I will be one of the biggest hypocrites when it comes to buying a home in Howard County. I was born in a home tucked away in a cul-de-sac in a very warm part of Ellicott city. I was introduced to a very diverse elementary school, where I met four of my best friends for life. I have had the pleasure of living in Ellicott city all of my life, and now I get to experience the amazing face lift Howard County is going through. If you have seen any films such as American History X, Fight Club, or The Hulk, then you may know Edward Norton. Edward’s grandfather, James Rouse, developed the city of Columbia, and helped develop Baltimore’s Inner Harbor. Jim Rouse’s dream for Columbia was to create a community where people of all races, backgrounds, and income levels lived side by side in peace, which is everything I have experienced in my 27 years here. Columbia is only one division of Howard County and as if Columbia wasn’t enough, Howard County also boasts Clarksville, West Friendship, Ellicott City, and borders Baltimore and Carroll County. When looking for a place to not only to call home, but to build roots for future generations, look no further than Howard county.