Historic Ellicott City (Baltimore, Columbia: rental, neighborhood, preschool)

[kksand]

I found a rental property in Historic Ellicott City, off of Old Columbia Pike and was curious about the neighborhood. I have read great things about Ellicott, but was wondering if anyone knew anything about this specific area? The elementary school is Veterans (have read mixed reviews on the school). Any information is appreciated! Thanks!!

[slowlane3]

Howard County schools in general are top-rated. Ellicott City is also just 10 minutes from a University (UMBC), the large Patapsco River State Park, and two large community colleges. You can check schools out here GreatSchools - Public and Private School Ratings, Reviews and Parent Community

[J_Lurk]

Old Columbia Pike is a steep road just as you get into the historic district, so I'm not quite sure where you are talking about. In any case, it is generally a nice area. You'll have the mix of being close to the cute quirky historic district and being close to Long Gate with Target, Kohls, etc.

I think the mixed reviews you see on Veterans may have to do with the crowding situation there. As I understand it, Veterans has been crowded pretty much since the day it opened and it has a couple of mobile classrooms. However, I've always heard very positive things about the education and the staff. It's the next school over from us and has the preschool program for our area (preschools are only in about every third school). Everyone I know who was there for preschool liked it very much.

[kksand]

Thank you both for your replies!

[clakeful]

I grew up right by Old Ellicott City and it is a truly great place to raise kids. I loved living by such a kitschy little place--though the stores go through a lot of turnaround, there are some old standbys that I still love to visit like Tea on the Tiber and Bean Hollow Cafe. Ellicott City and Columbia (less than 5 minutes away by car) both offer lots of sports teams, parks, & other activities for kids.

All of the Howard County schools are great. Though there are some that are considered better or worse than others, they are still better overall than adjacent counties like Baltimore and Carroll.

One downside is that public transportation in HoCo is extremely inconvenient. So expect to be driving EVERYWHERE and shuttling your kids back and forth from activities.

Also, this could be a plus or a minus, but there are a lot of big-box chain stores & restaurants in the area. Small businesses are in the minority. Basically, Ellicott City is very convenient, but if you're not living by Main Street, it just isn't very visually interesting.

[kksand]

Thanks for the reply! As much as I loved the house, we were informed that it is right next to a cemetery. I am not really sure how I feel about it, but husband was dead set against it, so did not really look into it any further. We are still looking into Ellicott City though.

[HandsUpThumbsDown]

Originally Posted by kksand

Thanks for the reply! As much as I loved the house, we were informed that it is right next to a cemetery. I am not really sure how I feel about it, but husband was dead set against it, so did not really look into it any further. We are still looking into Ellicott City though.

wha? Quiet neighbors! I loved living next to a cemetary.

[FranzV]

"Dead set" against it? That's funny. I grew up for a time in Columbia, and attended Dunloggin middle school and Centennial high. Both really great, if you could live in that district, (kind of pricey) you'd be in a great area. If I was to move back, I would want my kids to go to those schools.