Howard County is basking in the glow of recognition, with two cities, Ellicott City and Columbia, landing top spots on a national list of great places to live. County Executive Calvin Ball shared that U.S. News and World Report ranked these areas among the best in Maryland and the country for 2025-2026. While Ellicott City claimed the 13th position nationally, it was joined by Columbia and five other Maryland cities in the prestigious list of 250 cities nationwide. Howard County Government reported that the rankings were part of an expanded evaluation that included more than 850 cities across the United States.

The cities were assessed on various factors, including quality of life, value, desirability, job market, and net migration. While divulging details about the methodology, County Executive Ball expressed his pride, saying, "With a rich history and unmistakable charm, it is no surprise that Ellicott City is ranked so highly by U.S. News and World Report as one of the best places to live in the United States." He praised Columbia for its "safe, walkable community with a vibrant economy." These sentiments could be found in a recent statement Ball made to Howard County's official news outlet .

Ellicott City and Columbia outshine many with their quality of life metrics. Ellicott City boasts a median household income of $163,286, dwarfing the national median of $79,466, and provides exemplary education, healthcare, and a clean environment. Similarly, Columbia, with a median household income of $132,563 and a median home value of $495,708, reflects a cost of living tailored to provide comfort to its residents. This data aligns perfectly with the Value index used by U.S. News to gauge how easily residents can live within their means.

The net migration index sheds light on the movement of individuals and reveals whether cities are drawing in new blood or experiencing an exodus. Both Ellicott City and Columbia exhibit a magnetism that has not gone unnoticed by U.S. News and World Report.