Real Estate Investing in Baltimore, Maryland (21205)

Everything the listing leaves out — vacancy, rent trend, cap rate, landlord climate. All free.

Baltimore City • Population: 13,665 • Data updated: September 2026

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Should you buy in 21205 (Baltimore, MD)? Our answer, based on the numbers below.

🏠 For Homebuyers
MIXED
Grade C (61/100)

Mixed — values have been flat. OK for long-horizon buyers, less attractive if you may need to sell soon.

📈 For Investors
STRONG
4.0 / 5 (86/100)

A cash-flow market — rent-to-price math works from day one, though value growth is modest. Great for income-focused investors.

⚠️ Risks to Know
4 flags
  • High vacancy: 20.4% of homes vacant — above national norms.
  • Declining values: -2.9% 5-year CAGR — values have moved lower.
  • Elevated poverty: 30.8% poverty rate — can affect rent collection.
  • Lower household income: $38,211 median — tenant affordability is tighter.

What’s happening in Baltimore, MD (21205)?

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4.0/ 5

Investability

Overall investment appeal

1.0/ 5

Appreciation

Long-term value growth

5.0/ 5

Cashflow ROI

Rental yield potential

Avg Home Value $109,230
Avg Monthly Rent $1,832
1% Rule ✓ Meets
Median Income $38,211
% Renters 65.2%

Market Analysis: 21205 Baltimore

Within Baltimore City, the 21205 ZIP clocks in at a lower entry point around $109K. Looking more closely, operators who can improve stock here typically see outsized uplift.

Flippers and value-add operators have treated 21205 as a working ZIP for a reason. Entry prices around $109K and a deep rental base of 65% renters underpin the exit strategy on both the sale and rent sides.

Comparing Baltimore submarkets, ZIP 21205 offers an entry cost that most surrounding neighborhoods have moved past. The substantial delta is the opportunity.

The a credible choice for angle on demographics here is renter willingness to pay a premium for renovated product. The 65% rental share provides scale for the strategy.

Flippers with local expertise can do well in 21205. Out-of-state investors should partner with boots-on-the-ground operators or skip the ZIP entirely.

Explore the Data — Click a Tab Below
🏦 Current 30-yr Fixed Mortgage Rate: 6.76% as of Sep 10 Source: Freddie Mac PMMS

Here's what matters if you're considering buying a home in Baltimore:

C Below Average
Buy Confidence Score: 54/100
Affordability
20/25
Appreciation
0/25
Stability
11/20
Timing
8/15
Rental backup
15/15
Affordability
Affordable
Homes cost 2.9× the median income
Value Trend
Rising (+5.3%)
How home values changed in the past year
Rental Backup
Strong
Could rent for $1,832/mo if you need to move
Market Conditions
BALANCED
Even conditions for buyers and sellers
Bottom Line: This market may be challenging for buyers. Consider your timing and budget carefully.
⚖️
BALANCED MARKET
Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD Metro Area
Even conditions for buyers and sellers
35 days
Average time to sell
Average
10.9%
Listings with price cuts
Few Cuts
0.0%
Sale price vs asking
Below Ask
0.0%
Income needed for mortgage
Affordable
📅 Market conditions as of August 29, 2026 — updated weekly from Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD metro data
🏠

Property Strategy for 21205

Which property type performs best in this market?

Best for Cash Flow
3BR
13.9% cap rate
Best for Appreciation
3BR
+5.4% 5yr CAGR
Best Overall Value
3BR
$39,443/bedroom
📊 Compare All Property Types →
Type Median Value Est. Rent Cap Rate 5yr CAGR $/Bedroom
2BR $108,518 $1,770 11.7% +4.7% $54,259
3BR $118,328 $2,280 13.9% +5.4% $39,443

Market Trends

Home Value History (with trend line)

$134K$115K$95K$76K$56K$36KJul 2006Jul 2016Jul 2026

Rent History (with trend line)

$1,884$1,732$1,579$1,426$1,273$1,120Dec 2021Apr 2024Jul 2026

📊 How Does 21205 Compare?

