Four Md. Communities Named 'Best Places To Live'
BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- Money Magazine is naming two Howard County cities as the best places to live.
Tracey Leong has the details.
This is the fifth time Ellicott City and Columbia have been named as one of the top 10 places to live in America---and people who live here are not surprised.
Ellicott City and Columbia are being celebrated together as the sixth best small city.
"Had my fingers crossed and once again in the top 10 places to live," said County Executive Ken Ulman.
Born and raised in Howard County, Ulman has served as county executive for the past eight years, so it's a title he's proud to hear.
"It's a sort of vote of confidence for the work we have done to create great public schools. Our library system is ranked number one in North America. We are a safe community and have the lowest unemployment rate," Ulman said.
Money Magazine considered 50 different factors from local economy to a sense of community.
"A lot of people walk around here, so it's cool," said Quinton Scott.
"Activities all the time---great restaurants, safe kids, always been able to get around on their own," said Geri Rollow.
Money Magazine is not the only organization to recognize Ellicott City. Last year, Benjamin Moore honored them for their downtown charm.
Sue Whary, owner of the Sweet Cascades, lives and works in Ellicott City and says she couldn't think of a better place to be.
"Right in the middle of Baltimore and DC," she said. "So many things to do here. A great town."
People who live, work and play in Howard County say it is nice to get the third party validation.
"We know we have a great county but it's really great to be told that from others," said Howard County Council Vice Chair Courtney Watson.
Columbia and Ellicott City aren't the only Maryland cities being honored. Rockville and Bowie made the top 50 list. Click here to see the list.
The magazine looked at a total of 781 other cities in the United States.
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