Howard County is in central Maryland between Baltimore and Washington D.C. In 2013, the U.S. Census Bureau identified Howard County as the second wealthiest county in the country. In 2010, Money magazine ranked the largest population center in the county, Columbia/Ellicot City, as the second best place to live in America. Howard County's schools are consistently among the top-ranked schools in the state.

History

The area that is today Howard County was the subject of a peace treaty signed by the leaders of the Susquehannock tribes and Maryland in 1652. The first county courthouse was built in Ellicot City in 1841, even though the area was still technically a "district" rather than a county. The area was formally recognized as a county in 1851.

In 1899, Howard County was said to have 48 miles of stone roads and over 400 miles of dirt roads. Three paid "turnpikes" were maintained by 118 men. Interstate 95 was routed through the eastern portion of the county in the late 1950s.

Parks and Recreation

Patapsco Valley State Park was founded in 1907, and this makes it one of the oldest of Maryland's state parks. Hikers and nature lovers are greeted by over 170 miles of trails. Eight recreational areas in the valley stretch along 32 miles of Patapsco River frontage.

The 325-acre Centennial Park features a lake surrounded by a 2.4-mile loop trail. Boaters and anglers enjoy the lake while those on terra firma enjoy picnics, play sports and engage in birdwatching. Great blue herons are among the many bird species that frequent the area. The wooded and wetland ecosystems offer perfect habitats for beavers and an occasional red fox.

Attractions and Activities

The Chesapeake Shakespeare Company performs the Bard's greatest works in a very unique site in Ellicot City. Perched high atop historic Ellicot City are the ruins of an old Victorian school for girls. Here, casually dressed theatre lovers enjoy Shakespearean plays in a most intimate and dramatic venue.

Events

The Howard County Fair in West Friendship is now in its 69th year. The kids will love the pony rides, carnival games and the pig races. The whole family can enjoy varied cuisine and live music throughout the early August event.

A prospective Howard County home buyer that is interested in Howard County MD real estate will usually have a couple of thousand Howard County MD homes to consider. Therefore, the services of a Howard County real estate agent can help one to sort through the many options in Howard County real estate.

There are million-dollar country estates among the homes for sale in Howard County. At the same time, one will find beautiful, historic mid-19th century Howard County homes for sale. Your Howard County realtor can tell you more about value-priced Howard County properties and new construction real estate in Howard County.