Best known for its historic district founded in 1772, Ellicott City is a sprawling expanse of subdivisions and business clusters that extends from the banks of the Patapsco River to the Turf Valley Resort. It serves as the county seat for Howard County, boasting over 75,000 residents.
The historic district, most often called Old Ellicott City to distinguish it from the surrounding area, evolved from a small farming and milling town into a prosperous center for manufacturing by the mid-1800s, becoming the first terminus outside of Baltimore for the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad. The Ellicott City Station survives to this day, housing a railroad museum at the bottom of the Main Street hill.
While this district made national news for devastating floods in 2016 and 2018, revitalization efforts have proved successful. More than 80 boutiques, galleries, restaurants and businesses currently call the colonial-era buildings home, and the district hosts festivals, live music and other events throughout the year. “When it comes to the old town, it really is the charm of the place,” says Derek Smith, owner of the Matcha Time Gift Shop in Old Ellicott City and an area resident for almost 20 years. “Ellicott City predates the founding of the country, so there’s tons of old history everywhere you go here.”
Outside of Main Street, the community is a haven for Korean-owned businesses and restaurants. It is also in one of the highest rated school districts in the state and encourages active lifestyles with plentiful green space throughout its subdivisions.
With easy access to four major highways and a favorable location between Baltimore and D.C., Ellicott City is truly Maryland’s jack-of-all-trades community.
Historic downtown Ellicott City is located just off the Patapsco River.
Visit the Ellicott City B&O Station Museum for local rail road history.
Koreatown on route 40 in Ellicott City, MD offers vibrant culture and authentic cuisine.
Highways I-70, I-40, and I-29 all cross through Ellicott City.
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Diverse cuisine and local shops from Route 40 to Old Ellicott City
The city’s shopping and dining options are plentiful, from its stretch of Route 40 to the boutiques and local eateries of old town. “Everything is here. Pick a store to go to, and it’s right close by,” says Smith. “We’ve got all the grocery options, big-box stores, national and local hardware shops and tons of choices in terms of dining.”
The 5-mile stretch of Route 40 cutting through Ellicott City was dedicated as Koreatown in 2021, honoring the 170 Korean-owned businesses and restaurants along the road. Honey Pig, a 24-hour Korean BBQ restaurant at the western end of this stretch, was the site of the dedication. Those looking for a more casual experience can head to Seoul Pub, a family-owned eatery just off the main thruway that serves locally famous fried chicken.
The Long Gate Shopping Center is home to a Target and a Safeway as well as chain restaurants like Outback Steakhouse. Neighbors stop into Duchess Variety Store on Old Columbia Pike for classic sandwich counter lunches, prepared for over 30 years by local legend Ms. Maggie.
In the historic district, residents grab coffee at Syriana, a Middle Eastern-style coffee house, before heading down the hill to Ellicott Distilling Co. to enjoy locally crafted liquors. Gamer-Corps is a veteran-run game store where people gather to play tabletop games like Dungeons and Dragons.
Honey Pig is a popular Korean BBQ spot in Ellicott City, Maryland.
Enjoy some drinks or foods while singing your favorite songs at Honey Plus Karaoke.
Locals can gather at Gamer Corps to play table top games like Dungeons and Dragons.
Syrianna Cafe is a rustic eatery serving Syrian & Middle Eastern fare such as kebabs & falafels.
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Modern townhouses and Colonial Revivals surround the historic district
While Old Ellicott City features colonial-era restaurants, museums and historic sites, most residential housing is relatively new. Condos, mostly concentrated in the area’s 55-plus communities, tend to price between $270,000 and $470,000. Townhouses have been built throughout the community sporadically since the late-1980s. These can cost from around $500,000 to about $700,000 depending on the number of bedrooms and the status of renovations. Detached single-family styles include Colonial Revivals, ranch-style homes, and modern traditional, all built between the 1950s and 2024. Prices range from around $600,000 to $900,000, with some larger options rising over $1 million.
Ellicott City has a thriving downtown with many unique shops, eateries, and museums.
Newly built townhomes in Ellicott City are move in ready options for home buyers.
Historic homes in Ellicott City share downtowns old world charm.
Newer constructed homes in Ellicott City feature many with build in two car garages.
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Top-rated Howard County schools, healthcare jobs and the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Lab
Ellicott City sits in the Howard County Public School system, which Niche ranks as No. 1 in Maryland. The area is divided into many school districts, with a total of 10 elementary schools, 6 middle schools and 5 high schools serving the city, all of which score an A-minus or higher. Standouts include Centennial High, which offers a Confucius Classroom program to educate students on Chinese language and culture.
The top employer in Howard County is the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory, based 10 miles south in Laurel, Maryland. Some 5,000 county residents commute here via Route 29. Other major industries include Lorien Health Services, which maintains an office on North Ridge Road across from H-Mart.
Patapsco Valley is the second-largest state park in Maryland
Ellicott City’s northeastern section borders the Patapsco Valley State Park. There are over 200 miles of trails to explore, which cross swinging bridges or cut through tunnels beneath Route 40. Western Ellicott City is home to Centennial Park, which features a 54-acre man-made lake routinely stocked with fish. A 2.6-mile paved walking trail surrounds the lake, weaving beneath trees and around to an outdoor amphitheater where bands often perform.
