The Best Neighborhoods for Luxury Living in Howard County

Located in central Maryland, Howard County has everything you could want in a town. With many outdoor destinations, shopping, and endless dining options, Howard County is the perfect place for exploration. Only 30 minutes from Baltimore, this area is the perfect combination of historic and modern and a great place to call home.

In 2018, Ellicott City was ranked number 10 in Money Magazine as the “Best Place to Live” and ranked number one as the “Best Place to Live in Maryland.” This neighborhood has one of the best public library systems in the state, as well as an incredible school system. This historic neighborhood is named after the Ellicott brothers, who discovered the famous mill town in 1772.

Today, Ellicott City’s Main Street is home to many shops and restaurants. The shops carry home goods, antiques, pottery, books, and clothing. Window shopping along Main Street is a great way to enjoy the historic architecture and discover handcrafted artisan goods you cannot find anywhere else. After walking around Main Street, you can walk across the bridge to Patapsco Valley State Park. The park spans 32 miles across 16,000 acres. You can hike, camp, canoe, or bike here. It’s also a great place to enjoy a picnic as you enjoy the lush greenery.

Ellicott City has an array of dining options. Just outside the heart of Ellicott City is Maryland’s Korean Way, a five-mile stretch on Route 40 designated by the state. More than 150 Korean-owned businesses are primarily concentrated in this area, offering Korean cuisine, goods, services, and cultural and recreational activities. Here you’ll find Tous Le Jours, a French-Asian bakery offering a variety of sweets, breads, and beverages, as well as places to go for karaoke, bubble tea, and other cuisine. After exploring Korean Way, you can go to Tersiguel’s French Country Restaurant, which offers various seasonal dishes and a six-course chef’s meal with a new menu each week.

Columbia is an outstanding place for young professionals and families, as many are drawn to the city for its array of shops, restaurants, and parks. It’s also centrally located in Baltimore, Maryland, and Washington, D.C., making it a thriving business environment and easy commute. Columbia is Howard County’s largest city and was developed by Jim Rouse in 1967.

This neighborhood is ideally situated so residents and visitors can enjoy the natural beauty and the modern sophistication, and it is easily walkable and bikeable with sidewalks throughout the city. Columbia was named the best place to live in Maryland and the sixth most desirable community in the nation by Money Magazine in 2022.

Today, the city is home to The Mall in Columbia, a thriving mall with various restaurants and retailers, including Nordstrom, Banana Republic, and Williams Sonoma. Outdoors, you will find a range of activities, such as walking around Lake Kittamaqundi, a serene oasis where you can listen to the songs of herons, songbirds, and other birds. As you explore the city and walk along its paths, you can take in the architectural wonder of “Bridge Columbia.” This pedestrian bridge features a mesmerizing spiraling geodesic tube that elegantly intertwines around its structure. The seamless fusion of art and engineering is a testament to the city’s commitment to innovation and creativity.

The Merriweather district is a must-see for anyone in Columbia. The district is home to Color Burst Park, which hosts a range of activities for all ages, including free exercise classes, summer concerts, and ice skating. The Merriweather District is bustling with activities year-round.

Next to the Merriweather District is Toby’s Dinner Theater, a historic, cherished local venue that produces musicals and plays. You can enjoy an all-you-can-eat buffet and savory ice cream while watching the talented performers. The heart of Columbia’s music and entertainment scene is the Merriweather Post Pavilion, designed by lauded architect Frank Gehry. This legendary venue has hosted music legends, including Jimi Hendrix, Florence and the Machine, Willie Nelson, and the Foo Fighters, and continues to attract amazing artists. The pavilion sits on 40 acres of land and is known as one of the best amphitheaters in the nation.

Columbia, Maryland, is a culinary haven. The cuisine in the city tantalizes your taste buds with diverse flavors from around the world. The city’s vibrant dining scene offers something for everyone, a delectable fusion of international cuisines and local culinary creations. The city is home to upscale restaurants, cozy cafes, and bustling food markets, allowing visitors and residents to embark on a culinary journey like no other.

The Iron Bridge Wine Company creates a relaxed, atmospheric environment for people to enjoy seasonal dishes specializing in American cuisine. There is nothing quite like dining in a former mansion, which is precisely what The Kings Contrivance provides. Here, you can enjoy classic fares in the garden or enjoy your meal inside to marvel at the intricate detailing. Their menu ranges from creamy lobster bisque to pan-seared beef tips to stuffed shrimp.

There are numerous excellent homes for sale in Howard County, Maryland, to explore. If you want to be close to fantastic shopping, one-of-a-kind boutiques, and stunning greenery, you cannot go wrong in Howard County. Whether you want to call Columbia or Ellicott City home, you need a trusted realtor to help you navigate the process. Reach out to VSells and Associates today.