Real Estate Investing in Baltimore, Maryland (21239)
Everything the listing leaves out — vacancy, rent trend, cap rate, landlord climate. All free.
Should you buy in 21239 (Baltimore, MD)? Our answer, based on the numbers below.
Solid choice — stable market with a reasonable entry point and good rental backup if you ever need to move.
A cash-flow market — rent-to-price math works from day one, though value growth is modest. Great for income-focused investors.
No major risk flags on the data we track.
What’s happening in Baltimore, MD (21239)?
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Market Analysis: 21239 Baltimore
Not every below-median market is a bargain. Baltimore's 21239 ZIP comes in at signals that favor experienced operators who can absorb the risk $219K pricing implies.
The investment case in 21239 is robust only for operators who understand what they are buying. A $219K median suggests accessibility, but management intensity, vacancy drift, and capex surprises are real.
Nearby ZIPs in Baltimore have seen price recovery that 21239 has not matched. Baltimore City data supports the view that the spread is structural rather than temporary.
A healthy renter share of 44% in 21239 is not, on its own, a problem — but paired with below-average income and high mobility, it changes the operating playbook.
Strategy in 21239 is an operator game, not a passive one. Put differently, entry prices of $219K are inviting, the management lift is real and non-optional.
Here's what matters if you're considering buying a home in Baltimore:
Property Strategy for 21239
Which property type performs best in this market?
📊 Compare All Property Types →
| Type | Median Value | Est. Rent | Cap Rate | 5yr CAGR | $/Bedroom |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $193,771 | $1,770 | 6.6% | +5.8% | $96,886 |
| 3BR | $232,954 | $2,280 | 7.0% | +6.1% | $77,651 |
| 4BR | $265,619 | $2,550 | 6.9% | +4.8% | $66,405 |
Market Trends
Home Value History (with trend line)
Rent History (with trend line)
📊 How Does 21239 Compare?
| Metric | 21239 | Baltimore | Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD | Maryland |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home Value | $219,254 | $181,225 | N/A | $424,997 |
| 5-Year CAGR | 3.4% | 1.8% | N/A | 4.9% |
| Avg Rent | $1,482 | $1,757 | N/A | - |
| Cap Rate | 5.3% | 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 21239 (Baltimore, MD). Anonymous, moderated, never written by AI.
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📊 Market Snapshot
| Home Value | $219,254 |
| Monthly Rent | $1,482 |
| Price-to-Rent | 12.3:1 |
| 1% Rule | ✗ Fails |
💰 Return Metrics
| Gross Yield | 8.1% |
| Cap Rate | 5.3% |
| 5-Year IRR | 8.6% |
📈 Home Appreciation
| 1-Year | +3.2% ▲ |
| 3-Year CAGR | +2.2% ▲ |
| 5-Year CAGR | +3.4% ▲ |
| 10-Year CAGR | +5.8% ▲ |
🏠 Rent Trends
| 1-Year | -2.9% ▼ |
| 3-Year CAGR | -0.6% ▼ |
| 5-Year CAGR | N/A |
The current 30-yr mortgage rate (6.8%) exceeds the estimated cap rate (5.3%). Financing reduces your cash-on-cash return below the cap rate. Markets like this may still make sense as IRR plays — factoring in appreciation, depreciation, and a future refinance when rates drop.
Run an IRR Analysis →⚠️ Risk Signals
Composite view of factors that can impact a ZIP's stability and your downside risk.
Demographics in 21239
Population: 28,635
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 21239
Schools in This ZIP Code
Nearby Schools (5 more)
Schools in adjacent ZIP codes that may serve this area
Margaret Brent Elementary/Middle
Abbottston Elementary
Barclay Elementary/Middle
Garrett Heights Elementary/Middle
Reginald F. Lewis High
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 2,150 students living off-campus nearby, this area has strong rental demand from the college population.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it easy to find good tenants in Baltimore, MD?
Baltimore, MD offers a consistent renter base at the $1,482/mo rent level. Tenant turnover is reasonable for well-managed properties.
Is Baltimore, MD a smart market for rental property?
Baltimore, MD reflects an investability rating of 3.0/5, with median home values near $219K and average rents around $1,482/mo. That combination puts it in the healthy tier for investor interest.
What are home prices like in Baltimore, MD?
In Baltimore, MD the median home value sits at $219K. Against the broader MD market, that reads as reasonable for most investors.
Can owner-occupants cash flow in Baltimore, MD?
The house hack math a challenging in Baltimore, MD. Owner-occupant buyers benefit from the $1,482/mo rents and $219K home values.
Are landlord laws favorable in Baltimore, MD?
Baltimore, MD falls under MD landlord-tenant law, which is landlord-friendly. That backdrop makes day-to-day property management reasonable.
You know 21239 now. You don’t know where it ranks.
This page stays free — all of it. What one page can’t tell you is how 21239 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 21239 ranks in Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD
Every ZIP in this metro, ranked. Free.
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