The Hollofield area of Patapsco Park in Ellicott City offers a spot to cool down in the summer.
Centennial Park in Ellicott City stretches almost 350 acres and has many facilities to enjoy.
Daniels Dam is a hidden gem for locals to enjoy in Ellicott City, Maryland.
Patapsco Valley State Parks Avalon Area offers a variety of outdoor amenities and trails.
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A conflux of highways that make commuting simple
Residents enjoy access to four major state thoroughfares. Route 29 begins here and runs south 35 miles to Washington, D.C. Route 40 heads east 15 miles to Baltimore, or merges with Route 70 and runs west 35 miles to Frederick. Route 100 also begins at the Long Gate Shopping Center in the city, connecting to Baltimore Washington International Airport, 17 miles southeast.
Popular events and the oldest surviving railroad station in America
Despite enjoying proximity to Merriweather Post Pavilion, Ellicott City residents do not need to travel far to enjoy local events, which are held almost every week of the year. One of the most popular is Wizarding Weekend on Magical Main. Businesses hang wizard-themed decorations, and local children flock to Main Street in costume to participate in scavenger hunts and explore the secret passageways of the historic buildings. “That usually happens on the first weekend in October,” Smith adds. Ellicott City is also famed for being one of the most haunted towns on the eastern seaboard, so walking ghost tours attract throngs of amateur ghost hunters.
The Baltimore and Ohio Ellicott City Station Museum preserves the oldest railroad station in America. Runners will enjoy several races throughout the year, including the Centennial TurkeyTrot 5K.
See the process of how wool is made at the Maryland Sheep & Wool Festival in Ellicott City.
Enjoy a fantastic lineup of live music at The Ladybug Festival in Ellicott City.
Trick or Treat on Main St is an annual halloween event that takes place in Old Ellicott City.
Come check out cool cars at the Rally For The Wreaths Car Show & Concert at Turf Valley Resort.
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Low crime rates, but increased risk of flooding downtown
According to the FBI Crime Data Explorer, Howard County’s violent crime rate is .75 per 1,000 residents, far below the national average. The rate of property crime is 1.39 per 1,000 residents, also below the national average. In an effort to increase transparency and public safety, the county launched an interactive online crime report dashboard at the tail end of 2023.
In August 2016, a flash flood from a rainstorm and the rising level of the Patapsco and Tiber Rivers caused extreme flooding and the loss of two lives in Old Ellicott City. In May 2018, a second devastating flood tore through the downtown area. While this pair of disasters was considered a 100-year event, they cost the city millions in damages.
The county has since increased investment in agencies that train first responders and help prevent loss of life, properties and vehicles, as well as in flood mitigation infrastructure. These floods had little impact on homes outside of the historic district.
Written By
Hugh Taylor
Photography Contributed By
Curt Pulleyblank
Video By
Alex Jacobsen
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
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On average, homes in Ellicott City, MD sell after 20 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Ellicott City, MD over the last 12 months is $700,000, up 2% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Luxury, craftsmanship, and outdoor living come together on this quiet cul-de-sac in the sought-after Hollifield Hills community of Ellicott City. Set against the backdrop of Patapsco Valley State Park, this home offers a rare combination of privacy, nature, and convenience. From your fully fenced backyard, a private gate opens directly to the Daniels trail network and the Patapsco River—perfect
Welcome to 5810 Lois Lane, Ellicott City. Where space, light, and style converge. This rarely available Livingston model in Shipley’s Grant boasts one of the largest floor plans in the community. This bright and spacious end-unit townhome has natural light pouring in from every angle. Features include, 3 bedrooms, 3 full bathrooms, and a powder room. The expansive main level, enhanced by a
For the first time, this beautifully cared-for Colonial—loved by its original owners—is ready for its next chapter! Tucked away on a quiet cul-de-sac in one of Howard County’s most convenient spots, this home perfectly balances calm and connection. You’re close to everything: Centennial Park, local cafés and boutiques in Olde Ellicott City, concerts under the stars at Merriweather Post Pavilion,
Unlock the door to your future with an exclusive offer: Qualify for an exceptional 5.03% financing rate and $5,300 per month payment for one year. $7,000 lender-specific grant available on this property OR $49,250 in down payment assistance meaning no down payment is required. ARM financing also available at 5.25% rate for 5 years. Purchase this home and receive a FREE, 1-year home warranty plus
MEGA OPEN HOUSE EVENT! Come tour all available units on Saturday, November 1 from 11 am to 1 pm and see in person all that this vibrant community has to offer. Enjoy the life of ease and plenty you’ve earned in this spacious luxury two-bedroom, two-bath condo in the Waverly Woods 55+ community. Freshly painted in classic whites and featuring brand-new carpet throughout, this home offers an
ATTENTION HISTORIC HOUSE HUNTERS LOOKING FOR MOVE-IN READY!Perched on a ridge in Old Ellicott City, the historic “Robinson House,” featuring vernacular architecture, is an “important dated example of the taste of...artisans right after the Civil War,” according to the Maryland Historical Trust. Although tax records state that house as being built in 1900, the Maryland Historical Trust has