Metric 21205 Baltimore Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD Maryland
Home Value $109,230 $181,225 N/A $424,997
5-Year CAGR N/A 1.8% N/A 4.9%
Avg Rent $1,832 $1,757 N/A -
Cap Rate 13.1% 7.5% - -
💡 Why Invest in 21205? Click to expand

This ZIP code meets the 1% rule with rent at $1,832/mo on homes averaging $109,230 — a strong indicator of cash flow potential.

Our analysis gives this area a 4/5 investability rating, placing it in the top tier for rental property potential.

65% of households rent in this area, creating consistent tenant demand for landlords.

📊 See where this ZIP ranks in our Best-of lists →
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Landlord Ground Truth

Real numbers from people who own or manage rentals in ZIP 21205 (Baltimore, MD). Anonymous, moderated, never written by AI.

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Property managers serving Baltimore City County

Manage rentals here? List your business →

Real Property Management Reliable Solutions is a property management company serving Baltimore, MD. summary from their website

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RPR Property Management, LLC provides property management services for rental properties. summary from their website

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Listings are shown for convenience — Repit doesn’t endorse or vet these companies. Ratings shown come only from email-verified visitors.

Investability
Excellent
Cap Rate
13.1%
Excellent
5yr Growth
-2.9%
Declining

📊 Market Snapshot

Home Value $109,230
Monthly Rent $1,832
Price-to-Rent 5.0:1
1% Rule ✓ Passes

💰 Return Metrics

Gross Yield 20.1%
Cap Rate 13.1%
5-Year IRR 10.1%

📈 Home Appreciation

1-Year +5.3% ▲
3-Year CAGR -1.1% ▼
5-Year CAGR -2.9% ▼
10-Year CAGR +5.9% ▲

🏠 Rent Trends

1-Year -0.8% ▼
3-Year CAGR +8.9% ▲
5-Year CAGR N/A
Positive Leverage Market Cap Rate: 13.1%  |  30yr Rate: 6.8%
Leverage may enhance returns here.

The estimated cap rate (13.1%) exceeds the current 30-yr mortgage rate (6.8%). When borrowing costs less than a property yields, leverage can increase your cash-on-cash return above the cap rate.

⚠️ Risk Signals

Composite view of factors that can impact a ZIP's stability and your downside risk.

Vacancy
20.4%
Elevated risk
Landlord Climate
4.0/5
Friendly
Value Trend (5yr)
-2.9%
Declining
Eviction process: Moderate Rent control: Moderate

Demographics in 21205

Population: 13,665

💰 Median Household Income
$38,211
This area
$38,211
State
$107,932
USA
$74,580
🏠 Renter Occupied
65.2%
This area
65.2%
State
23.8%
USA
34.0%
💼 Unemployment Rate
4.2%
This area
4.2%
State
-20.0%
USA
3.7%
🎓 College Educated
14.6%
This area
14.6%
State
10.6%
USA
33.7%
👤 Median Age
32.8 years
This area
32.8 years
State
1.9 years
USA
38.9 years
🏚️ Vacancy Rate
20.4%
This area
20.4%
State
11.4%
USA
10.5%
👥 Population by Ethnicity
Black/African American 63.4%
Other/Mixed 16.9%
White 16.6%
Hispanic/Latino 11.3%
Asian 3.1%
👶 Under 18
27.7%
This area
27.7%
USA
22.0%
👴 65 and Over
13.9%
This area
13.9%
USA
17.3%
📊 Poverty Rate
30.8%
This area
30.8%
USA
11.5%

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 21205

A Avg School Grade
5 Schools
12.4:1 Avg Class Size
$23,862 Avg Per Pupil

Schools in This ZIP Code

A+ Excellent

Armistead Gardens Elementary/Middle

📚 Pre-K – 08 School
👥
767 Students
👨‍🏫
12.6:1 Class Size
💰
$23,862 Per Student
A+ Excellent

