$779,158Average Value$243Average Price per Sq Ft72Homes For Sale
All that Maryland has to offer
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?
Reach out to
Samrat Behl,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
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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 $700,365, consistent with the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Charming ranch-style residence offering 4 bedrooms, 3 full bathrooms, a 2-car garage, and 2,504 finished square feet, set on a beautiful lot in sought-after Wilton Farm Acres. An inviting front porch welcomes you inside to the traditional main level, where hardwood floors begin in the foyer and continue into the open-concept great room, highlighted by a family room with soaring cathedral ceilings
Introducing NVHomes Bethany Glen 55+, a private enclave of luxurious main level living homes in sought-after Ellicott City, Maryland! The Lowell Villa home is a main-level oasis. Build this home with your desired options on this sought after wooded homesite. Enter the foyer from the inviting walk-up porch to see your entry foyer that gives you a two-story foyer feel due to the upstairs that lead
Unlock the door to your future with an exclusive offer: Qualify for an exceptional 5.17% financing rate and $5,200 per month payment for one year. $7,000 lender-specific grant available on this property OR $47,500 in down payment assistance meaning no down payment is required. ARM financing also available at 5.25% rate for 5 years. Taxes and insurance not included. Buy direct and receive a FREE,
Modern 2 Bedroom Condo with Private Garage in 55+ Gatherings at Ellicott Mills Brand New Hot Water Heater. Sunny and stylish 2 Bedroom, 2 Bath condo featuring a private, enclosed garage in the sought-after Gatherings at Ellicott Mills 55+ community. Built in 2014 and lovingly maintained by its original owner, this home combines modern comfort with timeless design. Brand new Hot Water Heater just
Beautifully updated ranch-style home located in the highly sought-after and most popular Centennial Lane School District, set on a peaceful 0.5-acre flat lot in the Ridge Lake community of Ellicott City. This move-in ready residence offers 3 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, and 1,444 finished square feet, featuring a bright open-concept layout with luxury vinyl plank flooring, recessed lighting, and
Welcome to this beautifully maintained brick-front townhome in the gated Waverly Woods community, offering three finished levels of living space and a rare combination of privacy, updates, and amenities. The main level features an open yet well-defined layout with hardwood floors, crown molding, recessed lighting, and abundant natural light. The updated kitchen is equipped with granite
Welcome to 4723 Hallowed Stream, a well-maintained three-level townhouse in the desirable Dorsey’s Choice community. This home offers 3 bedrooms, 2 full baths, and 1 half bath, with a functional layout and comfortable living spaces throughout.The main level features hardwood floors, abundant natural light, and an open flow between the living and dining areas. The kitchen offers granite
This fully-remodeled French-style estate sits at the end of a grand circular driveway, embraced by lush landscaping on more than 5 tranquil acres in the prestigious Kings Gift community. Offering an Old World European feel, the 9,835 square foot home evokes the charm of a countryside manor with romantic architecture, timeless finishes, and exceptional character throughout.Notable upgrades
Charming ranch-style residence offering 4 bedrooms, 3 full bathrooms, a 2-car garage, and 2,504 finished square feet, set on a beautiful lot in sought-after Wilton Farm Acres. An inviting front porch welcomes you inside to the traditional main level, where hardwood floors begin in the foyer and continue into the open-concept great room, highlighted by a family room with soaring cathedral ceilings
Beautifully updated ranch-style residence offering 3 bedrooms, 2 full bathrooms, 2 half bathrooms, and 1,843 finished square feet, ideally located on half an acre in highly desired Ellicott City. Major renovations completed approximately two years ago include the roof, HVAC system, windows, kitchen, appliances, and bathrooms. The open-concept interior features luxury vinyl tile flooring
Magnificent estate in the coveted neighborhood of Triadelphia Woods that leads with its stately curb appeal, grand entertaining spaces, and considerable private quarters. Quietly set beyond a vast wooded driveway, you are welcomed to this brick and cedar home with distinguished turrets and beautiful park-like hardscaping and landscaping with Japanese Maple trees and azaleas in a private setting.
