Your Guide to Buying a Home in Elkridge, MD

Buying a Home in Elkridge, Maryland

Elkridge is located in Howard County

Elkridge, located in the eastern most tip of Howard County, is probably the oldest settlement in the county. Elk Ridge Landing referred to the shipping docks and concentrations of population along the Patapsco River (navigable into the 1800's), while Elk Ridge referred to a ridge line stretching west to Doughoregan Manor and south to Oakland Mills.

The Public School System offers a comprehensive educational program for students in kindergarten through grade 12. School attendance is compulsory for children five years of age (as of December 2000 for the school year beginning in fall 2000). Maryland law requires that children attend kindergarten before entering first grade. Parents or guardians may request a one-year maturity waiver from the Public School System.

Howard County offers its citizens five regional parks containing sports facilities, recreation areas for picnics, and scenic outdoor trails for hiking and exploring. The closest park to Elkridge is Rockburn Branch Park.

You are invited to explore the nature trails, play a sport, dine on picnic fare, or learn about the Indians who camped on this land thousands of years ago. Discover the history at Rockburn Branch Park and enjoy the opportunity to experience nature, recreation, and the simple pleasures of life.

You may use the park's picnic tables and cooking grills on a first-come, first-served basis except when picnic areas have been reserved. Personal grills and hibachis are not permitted.

Park regulations prohibit hunting, firearms, and alcoholic beverages. Leashed pets are allowed in the park but not in picnic or sports areas. Howard County law requires owners to clean up after their pets.

The park covers 390 acres and is open from dawn until dusk, April through November.

Softball, baseball, football, and soccer fields are available by permit. Priority is given to sports leagues and community groups. The permit applicant must be a Howard County resident.

You may use the tennis courts on a first-come, first-served basis except when lessons or tournaments have been schedule.

Explore varied natural areas along the 4.25 mile trail which meanders through scenic woodlands, fresh water marshes, and stream valleys. The park lies along the fall line between the Piedmont plateau and the coastal plain, an ideal location to glimpse migrating hawks. Park visitors may also see bluebirds which nest in the area.

During park construction, American Indian artifacts were uncovered. The artifacts are remnants of encampments in the Ilchester area thousands of years ago. The location may have been attractive to the American Indian because of its proximity to the Patapsco River and the abundant supply of nuts and upland game.