Howard County, MD: Innovation Meets Historic Elegance
Perfectly positioned between Baltimore and Washington, D.C., Howard County is one of Maryland’s most dynamic and livable regions. It blends a rich historical legacy with forward-thinking planning, making it a hub for culture, nature, and exceptional quality of life.
Founded in 1851, Howard County’s roots trace back to Ellicott City, a mill town established in the 1770s by the Ellicott brothers. It became a center for flour milling and later a critical stop along the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad. Today, Historic Ellicott City preserves cobblestone streets, colonial architecture, and the B&O Railroad Museum – Ellicott City Station, the oldest surviving train station in the U.S.
The county is also known for Columbia, a planned community developed in the 1960s by visionary developer James Rouse, designed to eliminate segregation and promote balanced, inclusive neighborhoods—decades ahead of its time.
Historic Ellicott City – Browse antique shops, art galleries, boutiques, and cafes in a scenic 18th-century town.
Merriweather Post Pavilion – A nationally recognized outdoor concert venue nestled in Columbia.
Lake Kittamaqundi & Columbia Trails – Great for walking, kayaking, and seasonal festivals.
Centennial Park – A popular destination for boating, hiking, and family outings.
Robinson Nature Center – Interactive nature exhibits and scenic trails.
Howard County Fairgrounds – Home to year-round events, including the beloved Howard County Fair.
Howard County boasts one of Maryland’s most diverse and acclaimed culinary scenes:
The Food Market (Columbia) – Upscale comfort food with a modern twist.
Tersiguel’s (Ellicott City) – A French country restaurant housed in a historic building.
Cured / 18th & 21st (Columbia) – Contemporary dining and speakeasy-style cocktails.
Mad Chef Kitchen & Bar (Elkridge) – Creative small plates and bold flavors.
Shanty Grille (Ellicott City) – Laid-back seafood spot with Chesapeake flair.
H Mart & Lotte Plaza – For those who love international groceries and Korean food courts.
333,916 people live in Howard County, where the median age is 39.4 and the average individual income is $65,860. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.
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There's plenty to do around Howard County, including shopping, dining, nightlife, parks, and more. Data provided by Walk Score and Yelp.
Explore popular things to do in the area, including Healthy Land Massage.
Howard County has 120,066 households, with an average household size of 2.76. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. Here’s what the people living in Howard County do for work — and how long it takes them to get there. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. 333,916 people call Howard County home. The population density is 1,330.61 and the largest age group is Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.
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