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
Made in America Starts in Howard County
Every July, Made in America Month celebrates the businesses that design, manufacture and produce the products that keep our economy moving. In Howard County, manufacturing remains a vital part of our business community, creating high-quality jobs, supporting innovation and strengthening supply chains across a wide range of industries. From advanced machining and industrial equipment
Columbia Aesthetic Plastic Surgery Marks 20 Years in Howard County
The Howard County Economic Development Authority recently joined Howard County Executive Calvin Ball and the Columbia Aesthetic Plastic Surgery in celebrating 20 years of serving patients throughout Howard County and the region. Since opening in 2005, Columbia Aesthetic Plastic Surgery has delivered cosmetic and reconstructive surgical care while helping patients achieve their personal goals with
Press Release – App Beacon and HCEDA Partnership
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Howard County Economic Development Authority Selects App Beacon to Power Community Engagement for Howard County Businesses and Entrepreneurs COLUMBIA, Md. — The Howard County Economic Development Authority (HCEDA) has selected App Beacon as its community engagement platform provider for both Howard County business support initiatives and the Maryland Innovation Center (MIC),