Just west of Baltimore and within easy commuting distance between many of the region's major employers, Ellicott City serves as the county seat for affluent Howard County, one of the ten wealthiest counties in the United States. Ellicott City exudes a sense of history and community that newcomers and long-time Marylanders alike appreciate. If you're moving to the Baltimore area, or looking for a new place to call home, here are some of the most compelling reasons to look at Ellicott City real estate.
Excellent Public School System
Spending per student is 6th in the state overall at $14,570 per year. The student teacher ratio, at 14.3 to 1, is in the top 10 percent nationally, and over 70 percent of the district's teachers hold a master's degree or higher. In 2014, 67 percent of graduates enrolled in a four-year degree program, while 26 percent were enrolled in a two-year academic one. Attendance rates exceeded 95 percent at all levels, one of the highest rates in the state.
Historic Ellicott City has a reputation as one of the most actively "haunted" towns in America and attracts a regular stream of visitors hoping to catch sight of a ghost. In fact, ghost walks are available every Friday and Saturday night during the warmer months.
There are plenty of community activities for residents, as well, including Spirits of Ellicott City on the second Tuesday of the month, when visitors can purchase wine, beer, and spirits during a tour of the haunted bistros and pubs downtown. There's also a weekly farmer's market every Saturday with fresh produce, eggs, cheese, and baked goods.
First Fridays is a shop-til-you-drop evening out with live music, food and drink specials, sidewalk vendors, and late-night shopping hours. Watch for regular Girls Night Out shopping and entertainment evenings packed with special sales, snack and drink specials, and live entertainment. In the summer, families love free movie nights in the historic downtown area. Don't miss Main Street Music Fest each fall, a free, family-friendly street fair with bands, local craft brews, and exhibits by local artists.
Patapsco Valley State Park is a nature lover's paradise, with campgrounds, cabins, shelters, picnic areas, and miles and miles of hiking trails; the park was named the best place to hike in Maryland in 2007. There are also mountain bike paths, horseback riding trails, a children's nature center, and disc golf course. There are also places to paddle around in your kayak or canoe, and even cast your line for fish. During snowy winter months, the park draws cross country skiers.
Interesting trivia: The park was featured in the 1999 pop culture hit, "The Blair Witch Project."
Most single-family homes are spacious, with the majority having four or more bedrooms and nine rooms or more overall. The median home value in 2013 was $507,800, with the highest percentage of home values falling in the $500,000 to $750,000 range. Home types range from charming older ranch homes on spacious lots to stately new red brick dwellings with tree-lined drives and multi-acre lots. Styles include 1930s-era Craftsman bungalows, pale-colored colonials, and modern, angled homes with plenty of windows. There are also a number of condos available, as well as trim townhomes with attached garages and community amenities.
While Ellicott City is known for its family-friendly allure, it is demographically diverse, and its neighborhoods are an eclectic mix of singles, young families, and empty nesters. If you're looking for a new place to call home in Ellicott City, it's easy to find a home and neighborhood with the right combination of features and amenities you crave.
