Ellicott City MD

Ellicott City, MD – Nestled along the scenic Patapsco River, Ellicott City is a charming blend of rich history, natural beauty, and vibrant community spirit. Known for its historic downtown district, cozy boutiques, and welcoming neighborhood feel, this Maryland gem offers both the peace of small-town living and the excitement of nearby urban attractions. Whether you’re strolling along Main Street or exploring its lush trails, Ellicott City invites you to slow down and savor the moment.

• Population: ~75,000
• Weather: Four distinct seasons; warm summers (70-90°F), crisp falls, chilly winters (25-45°F), and mild springs.
• Places To Visit: Historic Ellicott City Main Street, Patapsco Valley State Park, B&O Railroad Museum Ellicott City Station, and Centennial Park.
• Top Activities: Shopping in antique stores, hiking and biking in local parks, attending seasonal festivals, enjoying farm-to-table dining, and exploring ghost tours.
• Famous Food: Crab cakes, pit beef sandwiches, artisan coffee, and handmade pastries from cozy local cafés.

Ellicott City, MD, located in Howard County, is known for its charming historic district and proximity to the Baltimore-Washington metropolitan area. The local economy is supported by industries like healthcare, education, technology, and public administration. Below are some of the most sought-after jobs in the area.

Top 5 Jobs in Ellicott City, MD

Ellicott City, MD, might be smaller than places like Los Angeles, but it's full of great spots where students can chill, relax, and have fun. With its rich history, beautiful surroundings, and charming local hangouts, students will find plenty of places to unwind and enjoy themselves.

Patapsco Valley State Park – Perfect for nature lovers, this park offers hiking trails, waterfalls, and picnic areas, making it ideal for a day out with friends. It's a great spot to disconnect from study stress and reconnect with nature.

Old Ellicott City – Explore the quaint streets with unique shops, cozy cafes, and historic sites. It's the perfect place to stroll around, enjoy a cup of coffee, and soak in the charm of the area.

Centennial Park – This park is a local favorite, offering a beautiful lake, walking trails, and sports facilities. Whether you want to jog, enjoy a picnic, or rent a kayak, it's perfect for a relaxing day outdoors.

The Wine Bin – Attend one of the outdoor movie nights hosted at this local wine shop. Grab a blanket, some snacks, and enjoy a movie under the stars. It’s a cozy and fun way to unwind with friends.

La Palapa Grill & Cantina – For those who enjoy live music, this spot offers a lively atmosphere with great food. It's an excellent place to relax, listen to local bands, and have some fun with friends.

B&O Railroad Museum: Ellicott City Station – Dive into history at the oldest surviving railroad station in America. It's not only educational but also a great spot for history buffs and those interested in trains and local history.

Whether you're into outdoor adventures, historic exploration, or just hanging out with friends, Ellicott City has something to offer every student looking to relax and have a good time.

Ellicott City, Maryland, located near the educational hub of Baltimore and Washington D.C., offers access to a variety of top-notch colleges and universities. The area is well-connected to several respected institutions that cater to a range of professional and academic interests.

Top Public Colleges & Universities in Ellicott City

Howard Community College (HCC) – Located in Columbia, adjacent to Ellicott City, HCC is one of Maryland’s top community colleges. Known for its strong transfer programs, nursing, cybersecurity, and business courses, it provides valuable pathways to four-year universities.

University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) – Just a short drive from Ellicott City, UMBC is a public research university known for STEM programs, especially in computer science, engineering, and biosciences. It’s a leader in innovation and undergraduate research.

Bowie State University – Located within commuting distance, Bowie State is Maryland’s oldest historically Black university. It offers strong programs in computer technology, education, and business management, and promotes academic excellence and diversity.

Towson University – A highly regarded public university nearby, Towson is known for its education, business, health professions, and fine arts programs. The campus offers an active student life and a strong alumni network.

University of Maryland, College Park (UMD) – As Maryland’s flagship public university, UMD is nationally ranked and offers over 90 undergraduate majors. It is especially respected for its programs in engineering, journalism, business, and environmental science.

Top Private Colleges & Universities near Ellicott City

Johns Hopkins University – Located in nearby Baltimore, Johns Hopkins is one of the world’s leading private research institutions. Known for its medical, public health, engineering, and international studies programs, it sets the standard for academic achievement and innovation.

Loyola University Maryland – A private Jesuit university in Baltimore with a strong focus on the liberal arts, business, and psychology. It is known for its commitment to ethics, service, and academic excellence.

Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA) – Also in Baltimore, MICA is one of the leading visual arts colleges in the country. It offers top programs in fine arts, graphic design, animation, and illustration.

Notre Dame of Maryland University – A private Catholic university offering coeducational and women’s programs in health sciences, education, and liberal arts. Known for small class sizes and a focus on leadership and service.

Capitol Technology University – A nationally recognized private institution in Laurel, Maryland, close to Ellicott City, specializing in cybersecurity, engineering, computer science, and information technology. It’s ideal for students pursuing careers in highly technical fields.

Ellicott City, MD is home to some of the best high schools in the state. These schools offer strong academics, dedicated faculty, and a range of extracurricular opportunities to help students grow and prepare for college and beyond.

