Written by Malcolm Lawson
If you’re considering moving to the Baltimore area and are interested in living in one of the surrounding suburbs, consider living in Ilchester, Maryland. Ilchester is a smaller community of about 29,000 folks. The cost of living is reasonable for the area, and the location puts you close to great Maryland towns like Brentwood, Towson, and Laurel. Nearby major cities include Baltimore, Washington, D.C., and Philadelphia.
Residents living in Ilchester, Maryland, enjoy a rich local history. Founded in 1761 by John Cornthwaite, Ilchester rests along the Patapsco River, a couple of miles from Ellicott City.
While working with clients from Ilchester, I enjoy exploring all the neighborhoods that showcase beautiful landscapes. Ilchester offers a friendly, small-town atmosphere. Furthermore, residents living in Ilchester, Maryland, have access to some of the best spots for outdoor recreation. There are plenty of hiking and biking trails, fishing holes, and scenic points to explore. Additionally, Ilchester’s location places residents within a short distance of the Chesapeake Bay, Washington, D.C., Delaware, and more.

Ilchester Homes
Cost of Living in Ilchester, Maryland
Anytime you consider moving, getting a feel for the cost of living in the area you are relocating to is a good idea. Buyers often ask me about the cost of living, and of course, the data changes, but the cost of living in Ilchester, Maryland, aligns with most other cities near Baltimore. The median home price is approximately $500,320, 105% higher than the national average. The overall cost of living in Illchester is 34% higher than the national average. The cost of goods and services runs about 3% higher than the national average.
If you are not ready to buy a home in Illchester, Maryland, renting a two-bedroom unit costs about $2,100.00 monthly. The cost of renting a house in Ilchester, Maryland, varies from $2,500 to over $4,000 monthly, depending on the area.
For most to live comfortably in Illchester, a minimum combined household of $95,700 is required. For a single person, an annual income of $68,000 is recommended.
Parks in Ilchester, Maryland
One of the great things about living in Ilchester, Maryland, is the proximity to so many wonderful Maryland parks. For instance, Ilchester is close to Lake Elkhorn Park, Tory Park, Patapsco Valley State Park, and Gay Oaks Park. Other smaller parks nearby include Grist Mill Walking Bridge, Hinton Tire Park, and Long Gate Playground. Residents enjoy a wide range of scenic landscapes within these beautiful Maryland Parks. Each park is a little different, but one thing is for sure: the parks create a perfect place to spend time outdoors; for a complete list of area parks and amenities, check out the Howard County Parks & Recreation website.
Schools in Ilchester, Maryland
Ilchester, Maryland, is home to several award-winning schools known for their academic excellence and supportive learning environments. Ilchester Elementary School, for instance, has received recognition for its strong academic programs and community involvement. The school boasts a low student-to-teacher ratio of about 15:1, ensuring personalized attention for each student. Its mascot, the Eagle, symbolizes the school’s spirit and pride.
Moving up to middle and high school, students often attend Bonnie Branch Middle School and Howard High School. Bonnie Branch Middle is known for its comprehensive curriculum, emphasizing student achievement and well-being. With its mascot, the Lion, Howard High School is celebrated for its robust academic programs. Additionally, it offers competitive sports teams and a wide array of extracurricular activities. Living in Ilchester, Maryland, gives residents access to some of the best schools in Howard County.
You can find a complete list of schools and their ranking at greatschools.org.

Bonnie Branch Middle School
Best Restaurants in Ilchester, Maryland
Living in Ilchester, Maryland, gives residents easy access to some of the best restaurants in Howard County. Nearby Ellicott City has popular venues like Glenwood’s – Columbia (formerly Standford Grill). I love this place because the steaks are excellent! Plus, Glenwood’s has the best key lime pie in the area.
Another place you should check out is the Beaumont in Catonsville, Maryland. This upscale steakhouse is perfect for date nights or special occasions. Be sure to make reservations; sometimes, it’s hard to get in.
If you want something unusual and memorable, check out Tersiguel’s French Country Restaurant. A friend introduced me to Tersiguel’s, and I was hesitant at first, but I’m glad I kept the reservation. The food at Tersiguel’s is delicious! Even better, the atmosphere is charming and romantic.

Best Restaurants near Ilchester, Maryland
Things to do in Ilchester, Maryland
If you ask locals what they love the most about living in Ilchester, Maryland, they will tell you they love the central location. Ilchester is close to so many attractions. You will find a long list of must-see venues and attractions within 30 minutes of Ilchester, which will blow your mind. For instance, Ellicott City is a short drive, offering an excellent historic district filled with unique shops. Check out The Vintage Marketplace and the Book Nook on Main Street. Of course, the proximity to Washington, D.C., is a significant benefit of living in Ilchester. Other great places to explore include the Easter Market, the National Gallery of Art, and the National Air & Space Museum. The National Air & Space Museum is a popular destination for those who love aviation history and space exploration. My son loves this place because of the interactive exhibits and large aircraft.
Of course, all-time favorite things to do near Ilchester, Maryland, include the Smithsonian Museums, the Washington Monument, and the White House.
Residents living in Ilchester, Maryland, enjoy a central hub to some of the nation’s outstanding sights and attractions.

The National Air Space Museum
Shopping in Ilchester, Maryland
Living in Ilchester, Maryland, allows residents to explore shopping venues in the surrounding towns. Local favorites include The Vintage Vault & Gallery, Saisha’s Boutique, and The Forget-Me-Not Factory in Ellicott City. Another great place to visit is the Barnes and Noble store in Columbia. Barnes & Noble offers a cozy atmosphere for book lovers. If you’re into artisanal foods, check The Gourmet Pantry, which stocks a range of specialty items, from locally made jams to gourmet cheeses. These shops and other charming boutiques make shopping in Ilchester fun and exciting.
Moving to Ilchester, Maryland
Living in Ilchester, Maryland, feels like stepping into a cozy slice of history with all the comforts of modern life. Nestled along the Patapsco River and close to Ellicott City, this charming community offers scenic views and a peaceful vibe. If you love the outdoors, you’ll enjoy the nearby Patapsco Valley State Park for hiking, biking, and exploring nature. At the risk of sounding sensational, Ilchester, Maryland, offers a storybook setting of small-town America. If you are curious about the area, give me a call. I would love to show you around.
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