. Ranches, multi-story family homes, suburban communities, country estates, and horse properties are just a few of the choices. Regardless of the city, town, or village you decide to call home, Howard County has the idyllic setting for every imaginable lifestyle.

Clarkesville
County Offices
410-313-2001
https://www.howardcountymd.gov

Chamber of Commerce
410-730-4111
https://www.howardchamber.com

Retaining its original character as an agricultural community, Clarkesville offers a small-town ambiance that attracts many people seeking a country lifestyle. Even though farms are slowly giving way to suburban and even urban development, the appeal of rural charm and tranquility remains. Many refer to Clarkesville as a “crossroads community” because of the intersection of Clarksville and Highland roads. The Highland’s intersection now offers a community market and select shops and services. Clarksville is also the site of the River Hill Village Center for additional retail and service establishments. Beautiful, large homes dot the beautiful landscape, although a diversity of housing is available. North of town is the University of Maryland Central Farm and to the southeast is The Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory.

Columbia
County Offices
410-313-2001
https://www.howardcountymd.gov

Chamber of Commerce
410-730-4111
https://www.howardchamber.com

As a planned community of self-contained villages, Columbia is home to half of the county’s businesses and about one-third of the population. Everything that the community’s well-educated residents might require is available in town close to home, from a shopping mall to a large concert hall. Employment opportunities close to home include major developments like Howard County General Hospital, Howard Community College and Columbia Mall. Among the recreational amenities are two golf courses, ice and roller-skating rinks, indoor and outdoor pools, and 5,000 acres of parkland. Over 100 housing styles are available, with many home sites set on hillsides, in wooded valleys, and along lakes and streams. In fact, Columbia offers one of the highest concentration of contemporary style homes in the county.

Elkridge
County Offices
410-313-2001
https://www.howardcountymd.gov

Chamber of Commerce
410-730-4111
https://www.howardchamber.com

Once a prosperous center of shipping activity and ironworks, Elkridge is distinguished as the county’s oldest settlement. The community still retains evidence of its early days in beautiful churches, elegant estates, and quaint 18th-century bridges. Some of these historic sites are still in use while others serve as tourist attractions. The housing selection harmonizes quaint Victorian homes with newer construction in a wide variety of architectural sizes, price ranges, and sizes. Grocery stores and retail shops are close to all neighborhoods, and the main street district is quiet even though it borders Route 1. Patapsco Valley State Park and Rockburn Branch Park offer a variety of recreational facilities.

Ellicott City
County Offices
410-313-2001
https://www.howardcountymd.gov

Chamber of Commerce
410-730-4111
https://www.howardchamber.com

Historic Ellicott City, nestled in a valley along the Patapsco River, is one of Maryland’s most unique communities. Winding its way up from the Patapsco River, the main street shopping district features a railway station museum, antique and craft shops, galleries and fine restaurants. Patapsco State Park is the site of many outdoor activities, ensuring abundant natural beauty and open space for a wealth of recreation. Home styles range from quaint, older houses located in the historic area to new construction. Beyond Ellicott City’s historic heart, residential areas flow from the Patapsco River toward the center of Howard County. A business district also follows Baltimore National Pike and the area offers two golf courses.

Glenelg, Glenwood, Lisbon
County Offices
410-313-2001
https://www.howardcountymd.gov

Chamber of Commerce
410-730-4111
https://www.howardchamber.com

The unincorporated communities of Glenelg and Glenwood in western Howard County are experiencing considerable growth. Offering a country setting, these communities are close to Interstate 70 and Route 97 for a convenient commute into Washington, DC. Basic shopping needs are met locally with large regional malls located just 30 minutes away. Local recreational activities include fishing and boating at Triadelphia Lake or hiking at Patuxent River State Park. Among the dairy farms, cornfields, and stables of horses, new residential neighborhoods have developed in villages like Lisbon, West Friendship, Daisy, and Florence. Lisbon once served as a resort town popular with summer visitors who came to escape the heat. Many of the homes were built prior to the Civil War, some of which have been carefully restored. Lisbon offers residents a peaceful small town atmosphere where rolling open countryside provides a pastoral backdrop to the rolling farms and historic churches.

Highland
County Offices
410-313-2001
https://www.howardcountymd.gov

Chamber of Commerce
410-730-4111
https://www.howardchamber.com

Accessible to US Route 29, Highland affords residents a quiet, rural lifestyle combined with an easy commute to major employment centers. Situated midway between Baltimore and Washington DC, Highland’s convenient location has attracted many new residents who appreciate the schools and number of recreational facilities available. Most of the homes in the Highland area tend to be custom builds on generous lots, giving the community an appealing, attractive atmosphere. Columbia and Laurel Mall shopping centers are just a short drive away. The extensive resources of Howard Community College are also nearby. Both Howard County Hospital and Montgomery County General Hospital provide healthcare services to local residents.

Savage
County Offices
410-313-2001
https://www.howardcountymd.gov

Chamber of Commerce
410-730-4111
https://www.howardchamber.com

The town of Savage is named for John Savage, a Philadelphia merchant who developed the town in 1822 as an important textile mill center. Today, the six-story Savage Mill is both a new market center selling antiques and crafts and a studio and gallery displaying interesting works by local artists and craftsmen. As with many towns in the area, Savage is undergoing a surge of growth and development due to its prime location between Baltimore and Washington, DC. Yesterday’s mill homes have been renovated for a highly personalized look. The people of Savage have worked together to revive the local gathering place, the Carroll Baldwin Hall. The community offers many resources including lush parks, playgrounds, sports fields and picnic areas for recreational activity. Howard County Community College is nearby.

West Friendship
County Offices
410-313-2001
https://www.howardcountymd.gov

Chamber of Commerce
410-730-4111
https://www.howardchamber.com

Primarily a farming community, West Friendship is also the site of historic homes and recently developed residential neighborhoods. The town’s early residents were tobacco or wheat farmers, and many descendants of the area’s 17th-century settlers still reside within the area. The result is a stable, well-rooted community spirit that easily welcomes newcomers. In spite of the fact that the annual Howard County Fair is held in West Friendship, this area is taking on a suburban atmosphere and how offers a modern shopping center. Howard County General Hospital provides comprehensive medical services to the community. Newer construction features spacious, colonial-style single-family homes on large wooded lots. West Friendship is convenient to Interstate 70 for commutes to Baltimore.

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