Howard County Real Estate

Howard County, located in central Maryland, is home to just over 300,000 residents, a third of which reside in Columbia – the nation's first planned city. Howard County is also home to Historical Ellicott City, which is known for its 185-year-old passenger train station, which is now the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad Museum. This quaint, historical district is also well known for its boutiques and restaurants – which have put Ellicott City on the map for being a Shoppers' Haven (New York Times and Southern Living) and a Foodies' Heaven (Washingtonian). Read more about Howard County.

Howard County Real Estate Statistics

Average Price $586K
Lowest Price $14
Highest Price $6.8M
Total Listings 801
Avg. Days On Market 62
Avg. Price/SQFT $209

Property Types (active listings)

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Howard County Real Estate & Properties

The smallest county in Maryland, Howard County is located just west and southwest of Baltimore. The county is well known for the high quality of life that it offers its residents. For example, the area including Columbia and Ellicott City was ranked second among "America's Best Places to Live" by Money magazine in 2010. In 2014 they ranked sixth, and in 2016 Columbia ranked number 1. 


Furthermore, Howard County schools are ranked as some of the best in the nation, thanks to the work of the Howard County Public School System. The largest school in the county is Howard High School. 


In the heart of Howard County is the large master-planned community of Columbia. Including such neighborhoods as Hickory Ridge, Wilde Lake, Long Reach, and Oakland Mills. You can read more about Columbia in Howard County MD here.


Howard County offers endless activities for outdoor enthusiasts, including seven golf courses, six farms, and easy access to the 32-mile hiking trail in Patapsco Valley State Park.


As of 2021, the population of Howard County, MD was just over 334,500.


There are a number of major highways in Howard County:

  • I-70 / Baltimore National Pike, which leads into downtown Baltimore
  • I-97 / Patuxent Freeway, which runs through the county to Annapolis
  • I-95, which connects to the Capital Beltway in the south and leads into Baltimore in the north
  • U.S. Route 29 / Columbia Pike, which connects Howard County to Silver Spring
  • Maryland State Route 100, which runs through the county and into Anne Arundel County

Howard County is conveniently located between Washington DC and Baltimore. Travel to and from DC with ease on the MARC Train or hop on the Light Rail and explore the greater Baltimore area within minutes.

Real Estate in Howard County

Howard County is an interesting area, as it has no incorporated cities. Its county seat is Ellicott City, although this is only classified as a census-designated places. Real estate in Howard County encompasses a wide range of property types and styles, as well as price points. 


Some of the most popular architectural styles (for detached homes, condos, and even townhomes) is Colonial. Recognized for its distinctive red or brown brick exterior and column pillars, this traditional style is quite popular throughout the entire region. Shuttered windows and gable roofs are also typical of this style, although some properties incorporate only select elements. 


The east end of Howard County is its most populous, and therefore has the majority of the listings. Columbia, Ellicott City, and Elkridge are favorable choices for homebuyers, as they are located closer to Baltimore city, whilst still offering a tranquil, residential lifestyle—and often with large lots. With both older properties and new construction homes, Howard County has a lot to offer.


Those searching for luxury homes will also have a lot of choice in Howard County. Properties are particularly large in size, especially in the more rural areas in the west end. There is also more choice in regards to architecture, as a number of the luxury estates have been custom built and designed. Luxury subdivisions, such as Worthington Reserves in Ellicott City, offer new construction builds that can be customized to the buyer's preferences.

Howard County: Highlights & Attractions

There's so much to see and do in Howard County. Nature-lovers especially can enjoy the following outdoor attractions and activities:

  • Brighton Dam and Pig Tail Recreation Area on the Triadelphia Reservoir
  • Cattail Creek Country Club, The Timbers at Troy, and Willow Springs Golf Course
  • Middle Patuxent Environmental Area
  • Robinson Nature Center
  • Cascade Falls
  • Scotts Cove Recreation Area
  • Wincopin Trails
  • Patapsco Valley State Park - Hollofield Area
  • Rockburn Branch Park

Howard County also has its share of museums and historic places:

  • Historic Troy Manor
  • Laurel Historical Society
  • Belmont Manor & Historic Park
  • Simpsonville Mill Ruins
  • Howard County Living Farm Heritage Museum
  • B&O Ellicott City Station Museum

Howard County also hosts festivals and events throughout the year. These include the Columbia Festival of the Arts, Wine in the Woods Festival, and the Howard County Fairgrounds.

Who was Howard County named after?

Howard County is named after Colonel John Eager Howard. He was an officer during the American Revolutionary War and the fifth governor of Maryland from 1788 to 1791. 

How far is Howard County from Baltimore?

Downtown Baltimore is a 20 to 30-minute drive from most locations in Howard County. A straight line between downtown Baltimore and Howard County's Town Center is almost 15 miles. 


Howard County At A Glance

  • Easy access to BWI Airport
  • One of Maryland’s top 10 school districts
  • The unemployment rate is one of the lowest in the state

City Landscape

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