Elkridge, MD

Elkridge holds a spot as the oldest settlement in the county, dating back to when present-day Howard County was part of Anne Arundel County. After settlers came to the area in the early 1700s, several petitions were filed to formalize the town, until the final petition was approved in 1762. The community became the hub for tobacco farmers, and its location along the Patapsco River, along with its seaport dock, made trade an important part of the economics of the community.

At the National Electronics Museum, located in nearby Linthicum, residents can learn more about the impact of science and engineering on Elkridge and other communities around the country.

Elkridge is a paradise for food lovers, with several local restaurants offering all types of cuisine.

At The Elkridge Furance Inn, diners enjoy upscale American cuisine inside a restored 18th century manor home. This neighborhood establishment has a rotating menu of dishes available for brunch, lunch and dinner, but its the crab cassoulet that has many locals coming back time and time again.

If you're craving traditional Japanese cuisine or fresh-rolled sushi, check out Sushi Q Bar & Grill, a neighborhood gem known for its modern take on traditional Japanese fare. Make sure to try their Maryland roll, which features fresh, locally caught seafood right from nearby Chesapeake Bay.

When it comes to nightlife in Elkridge, the bar scene is primarily made up of local hole-in-the-wall pubs and sports bars. At Stained Glass Pub, locals watch their favorite sports teams pair off year round and enjoy live music on the weekends. At Daniel’s Restaurant and Bar, a large selection of specialty craft brews on draft makes it the perfect gathering spot for area residents and beer fans alike.

Most residents travel around Elkridge by car, and with convenient access to both Interstate 895 and Interstate 95, driving to neighboring suburbs and downtown Baltimore is a breeze. Parking in Elkridge is easy to come by, and most parking is free throughout the community.

Some locals prefer to take public transportation, as the MTA bus system services the Elkridge community. The bus lines connect the entire area and provide residents with direct access to the light rail, metro subway and MARC train.

Cabs are easily available throughout Elkridge, or residents can use the Uber car service to call for a ride home.

Much of the town is bike friendly, both for residents and younger riders. However, Elkridge is not particularly walkable because it is so spread out.

In the middle of the Elkridge community is the massive Rockburn Branch Park. This park is home to many community events, including annual charity 5K races, local fairs, school fundraisers and more. With more than 415 acres of wooded land and 7.4 miles of trails, this public park has plenty of amenities to explore. Fish in the streams, or take your dog on a walk along a trail path. Little ones can play on one of the park’s many playgrounds, while tennis courts, baseball diamonds and soccer fields provide plenty o space for organized sports.

At this park, families can explore the green space, play on the 18-hole disc golf course or simply set up a picnic in one of the park’s designated areas. With so much recreational space throughout the park, Rockburn Branch is an integral part of the Elkridge community.

Life in Elkridge comes with an average to above-average cost of living. Most rental homes are either condos or small single-family properties. The average cost of a one-bedroom apartment in Elkridge is about $1263.77 per month. A trip to the city center costs around $3 to $4, depending on the bus-to-train route commuters take.

Gas in Elkridge costs around 0.5 percent higher than the national average, while a beer at a local pub in the area costs around $5 a pint.

Most of the Elkridge shopping scene has been designed around meeting the everyday needs of its patrons. While little high-end shopping exists in the district, residents can enjoy a number of modern conveniences throughout Elkridge. Pick up a new pair of running shoes at Roadrunner Sports, or treat the golf fan in your life to a new nine iron at Golf Galaxy. Locals with a taste for fine wine and craft beers can visit The Perfect Pour to stock up on their favorite beverages.

Down on Main Street, boutique shoppers can pick up fresh-cut flowers and gifts at Flowers by Gina; the family owned shop puts customer service as their top priority.

At the heart of Elkridge is the Gateway Overlook shopping center. Residents pick up discounted items at Five Below, shop the latest technologies at Best Buy and buy home-improvement essentials at Lowes.

This shopping center is also where residents visit the local Trader Joe's to do their grocery shopping. This popular chain of grocery stores has organic products at affordable prices and all types of fresh produce and everyday cooking essentials. Plus, the store offers shoppers hot coffee and samples of new recipes as a courtesy while they shop.

At Frank’s Produce and Greenhouse, residents enjoy shopping at an open-air market filled with fresh, locally grown produce. On Saturday mornings, the Elkridge Farmers Market is held at the Waterloo Pass. Both markets allow shoppers to indulge in fresh, local produce as well as cheeses, jams and handmade pies.