Greater Ellicott City

Ellicott City has appeared on MONEY Magazine’s Best Places to Live list, landed number 1 in MONEY’s The Best Place to Live in Every State, and ranked fourth in MONEY’s 50 Best Places to Live in 2018. MONEY attributes the success of this area to Ellicott City’s low crime rates, excellent real estate opportunities, culturally diverse residents, and quality of education. Ellicott City’s graduation rate and test scores are among the highest in the United States.

Families can find many activities to do in this area. As a staple of Mid-Atlantic childhood, Clark's Elioak Farm is home to the restored storybook wonderland known as The Enchanted Forest along with a petting farm and a diverse produce stand. Take a ride on a pony or a train ride, and visit the Fairy Forest play area.

Boasting numerous hiking trails and protected area, Ellicott City is home to Centennial Park, Meadowbrook Park, and the Patapsco Valley State Park’s Avalon Area.

Shops are conveniently located throughout this area. You can visit at Turf Valley Towne Square, which offers shopping, dining, and spa treatments. In the summer, as you walk from shop to shop, you might come across live music, and in the winter, the area is decked out with lights and festive decorations. Dining experiences in Turf Valley Towne Square include casual eateries and more contemporary dining experiences, with Mad Chef Kitchen and Bar offering hand-crafted cocktails and traditional dishes with a modern flair.

Nearby is the 5-mile stretch of state highway known as Maryland's Korean Way, which serves visitors and residents alike with an international culinary experience. You can dine at hip and trendy hot pot restaurants, enjoy Boba tea and baked goods, and shop in a Korean market.

Whether you are exploring the restaurant scene or hiking and seeing the animals at the Howard County Conservancy, the Greater Ellicott City area has so much to offer that you'll want to book an overnight stay! Check out Turf Valley Resort, which offers a spa, golfing, tennis, indoor and outdoor pool, and fine dining at Alexandra's American Fusion Restaurant.