Top Public High Schools in Ellicott City, MD

• Centennial High School – Consistently ranked among the top public schools in Maryland, Centennial offers rigorous academic programs and a wide range of AP courses.
• Howard High School – Known for its excellent STEM and arts programs, Howard High provides students with strong college and career preparation.
• Mount Hebron High School – This school has a reputation for high academic achievement and outstanding extracurricular programs, including music and athletics.
• Marriotts Ridge High School – A newer but highly respected school that offers challenging coursework and places a strong focus on student success and safety.
• River Hill High School – With strong test scores and graduation rates, River Hill is known for its academic excellence and supportive environment.

Top Private High Schools in Ellicott City, MD

• St. John’s Parish Day School – While primarily a K-8 school, St. John’s sets a strong academic foundation for high school success with a challenging curriculum and nurturing faculty.
• Our Lady of Perpetual Help School – A Catholic school known for its close-knit community, faith-based education, and high academic standards.
• Glenelg Country School – Located nearby, Glenelg offers a well-rounded college-prep education with strong programs in arts, athletics, and academics.
• Mount de Sales Academy – An all-girls Catholic high school with a rigorous college-preparatory curriculum and emphasis on leadership and service.
• Archbishop Spalding High School – Though just outside Ellicott City, it’s a popular choice for local families, providing excellent academics, technology integration, and student life.

Ellicott City, Maryland is a charming historic town located in Howard County, situated between Baltimore and Washington, D.C. While Ellicott City itself does not house any major professional sports teams, it lies in close proximity to some of the nation’s most exciting sports communities. Residents often root for and travel to nearby cities like Baltimore and Washington, D.C., to support their favorite teams across a wide array of major leagues.

🏈 Football – Baltimore Ravens & Washington Commanders (NFL)

• Baltimore Ravens – Based just 25 minutes from Ellicott City, the Ravens are one of the NFL’s most respected franchises. They have won two Super Bowl titles (2000 and 2012), known for their dominant defenses led by greats like Ray Lewis and Ed Reed.
• Washington Commanders – Formerly known as the Redskins, the Commanders play in nearby Landover, Maryland. They have a proud history with three Super Bowl championships (1982, 1987, and 1991) and continue to rebuild under new leadership.

⚾ Baseball – Baltimore Orioles & Washington Nationals (MLB)

• Baltimore Orioles – The Orioles play at iconic Oriole Park at Camden Yards in downtown Baltimore. They’ve won three World Series titles (1966, 1970, 1983) and are known for their loyal fanbase and rich baseball heritage.
• Washington Nationals – Located about an hour from Ellicott City, the Nationals won their first World Series championship in 2019. They’ve featured major talents such as Max Scherzer, Stephen Strasburg, and Juan Soto.

🏀 Basketball – Washington Wizards (NBA)

• Washington Wizards – The Wizards are the closest NBA team to Ellicott City, playing their home games at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C. The team won its only NBA title in 1978 (as the Washington Bullets) and recently has featured stars like Bradley Beal and John Wall.

🏒 Hockey – Washington Capitals (NHL)

• Washington Capitals – The Capitals, also based in Washington, D.C., brought home their first Stanley Cup championship in 2018. The team is led by superstar Alex Ovechkin, one of the greatest goal scorers in NHL history.

⚽ Soccer – D.C. United & Washington Spirit (MLS/NWSL)

• D.C. United – One of Major League Soccer’s original and most storied clubs, D.C. United has won four MLS Cups (1996, 1997, 1999, 2004). The team has been home to legends such as Jaime Moreno, Ben Olsen, and Wayne Rooney.
• Washington Spirit – The Spirit compete in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) and won their first championship in 2021. They represent the growing popularity of women’s soccer in the region, delivering exciting performances year-round.

Though Ellicott City does not have its own professional sports teams, its prime location gives sports fans easy access to some of the best action the Mid-Atlantic has to offer. Whether it’s cheering on the Ravens in a packed stadium or catching a baseball game at Camden Yards, residents are never far from the excitement.

Ellicott City, Maryland is a historic and charming town full of character, scenic beauty, and some pretty amazing surprises. From its deep roots in American history to its unique local quirks, here are some fun facts about this delightful city:

1. Founded in 1772 – Ellicott City is one of the oldest towns in America. It was founded by the Ellicott brothers, who set up a flour mill along the Patapsco River.
2. First Freight Railroad Station – The city is home to the nation’s oldest surviving railroad station, built in 1830 as part of the B&O Railroad.
3. Haunted History – Ellicott City is known as one of the most haunted small towns in America. Ghost tours and supernatural stories are local favorites!
4. Main Street Charm – The city’s historic Main Street is packed with antique shops, coffee spots, and cozy bookstores—a true destination for weekend wanderers.
5. Flood Resilience – Despite experiencing multiple devastating floods, the community has come together to rebuild, showing incredible strength and resilience.
6. Patapsco Valley State Park – Nature lovers, rejoice! Nearby Patapsco Valley offers hiking, biking, fishing, and beautiful forest trails.
7. Civil War Ties – Ellicott City played a role in the Civil War, with Union troops guarding the B&O Railroad that was vital to troop and supply movement.
8. Quirky Railroad Bridge – A famous railroad bridge downtown actually has a "high water mark" sign, showing how deep floodwaters have reached!
9. Home to Benjamin Banneker – The area was once home to Benjamin Banneker, a free African American scientist and mathematician. His restored homestead is now a historical park.
10. Festival Fun – Ellicott City hosts popular events like the Midnight Madness holiday event and outdoor summer concerts that locals and visitors love.