Real Estate Investing in Baltimore, Maryland (21202)
Everything the listing leaves out — vacancy, rent trend, cap rate, landlord climate. All free.
Should you buy in 21202 (Baltimore, MD)? Our answer, based on the numbers below.
Proceed carefully. Weak appreciation or affordability makes this a harder case for most buyers.
A cash-flow market — rent-to-price math works from day one, though value growth is modest. Great for income-focused investors.
- High vacancy: 17.0% of homes vacant — above national norms.
- Declining values: -0.3% 5-year CAGR — values have moved lower.
- 1-year downturn: Values declined 3.7% in the last year.
What’s happening in Baltimore, MD (21202)?
Click any question — our AI will research it live from the web and show you sources.
Market Analysis: 21202 Baltimore
The 21202 ZIP covers a section of Baltimore that demands careful diligence. Prices near $181K look accessible, but the work to make a deal cash flow is real.
Rent of $1,766/mo on a $181K basis reads well until vacancy, delinquency, and capex enter the model. The honest cap rate in 21202 sits below the stated 0.0% once reality is priced in.
ZIP 21202's metrics run below Baltimore City's averages on price growth and tenant stability. Investors who ignore that regional gap tend to relearn it the hard way.
Who lives in 21202 is part of why the ZIP is priced as it is. The demographic profile requires hands-on management, tight screening, and local knowledge.
Distressed ZIPs reward experience. solid returns are possible in 21202, but they flow to investors who already understand how to operate in soft markets.
Here's what matters if you're considering buying a home in Baltimore:
Property Strategy for 21202
Which property type performs best in this market?
📊 Compare All Property Types →
| Type | Median Value | Est. Rent | Cap Rate | 5yr CAGR | $/Bedroom |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1BR | $161,701 | $1,780 | 7.9% | +1.6% | $161,701 |
| 2BR | $254,408 | $2,190 | 6.2% | +0.8% | $127,204 |
| 3BR | $248,498 | $2,780 | 8.1% | +3.9% | $82,833 |
| 4BR | $269,931 | $3,080 | 8.2% | +2.6% | $67,483 |
Market Trends
Home Value History (with trend line)
Rent History (with trend line)
📊 How Does 21202 Compare?
| Metric | 21202 | Baltimore | Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD | Maryland |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home Value | $180,583 | $181,225 | N/A | $424,997 |
| 5-Year CAGR | N/A | 1.8% | N/A | 4.9% |
| Avg Rent | $1,766 | $1,757 | N/A | - |
| Cap Rate | 7.6% | 7.5% | - | - |
Similar ZIPs Within 25 Miles
Compare other nearby markets to see if a neighbor offers a better fit.
Landlord Ground Truth
Real numbers from people who own or manage rentals in ZIP 21202 (Baltimore, MD). Anonymous, moderated, never written by AI.
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📊 Market Snapshot
| Home Value | $180,583 |
| Monthly Rent | $1,766 |
| Price-to-Rent | 8.5:1 |
| 1% Rule | ✗ Fails |
💰 Return Metrics
| Gross Yield | 11.7% |
| Cap Rate | 7.6% |
| 5-Year IRR | 7.3% |
📈 Home Appreciation
| 1-Year | -3.7% ▼ |
| 3-Year CAGR | -1.4% ▼ |
| 5-Year CAGR | -0.3% ▼ |
| 10-Year CAGR | +1.1% ▲ |
🏠 Rent Trends
| 1-Year | +0.2% ▲ |
| 3-Year CAGR | +0.6% ▲ |
| 5-Year CAGR | +1.5% ▲ |
The current 30-yr mortgage rate (6.8%) is close to the estimated cap rate (7.6%). Financing this market at current rates produces a cash-on-cash return near the cap rate. Appreciation and tax benefits may still support the investment.
⚠️ Risk Signals
Composite view of factors that can impact a ZIP's stability and your downside risk.
Demographics in 21202
Population: 21,506
Crime & Safety
Crime & Safety Data Coming Soon
We're integrating comprehensive crime statistics including violent crime rates, property crime, and safety scores to help you make informed investment decisions.
Expected: Q1 2025
🎓 Schools in 21202
Schools in This ZIP Code
Nearby Schools (5 more)
Schools in adjacent ZIP codes that may serve this area
Commodore John Rodgers Elementary/Middle
Baltimore Leadership School for Young Women
Charles Carroll Barrister Elementary
City Springs Elementary/Middle
Margaret Brent Elementary/Middle
About Repit School Scores
Traditional school ratings rely heavily on standardized test scores, which often reflect family income more than school quality. Repit takes a different approach.
We evaluate schools based on factors that research shows actually impact educational outcomes:
- Class Size — Smaller classes mean more individual attention
- School Funding — Resources available for programs, staff, and facilities
- Community Factors — Neighborhood characteristics that influence student success
- School Environment — Size, type, and structure
Scores are updated annually using federal education data.
🎓 Nearby Colleges & Universities
Investor Insight: With 1,680 students living off-campus nearby, this area has strong rental demand from the college population.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do home prices stand in Baltimore, MD?
Baltimore, MD home values average about $181K. That price point suits investors targeting rentals with $1,766/mo in monthly income.
Does Baltimore, MD favor landlords or tenants?
Rental owners in Baltimore, MD deal with a landlord-friendly legal framework. Most standard eviction processes run on reasonable timelines.
What is the average monthly rent in Baltimore, MD?
Rent in Baltimore, MD is around $1,766/mo. The resulting rent-to-value relationship with $181K pricing is reasonable for most investor models.
Is Baltimore, MD a good market for buy-and-hold investors?
Investors tracking Baltimore, MD will find a 3.0/5 rating supported by $181K median home values and $1,766/mo rents. That profile suits long-term holders targeting stable returns.
What is the typical renter like in Baltimore, MD?
Baltimore, MD offers a steady renter base at the $1,766/mo rent level. Tenant turnover is reasonable for well-managed properties.
You know 21202 now. You don’t know where it ranks.
This page stays free — all of it. What one page can’t tell you is how 21202 compares to every other market. Investor ($19/mo) screens every U.S. ZIP by cap rate, the 1% rule, vacancy and landlord climate, and exports your shortlist.
How 21202 ranks in Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD
Every ZIP in this metro, ranked. Free.
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