As the County seat of Howard County, Ellicott City really does exemplify the coexistence of the old world with the new. Located in the heart of the Baltimore/Washington Metropolitan area Ellicott City was founded by the owners of grist and flour mills, John, Joseph, and Andrew Ellicott in 1772.  Once farmland, this historic mill town is now a thriving metropolitan area where residents work, shop, and play.

Probably the most iconic part of Ellicott City is what is referred to as “Historic or old Ellicott City” with its 5 block main street that is home to antique dealers, boutique shops, retail outlets, bars and restaurants and coffee shops. This quaint part of Ellicott City often plays host to a weekend crowd of antique shoppers who come to peruse the many boutiques of the old town.

However, antique shopping is not all that goes on in Ellicott City.  During April through December, Ellicott City hosts a First Fridays Event where the stores remain open until 8:00pm.  On the second Sunday of every month, you can find local farmers, growers, bakers, and artisans for a special Farmer’s Market at Tonge Row. On the third Thursday of every month, Ellicott City hosts a Girl’s Night Out – A progressive shopping party where all participants receive a complimentary tote bag and discounts at participating shops and end the evening at Pure Wine Café with a complimentary glass of wine.  And during the Christmas holiday season Ellicott City pulls out all of the stops for their Midnight Madness Holiday Shopping Event.  The long-standing popular event includes visits with Santa Clause, festive music, and shops are open until midnight with fantastic holiday sales and specials.

For the outdoorsy type there are several state parks nearby including Patapsco state Park and Centennial Park where you can hike, fish, camp, go canoeing, ride horses, participate in competitive events, go mountain biking, have a picnic or even enjoy performances by local musicians.  With more than 16,000 acres of park land there is plenty of space to indulge your outdoor spirit.

If you are looking for some culture, then look no further.  The Chesapeake Shakespeare Company puts on productions throughout the year both at indoor and outdoor venues.  During one weekend in July you can find artists from around the region taking to the streets of Historic Ellicott City to participate in the “paint-out” event, Paint It! Ellicott City.  Sponsored by the Howard County Arts Council, Howard County Tourism, and Howard County Public Schools, this event encourages artists to paint and then exhibit their work at the Howard County Center for the Arts.  And with its close proximity to Columbia there is even more to do from Shopping at the Mall in Columbia to seasonal festivals to athletic events.

And if you needed another reason to consider Ellicott City, then consider its close proximity to Baltimore, Washington, D.C. and Annapolis, all of which can be accessed by roadways including U.S. Route 29, Interstate 95, MD 32, MD 108, MD 100, and MD 175.  Moreover, traveling outside of Maryland by plane has never been easier, with Baltimore Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport less than on-half hour away.

Ready to check out all that homes for sale in Ellicott City has to offer? If so, give me a call at 443-564-0952 or send me an email. I will be happy to create a free, no obligation automated home search for you that will deliver homes meeting your criteria directly to your email.  Once you have identified the homes for sale in Ellicott City that you want to see we can schedule a visit.