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Living Here

Howard County is one of the most affluent, advanced and educated communities in the United States. National publications rank the county among the most technologically advanced communities in the country, which is not surprising based on the county’s proximity to leading institutions of higher education. There is immediate access to leading educational and health care institutions, upscale retail, and outstanding recreation and entertainment.

Howard County offers a diverse range of communities: if you want a more urban feel, we’ve got it. If you prefer a suburban lifestyle, we’ve got it. Or, if country living suits you, we’ve got that too.

No wonder Money Magazine ranked Columbia #1 on their Best Places to Live 2016 and their top ten in 2006, 2008, 2010, 2012, 2014, 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2022. Plus, Ellicott City ranked #4 on their Best Places to Live 2019 and # 4 on their 2018 list!

More Howard County Achievements

Live

  • Columbia was ranked 13th Best Place to Live in the US – Livability.com, 2023
  • 3rd Best County for Families in America – Niche.com, 2023.
  • Columbia was ranked the Safest City in Maryland by personal finance website – WalletHub, 2019 – 2023.
  • Columbia was ranked 7th Happiest City in America by personal finance website – WalletHub, 2023.
    Columbia was ranked 13th Best Place to Raise a Family by personal finance website – WalletHub, 2023.

Work

  • Columbia was ranked the 2nd Best City for Jobs – WalletHub, 2023.
  • Columbia was ranked the 6th Best City for Summer Jobs – WalletHub, 2023.

Learn

  • Best Educated Adults Over 25 – 70.9% of residents have an Associate’s degree or higher (3rd in the nation), 64.3% have a Bachelor’s degree or higher (4th in the nation) and 34.3% have an advanced degree (3rd in the nation) – U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey, Current.
  • 1 in Education ranking of the Livability Best Places to live in the US – Livability.com, 2023.
  • 1 County with the Best Public Schools in Maryland – Niche.com, 2023.

Play

  • #6 Best Outdoor Concert Venues in the U.S., Merriweather Post Pavilion – Fodor’s Travel, 2023
  • 18 Healthiest County in the nation, among nearly 3,000 jurisdictions – U.S. News & World Reports, Current.

  • County Data

    Howard County boasts a thriving and vibrant economy, which makes it the first choice for smart businesses looking to start or expand in the Mid-Atlantic. Add in its central location between Baltimore and Washington, D.C. and you have a real win-win. Howard County also offers more than 70-million square feet of commercial space, providing businesses with the perfect location to do business.

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  • Our Community

    Howard County is continually ranked among the most affluent, advanced and educated communities in the United States. There is immediate access to leading educational and health care institutions, upscale retail, and outstanding recreation and entertainment.

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