Move-in ready and beautifully updated in 2020, this stunning townhouse offers 1,816 square feet of stylish living space in the sought-after Howard Ridge community. With 3 bedrooms, 3 full baths, and a half bath, this home blends modern comfort with timeless design. A charming landscaped entry leads into the open-concept main level, where gleaming hardwood floors and elegant architectural details
Tucked away on a quiet cul-de-sac and just a short walk to Centennial Park, this beautifully maintained 3-bedroom, 3-bath split foyer sits on a gorgeous .50-acre level lot—one of the best in the neighborhood! Kitchen with granite counters, stainless steel appliances, and updated cabinetry. The home boasts Brazilian cherry hardwood floors throughout both levels. The spacious walk-out lower level
Now Open! Your next home is waiting for you here at Dorsey Overlook, a brand new charming community of incredibly spacious three-bedroom townhomes (each with a private driveway and garage) located near the heart of Ellicott City, MD and minutes from Town Center in Columbia. Inside these spacious floor plans, you’ll discover high-level, stylish interiors complete with all the modern conveniences
Established in 1980, Dorsey Search is the ninth village out of ten to be developed as part of Columbia, Maryland’s first master-planned community. “Every aspect of this community was thought out, especially the amenities and walkability,” says Tom Moore, an associate broker with the Gaylord Brooks Group of Berkshire Hathaway. “You can’t beat the location, which is convenient to the D.C. and Baltimore markets, and the public schools are highly rated and sought after.” With a diverse range of housing, beautifully landscaped and tree-lined streets, and strict covenants, which require homes to be well-maintained, Dorsey Search is a neighborhood that offers value and quality.
Housing options in Dorsey Search run the gamut from single-family to townhouses and condos. Townhouses often feature covered front porches or back decks, woodburning fireplaces and two to three bedrooms. They sell for $300,000 to $500,000. Condos sit within walking distance of the village center, some with vaulted ceilings, listing for between $220,000 and $350,000. Brick or wood-sided single-family colonials also go on the market, with two-car garages and entertainment-sized back decks. These large homes range from four to six bedrooms and are priced accordingly, from $700,000 to $900,000. “Most homes in Dorsey Search are traditional, center-hall colonials developed in the ’80s and very typical for the time period,” Moore says. “The quality is very good, and people aren’t shy about updating or adding onto their houses.”
Students who live in Dorsey Search attend Howard County Public School District, which received an A-plus and is ranked by Niche as the No. 1 school system in Maryland. Schools serving the neighborhood are all A-rated and include Northfield Elementary, which touts a strong PTA that puts on events like “Be a Buddy, not a Bully.” At Dunloggin Middle, students can choose from creative electives, such as band and chorus, to develop their natural talents. Career academies are emphasized at Wilde Lake High, where students can choose from agricultural science, construction, finance, the health professions and more.
Residents of Dorsey’s Search appreciate the almost 100 miles of paved trails that connect the neighborhood to other parts of Columbia. For golf enthusiasts, the 18-hole Fairway Hills Golf Club is next door to the neighborhood, offering a par-70 course that includes a putting green, a pro shop, lessons and leagues. Also nearby, Centennial Park features a 54-acre man-made lake stocked with fish, 2.6 miles of paved pathways, a boat ramp and dock area, and an amphitheater, where summer concerts take place in July and August.
In addition to homeowner association meetings, the communal space and lawn at Linden Hall is used throughout the year for community gatherings, such as a pre-Memorial Day barbecue with lawn games and plenty of food or a 21-plus Fall Festival similar to an Oktoberfest. Linden Hall has also sold tickets for pool parties with pizza and ice cream at the Columbia Road Park and Recreation Area. Merriweather Post Pavilion, too, is less than 6 miles away and features an outdoor amphitheater where Jimi Hendrix, Willie Nelson and the Foo Fighters have performed.
The Village Center features Giant Food and several casual dining establishments, including Pipilinka, a Peruvian eatery popular for its charbroiled chicken, flavors, and good service. Residents can also shop at The Mall in Columbia, which has over 200 stores and restaurants, including The Food Market, an upscale eatery serving small plates, seafood and steaks. Just 4 miles away, Old Ellicott City is an entertainment district with over 80 shops, galleries, restaurants and museums, where visitors can browse vintage albums and enjoy dinner with family and friends.
Several bus carriers, including Howard Transit, provide bus service within Columbia, to nearby communities such as Ellicott City, and to Washington and Baltimore, with weekly commuter service to the Washington Metro. Routes 29 and 108 and Interstate 95 are minutes away, taking commuters into Baltimore (20 miles) and Washington, D.C. (40 miles). The Baltimore-Washington International Airport is about 16 miles.
In the heart of Columbia, Howard Community College offers two-year degree, transfer and trade certification programs. Next door, the Johns Hopkins Howard County Medical Center offers a full range of hospital and wellness services from one of the country’s premier academic medical systems.
Walk Score® measures the walkability of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
