Real Estate Investing in Towson, Maryland (21286)
Everything the listing leaves out — vacancy, rent trend, cap rate, landlord climate. All free.
Should you buy in 21286 (Towson, MD)? Our answer, based on the numbers below.
Mixed signals — some positives, some negatives. Worth considering but not a slam-dunk.
A middle-of-the-road market. Workable, but the best opportunities may be nearby ZIPs rather than this one.
No major risk flags on the data we track.
What’s happening in Towson, MD (21286)?
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Market Analysis: 21286 Towson
Investors eyeing 21286 need to respect the fundamentals at play. Home values of $408K come alongside slower price movement and elevated management overhead.
The investment case in 21286 is resilient only for operators who understand what they are buying. A $408K median suggests accessibility, but management intensity, vacancy drift, and capex surprises are real.
In practical terms, 21286 offers a low basis, the region around Towson has moved on in ways that the ZIP itself has not fully absorbed. The result is a discount with genuine reasons.
Looking more closely, 21,782 residents fill the ZIP, renter turnover runs higher than neighboring postal codes and delinquency risk is a real line item rather than a theoretical one.
The 21286 ZIP fits a narrow investor profile — hands-on, patient, and willing to accept that the cap rate on paper is not the cap rate in reality.
Here's what matters if you're considering buying a home in Towson:
Property Strategy for 21286
Which property type performs best in this market?
📊 Compare All Property Types →
| Type | Median Value | Est. Rent | Cap Rate | 5yr CAGR | $/Bedroom |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $249,591 | $1,900 | 5.5% | +3.5% | $124,795 |
| 3BR | $341,880 | $2,410 | 5.1% | +4.9% | $113,960 |
| 4BR | $590,893 | $2,670 | 3.3% | +5.2% | $147,723 |
| 5BR | $768,947 | — | — | +5.7% | $153,789 |
Market Trends
Home Value History (with trend line)
Rent History (with trend line)
📊 How Does 21286 Compare?
| Metric | 21286 | Towson | Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD | Maryland |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home Value | $408,472 | $254,277 | N/A | $424,997 |
| 5-Year CAGR | 3.4% | 3.5% | N/A | 4.9% |
| Avg Rent | $1,785 | $1,891 | N/A | - |
| Cap Rate | 3.4% | 3.0% | - | - |
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 21286 (Towson, MD). Anonymous, moderated, never written by AI.
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Property managers serving Baltimore County
Manage rentals here? List your business →American Community Management provides community association management and HOA services across Maryland, Virginia, and D.C. summary from their website
Melan Property Management delivers proactive property management solutions for multifamily and commercial real estate across Maryland, Washington D.C., and Miami. summary from their website
Tidewater Property Management, Inc. is a family-owned company in the Mid-Atlantic providing full-service HOA, condo, and rental property management for single-family and multifamily properties. summary from their website
Listings are shown for convenience — Repit doesn’t endorse or vet these companies. Ratings shown come only from email-verified visitors.
📊 Market Snapshot
| Home Value | $408,472 |
| Monthly Rent | $1,785 |
| Price-to-Rent | 19.1:1 |
| 1% Rule | ✗ Fails |
💰 Return Metrics
| Gross Yield | 5.2% |
| Cap Rate | 3.4% |
| 5-Year IRR | 6.8% |
📈 Home Appreciation
| 1-Year | +4.3% ▲ |
| 3-Year CAGR | +3.2% ▲ |
| 5-Year CAGR | +3.4% ▲ |
| 10-Year CAGR | +2.7% ▲ |
🏠 Rent Trends
| 1-Year | +0.8% ▲ |
| 3-Year CAGR | +2.0% ▲ |
| 5-Year CAGR | +2.2% ▲ |
The current 30-yr mortgage rate (6.8%) exceeds the estimated cap rate (3.4%). 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 21286
Population: 21,782
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 21286
Schools in This ZIP Code
Nearby Schools (5 more)
Schools in adjacent ZIP codes that may serve this area
Carney Elementary
Oakleigh Elementary
Pine Grove Elementary
Halstead Academy
Harford Hills Elementary
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
How should investors approach Towson, MD?
Most investors in Towson, MD run a careful cash-flow rentals with hands-on management strategy. It aligns with the 3.0/5 investability profile and the market fundamentals.
Is Towson, MD good for landlords?
For rental operators, Towson, MD rates as landlord-friendly. The regulatory environment standard buy-and-hold operations.
What is the tenant pool like in Towson, MD?
The tenant pool in Towson, MD is solid, supported by local employment and population fundamentals. Rents of $1,785/mo are well-absorbed by the market.
How strong is Towson, MD for real estate investors?
Towson, MD scores 3.0/5 for investability. Home values sit at $408K and rents near $1,785/mo, which keeps the rent-to-price ratio in reasonable territory for buy-and-hold investors.
How much should I expect to pay for a home in Towson, MD?
Typical homes in Towson, MD go for around $408K. The 5-year CAGR of 0.0% steady price movement.
You know 21286 now. You don’t know where it ranks.
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How 21286 ranks in Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD
Every ZIP in this metro, ranked. Free.
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