Living Here

Neighborhoods & Housing

Where the Living is Easy

Make yourself at home in one of many diverse, thriving and secure living communities in Howard County. Stretching from Cooksville in the east to Ellicott City and Elkridge in the west and down to Laurel in the south, the county’s geography accommodates an impressive range of living preferences. Whether you resonate with the vibrancy of city centers or the tranquility of unblemished natural farmland, Howard County caters to your personality and lifestyle.

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A white colonial-style residential building with a grassy backyard sits on a paved driveway.

The Upper Echelon of Living

Anyone seeking exceptional housing options and unbeatable neighborhoods will find endless possibilities in Howard County. Columbia, MD —  the county’s largest city — masterfully balances a small-town ambiance with urban convenience consistently earning its place among the finest locales in the U.S. Here, you’ll find contemporary-style homes surrounded by charming boutique shopping districts and an array of amenities. Meanwhile, cities like Elkridge and Laurel present affordable starter homes with a touch of historic tradition. And if you’re ready to get away from it all, the unincorporated enclave of Clarksville proudly showcases its agricultural heritage while serving as a gateway to the semirural charm of Cooksville — also known as one of the east coast’s most affluent living communities.

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Just Right for You

Looking for a taste of the abundant opportunities and lifestyle in Howard County? Cities like Columbia and Ellicott City offer townhomes, condos and apartments that get you right next to the county’s history, eclectic shopping and farm-fresh dining experiences. Whether you want to live minutes away from major centers like Baltimore or in a smaller, green neighborhood like North Laurel-Savage, you’ll find a place just for you in Howard County.

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Easy Living for Everyone

While Central Maryland is known for its highly educated and affluent communities, Howard County also provides a considerable amount of affordable housing. The Howard County Department of Housing & Community Development plays an integral part in ensuring all families — including low-to-moderate income families — find suitable rental units or find their path to homeownership. Whether a family is looking for a low interest loan for a down payment, rental assistance or homebuyer education, Howard County makes signing for your next home-sweet-home much more obtainable, regardless of your income.