Today, much of the rolling farmland has been replaced by stately new homes on spacious lots, though more rural areas remain. The western end of the county boasts some of the highest-priced housing in the area. Local amenities include a library, senior center and a regional park with a 50,000-square-foot multi-use community center.

NORTH LAUREL AND FULTON

Centers of major development, Fulton and North Laurel are home to police and fire stations, shops, schools and churches. North Laurel, separated from the city of Laurel in Prince George’s County by the Patuxent River, offers close proximity to shops, antiques stores and restaurants, as well as golf courses and the Rocky Gorge Reservoir.

Maple Lawn in Fulton — a 600-acre development that will include 1,100 homes, a community center, pool, tennis courts and 78 acres of parks and open space — is under way, with the shops and restaurants in the community’s downtown area doing a brisk business.

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Emerson, a 570-acre development by General Growth Properties will have 1,200 new homes when completed. Nearby Stone Lake, on 137 acres, features a 25-acre lake.

HOME SWEET HOME

The latest trend in housing is the “active adult community” for residents 55 and older. Single-family homes, condos and townhouses with amenities such as lawn services, clubhouses and shuttle service to shopping areas are increasing in the county. Whether you are seeking an efficiency apartment or a luxurious single-family home, a variety of options for both homeowners and renters are available in the county.

In 2010, there were 2,840 homes sold in Howard County, according to Metropolitan Regional Information Systems, which tracks home sales throughout the region. The median price of a home sold in Howard County in 2010 was $360,000.

Although costs in this part of the nation are higher than in many other sections, there is some assistance for those in need. Federally subsidized housing is available through the Columbia Housing Corp. (410-730-9554) and the county (410-313-6320). Renters and buyers are urged to contact local real estate agencies for further information.

USEFUL PHONE NUMBERS

Columbia Association/Columbia Welcome Center
410-715-3000

Columbia Housing Corp.
410-730-9554

Howard County Association of Realtors
410-715-1437

Howard County Planning & Zoning
410-313-2350

Howard County Housing & Community Development
410-313-6320

WHERE TO STAY

Need temporary digs?
Hosting out-of-town guests?
The following list may help:

Best Western-BWI
410-796-3300

Commodore Joshua Barney House
301-362-1900

Courtyard By Marriott
410-290-0002