Living Here
A Magnificent Place for Life
Make your home a diverse and affluent community surrounded by nature, mild summer temperatures and abundant opportunities for relaxation and adventure. Situated between Baltimore and Washington, D.C., Howard County is home to small communities, mid-sized towns and a population of approximately 300,000. The county offers a range of living options, from acres of rural farmland to environmentally conscious suburban neighborhoods with thriving arts and shopping scenes. In fact, Columbia and Ellicott City have earned recognition as some of the nation’s safest and most sought-after cities. Howard County schools also boast high achievement and graduation rates — making it ideal for families with children.
Discover Your Next HoCo Adventure
Visit Howard County offers a peek into the region’s thriving communities, delectable dining, distinguished arts & culture scene and world-class shopping.
Neighborhoods & Housing
From mid-sized cities like Columbia and Ellicott to small towns like Elkridge and Laurel, Howard County offers appreciating home values and safe, family-friendly communities.
Find Your Perfect Living Community
Education
Home to the No. 1-rated school district in Maryland and an abundance of industry-focused colleges preparing pupils for in-demand jobs, Howard County educates a diverse student population and graduates world-changers.
Learn from the BestFood Scene
Treat your palate to culturally inclined gastropubs, farm-to-fork dining and mouthwatering fresh seafood restaurants.
Find Your FillCulture & Recreation
Take a trip into the profound history, award-winning theater and art scene, and hidden cultural gems of Howard County.
Uncover a Better Lifestyle
Farmers Markets
Take a trip into the profound history, award-winning theater and art scene, and hidden cultural gems of Howard County.
Farmers Markets
The Market at Caplan’s
Take a trip into the profound history, award-winning theater and art scene, and hidden cultural gems of Howard County.
Shop at Caplan's TodayFeatured News + Events
Libraries That Power Our Economy
Howard County is moving forward with a bold new Central Library at the Columbia Lakefront—a transformational project that will serve as both a civic anchor and economic engine for years to come. As County Executive Calvin Ball and HCLS President & CEO Tonya Aikens announced renewed momentum for the project, we are proud to release
SphereHub to Compete at Pumpkin Pitch 2025
The Pumpkin Pitch 2025 is right around the corner and the Maryland Innovation Center will once again open its stage to five promising startups on Tuesday, October 7, from 5–8 PM. Each company has a story, a vision and a solution to some of today’s most pressing challenges. This year, SphereHub is one of the
Appellate Takes the Stage at Pumpkin Pitch
The countdown is on for Pumpkin Pitch 2025, one of Howard County’s most exciting celebrations of entrepreneurship and innovation. On Tuesday, October 7, from 5–8 PM at the Maryland Innovation Center, five incredible startups will pitch their ideas live for a chance to win $10,000 in prizes. Among them is Appellate, a company tackling a