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 Best
Healthcare
Top-ranking medical services, state-of-the-art hospitals and compassionate primary & pediatric care await you and your family in Central Maryland.
Improve Your WellbeingFood 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
NextGen Founders: Building Howard County’s Next Generation of Entrepreneurs
This summer, high school and college students gained more than work experience through our 2026 summer internship program. They spent the summer working alongside our business units and Maryland Innovation Center companies while building the skills, connections and confidence to take their next steps. Through the Summer 2026 Youth in Business Series: NextGen Founders, interns also
LIFT Fund Helps Candles by Candy Turn Funding Into Business Growth
Access to capital can help a small business move forward. Pairing that capital with the right guidance can help an entrepreneur decide where to go next. For Candles by Candy, support through our LIFT Microloan Fund provided both. Founder Candace Bell has grown Candles by Candy from a passion for candle making into a Howard
What Howard County Businesses Gain from Business Appreciation Week
Running a business comes with plenty of opportunities and challenges. Business Appreciation Week gives Howard County businesses a direct way to share both with the people working to support the local business community. From September 28 through October 2, 2026, Ambassador teams will visit businesses across Howard County during Business Appreciation Week. The goal is simple: