If you're looking for a family-friendly community with great schools, outstanding recreation, and convenient access to Baltimore and Washington, D.C., then you've picked the right place to call home. Howard County, Maryland, is home to bustling suburbs like Columbia and Ellicott City, which have ranked among the best places to live in the U.S., along with charming small towns like Elkridge and Sykesville.

The Jennifer De La Rosa Group can help you choose the perfect Howard County community for your pace of life. However, the work isn't over once you have keys in hand. After the paperwork is signed and the deal closed, it's time for your family to settle into your Howard County home.

5 Steps to Take Before Moving In

• Replace or re-key the locks. Alternatively, swap out your keyed locks for keyless entry.

• Hire a local cleaning service. Many sellers only leave their place “broom clean.” Unpacking into a freshly-cleaned house makes life so much easier.

• Locate the circuit breaker and gas and water shutoff valves. Every homeowner should be able to locate these in an emergency.

• Set up utilities. Most Howard County residents receive water and wastewater service from the Bureau of Utilities. Maryland residents are allowed to hand-pick their electricity and natural gas suppliers due to energy deregulation in the state.

• Choose your internet service provider. If you're in an area serviced by Verizon FiOS, you're in luck. Otherwise, Xfinity and Verizon DSL are likely your best ISP options.

Transferring Records to a New Town

• Everyone knows to file a change of address when moving house. However, don't forget to give banks, insurance companies, employers, subscription providers, and other businesses your new address.

• Update your driver's license, registration, and auto insurance to reflect your new address. You'll need to visit the Motor Vehicle Administration in person if you're new to the state. Vehicle emissions inspections are also required in Maryland.

• Parents should transfer children's academic records to their new school. You can find a list of documents required to enroll in Howard County Public Schools online.

• Business owner? Since Maryland doesn't support business domestication, business owners will need to dissolve their company in the old state and before they can start thinking about how to start an LLC in Maryland. 

• Howard County business owners benefit from an active chamber of commerce.

Making Local Connections

• Don't wait until you need a doctor to start looking for one. Planning ahead lets you choose the right primary care physician for your family.

• Four-legged family members need a doctor, too! Howard County residents can take their pick of local veterinary practices.

• Maryland's LOCATE: Child Care service helps parents find licensed local child care providers. This free service includes referrals to private child care, center-based care, Head Start programs, and more.

• Meetup groups are a great way to meet people when you're new to town. In the Columbia and Ellicott City area, you'll find groups for everything from outdoor adventures to Toastmasters.

• Parents can also take advantage of active online communities like Columbia Families in Nature and the Howard County Moms Facebook group to build their local tribe.

Things to Do in Howard County

• You don't have to spend a lot to have a good time in Howard County. These free and almost-free activities include options for the whole family.

• Howard County has a robust public library system, including monthly events for kids and adults.

• Love the outdoors? Use AllTrails to find the best hiking trails nearby rated by length and difficulty.

• If you enjoy shopping, you can't skip a trip to The Mall in Columbia. With over 200 stores and special kids' events every Thursday morning, this shopping mall has something for everyone.

• Need more ideas? Whether you're a nature lover, a history buff, or a live music fan, you'll have no trouble staying entertained in Howard County. Here are 10 more things to do and see as you settle into your new community.

There's no doubt about it: Howard County is a great place to live! If you're relocating to the Howard County area, let the Jennifer De La Rosa Group help you find your dream home. Whether you need someone to guide you towards the best Howard County community for your family or provide honest advice during the mortgage lending process, get in touch with the Jennifer De La Rosa Group now.