Welcome to 8125 Hickory High Court, Unit L an elegant condominium in the amenity-rich 55+ community of Hearthstone at Village Crest in Ellicott City. Abundant natural light and an open, airy floor plan create a truly impressive living space. The inviting living room flows seamlessly into the dining room, which is enhanced by classic moldings. The chef’s kitchen features ample cabinetry, granite
Spacious condominium residence offering 1,450 square feet, 2 bedrooms, and 2 full baths in sought-after Village Green at Cloisters of Waverly Woods. The inviting foyer leads into the main living space, where a large carpeted living room with balcony access flows into the adjacent dining area, accented by a tray ceiling, chandelier, and curved mirrored walls. The eat-in kitchen is well-appointed
Coming soon! The fabulous 4,100+ finished square feet floor plan includes 5 bedrooms + sitting room and gorgeous new primary bath on the 2nd floor! Light filled main level offers office, family room with gas fireplace, kitchen with island and breakfast room, laundry + formal living and dining rooms. Spacious lower level with recreation room, game/exercise room, utility/storage + full bath. Recent
Experience luxury living in this stunning 4-bedroom, 3.5-bathroom townhome, available for immediate move-in. With a spacious 2,036 square feet living area, this home offers ample space and modern amenities for comfort and convenience. The kitchen is equipped with Whirlpool stainless steel appliances, elegant granite countertops, and 42" maple cabinets, complemented by a deck off the kitchen for
Spacious single-family home for rent in the highly sought-after Centennial School District in Ellicott City. Zoned for Veterans Elementary, Ellicott Mills Middle, and Centennial High, this beautifully maintained home offers over 4,500+ sq ft of finished living space, including a fully finished basement, providing the perfect blend of space, comfort, and convenience. The main level features a
Cozy & Convenient Columbia Condo – No Steps, All Charm! Welcome to your dream one-bedroom condo in the heart of Columbia! Perfectly designed for comfort and convenience, this ground-level unit means no steps to enter—an ideal feature for easy living. Step inside to a spacious living room, complete with a cozy fireplace that’s perfect for chilly evenings. The thoughtfully designed layout boasts a
Discover your perfect home just outside of Baltimore at ReNew Howard Crossing in Ellicott City. Our garden-style community offers the perfect balance of luxury and convenience, with spacious 1 and 2-bedroom floorplans featuring stainless steel appliances, private balconies, and expansive walk-in closets. We offer both renovated and classic units so there is something for everyone! Spend your days
Beautifully renovated 2br and 2ba condo in a great area. Located in Ellicott City. Condo has tile floors all through out with carpet only in bedrooms. Washer and dryer in the unit. Great neighborhood in a very quiet area near playground and community pool. Secure building with professional management. Location is near 100 and Route 29.
Renaissance Management a leading owner/manager of affordable luxury apartments, recently acquired this community in Ellicott City, MD. Renaissance intends to spend millions of dollars to fully renovate each apartment, interior corridors and create a world class Clubhouse and fitness center. Residing in Renaissance Hills is a truly transformative lifestyle choice. With an impressive list of
Lovely 3 BR/2.5 BA Townhome in Ellicott City! The home features beautiful flooring and walls in neutral tones. The main level offers a bright living area with access to the fenced backyard, suitable for everyday use or gatherings, along with a separate dining space. The kitchen is equipped with stone countertops, ample cabinetry and stainless steel appliances. A half bathroom is also located on
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
OPEN HOUSE Sunday, February 1st, 12 pm - 3 pm on . ****Must See inside this lovely, beautifully updated & well maintained 3 bedrooms, 2 full bathrooms, and 2 half bathrooms townhouse with updated kitchen, finished walkout basement with fireplace, nice deck, master bedroom with full bath and huge loft in the Dorsey Search community. The inviting interior boasts engineered wood and ceramic tile
Mirjana StanisavljevLong & Foster Real Estate, Inc.
Ellicott Grove Apartments is a beautiful apartment community located in the heart of Ellicott City, MD. Our apartments are spacious and well-appointed, with everything you need to feel right at home. Youll enjoy spa-inspired bathrooms, in home full size washer and dryers, and a private balcony or patio.Our community is amenity-rich, with a pool, fitness center, and clubhouse. You'll also be close
Charming Apt within Townhome in the Historic District of Ellicott City. Recently updated. Walk to shops, restaurants, parks. 2 bedrooms, 1 bath. Living room, porch. No smoking. Will consider your pet.
Welcome Home to Chatham Gardens! Find the style that matches your needs. Choose from one or two-bedroom apartments for rent in Ellicott City and find a floorplan style that will make you feel right at home. Chatham Gardens apartment, you’ll have a fully updated, contemporary living environment with features and amenities you will love. Here you will find exceptionally designed apartment homes
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.