National Academy Foundation

📚 06 – 12 High School
👥
753 Students
👨‍🏫
14.5:1 Class Size
💰
$23,862 Per Student
A Very Good
👥
720 Students
👨‍🏫
16.7:1 Class Size
💰
$23,862 Per Student
A Very Good

Tench Tilghman Elementary/Middle

📚 Pre-K – 08 School
👥
368 Students
👨‍🏫
15.0:1 Class Size
💰
$23,862 Per Student
B+ Above Average

Claremont School

📚 09 – 12 High School
👥
47 Students
👨‍🏫
3.1:1 Class Size
💰
$23,862 Per Student

Nearby Schools (5 more)

Schools in adjacent ZIP codes that may serve this area

A+ Excellent

Commodore John Rodgers Elementary/Middle

📚 Pre-K – 08 School
📍 100 N Chester Street, Baltimore
👥
756 Students
👨‍🏫
11.6:1 Class Size
💰
$23,862 Per Student
A+ Excellent

Moravia Park Elementary

📚 Pre-K – 05 Elementary
📍 6001 Frankford Avenue, Baltimore
👥
629 Students
👨‍🏫
11.9:1 Class Size
💰
$23,862 Per Student
A+ Excellent

William Paca Elementary

📚 Pre-K – 05 Elementary
📍 200 N Lakewood Avenue, Baltimore
👥
417 Students
👨‍🏫
10.4:1 Class Size
💰
$23,862 Per Student
A+ Excellent

City Springs Elementary/Middle

📚 Pre-K – 08 School Charter
📍 100 S Caroline Street, Baltimore
👥
437 Students
👨‍🏫
11.8:1 Class Size
💰
$23,862 Per Student
A+ Excellent

Margaret Brent Elementary/Middle

📚 Pre-K – 08 School
📍 100 E 26th Street, Baltimore
👥
237 Students
👨‍🏫
11.0:1 Class Size
💰
$23,862 Per Student
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

8 Nearby 1,680 Off-Campus Students
D
University System of Maryland-Research Centers
0 students · 2.5 mi
D
University System of Maryland
0 students · 2.5 mi
C
Holistic Massage Training Institute
28 students · 2.5 mi
C
All-State Career-Baltimore
535 students · 2.8 mi
C
University of Baltimore
3,101 students · 2.8 mi
C
Maryland Beauty Academy of Essex
36 students · 2.9 mi
C
Baltimore Studio of Hair Design
39 students · 3.1 mi
C+
Maryland Institute College of Art
1,861 students · 3.1 mi

Investor Insight: With 1,680 students living off-campus nearby, this area has strong rental demand from the college population.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the median home value in Baltimore, MD?

Homes in Baltimore, MD typically sell near $109K. Prices have moved at a 0.0% 5-year CAGR, which stable long-term demand.

How well does BRRRR work in Baltimore, MD?

Yes - BRRRR is a strong in Baltimore, MD. The $109K home values and $1,832/mo rents anchor the refinance math.

Do properties in Baltimore, MD satisfy the 1% rule?

With rents of $1,832/mo on $109K homes, Baltimore, MD close to the 1% rule for most properties. The actual rent-to-price ratio is 1.68%.

What do rentals go for in Baltimore, MD?

The typical rental in Baltimore, MD commands about $1,832/mo monthly. That rent profile consistent cash flow against the $109K purchase basis.

What kind of market is Baltimore, MD for investors?

Yes - Baltimore, MD a 4.0/5 investability score. With $109K home prices against $1,832/mo monthly rent, the market delivers a reasonable entry point for new investors.

You know 21205 now. You don’t know where it ranks.

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How 21205 ranks in Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD

Every ZIP in this metro, ranked. Free.

Cash Flow → Appreciation → Affordable → 1% Rule →
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