Ellicott City: One of the best places to raise families?
Downtown Ellicott City (The Baltimore Sun)
If you recall, Money Magazine recently ranked Ellicott City, along with Columbia, as the No. 2 best small urban area to live in.
Now, Kiplinger.com says Ellicott City is one of the top 10 cities for raising families.
It says:
It's just 20 minutes from downtown Baltimore (with its Inner Harbor/Aquarium complex) and 50 minutes from the nation's capital. Yet the schools are better, the neighborhoods safer, and the cost of living slightly lower than many suburbs in this region. Howard County boasts one of Maryland's top school districts.
It also cites Ellicott City's high average family income, solid wage growth and 67 nearby parks. However, the magazine also notes high housing costs and the traffic-congested commute to Baltimore and Washington.
I recently moved to Ellicott City, close to its historic downtown, and I have to say that it's been a great place for young families.
But these lists can be pretty subjective. What do you think of this latest ranking? What else does Ellicott City offer? And what other places in the Baltimore region are great for raising families?
Chime in, parents.
Comments
I thank my parents for raising me in Ellicott City. The only thing that would have made it better is sidewalks. We have very few sidewalks, and the few times that I tried to ride my bike anywhere, the experience was harrowing. My education was great, and I have found that high school (I went to Hebron) sufficiently prepared me for life in the Ivy League. I will definitely consider raising my children here.
Posted by: Anon | August 31, 2010 6:00 PM
I agree with the last poster about sidewalks. The biggest thing I think we are missing in Ellicott City is an easy way to get around on foot or by bike. These things, as well as a community center, would go a long way toward making it a real community. Aside from that though, I love living here with my young daughter. We are also near the historic area and love being in such a rich historical setting.
Posted by: Anne | September 30, 2010 10:47 AM