Real Estate Investing in Charlestown, Maryland (21914)
Everything the listing leaves out — vacancy, rent trend, cap rate, landlord climate. All free.
Should you buy in 21914 (Charlestown, MD)? Our answer, based on the numbers below.
Proceed carefully. Weak appreciation or affordability makes this a harder case for most buyers.
A middle-of-the-road market. Workable, but the best opportunities may be nearby ZIPs rather than this one.
- High vacancy: 20.2% of homes vacant — above national norms.
• Limited market data — this is a very small market; averages are built from few observations and can swing widely. • Modeled rent — no observed market rent for this ZIP; the figure is estimated from HUD fair-market rent.
What’s happening in Charlestown, MD (21914)?
Click any question — our AI will research it live from the web and show you sources.
Market Analysis: 21914 Charlestown
This part of Cecil County is not an easy win. The 21914 ZIP reflects softness in key indicators, and the playbook that works in cleaner markets often stalls here.
Distressed markets are won on execution, not on spreadsheets. ZIP 21914 reflects the profile where tenant screening, deferred maintenance, and local relationships determine the outcome.
Nearby ZIPs in Charlestown have seen price recovery that 21914 has not matched. Cecil County data supports the view that the spread is structural rather than temporary.
Employment concentration in 21914 leans toward sectors with higher volatility. The demographic consequence is income fluctuation that investors need to factor into their pro forma.
Distressed ZIPs reward experience. durable returns are possible in 21914, 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 Charlestown:
Market Trends
Home Value History (with trend line)
📊 How Does 21914 Compare?
| Metric | 21914 | Charlestown | Maryland |
|---|---|---|---|
| Home Value | $338,830 | $338,830 | $424,997 |
| 5-Year CAGR | 3.7% | 3.7% | 4.9% |
| Avg Rent | $1,674 | $1,674 | - |
| Cap Rate | 3.9% | 3.9% | - |
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 21914 (Charlestown, MD). Anonymous, moderated, never written by AI.
Do you own or manage rentals in ZIP 21914 (Charlestown, MD)?
~25 seconds · no account needed · your report is anonymous
📊 Market Snapshot
| Home Value | $338,830 |
| Monthly Rent | $1,674 |
| Price-to-Rent | 16.9:1 |
| 1% Rule | ✗ Fails |
💰 Return Metrics
| Gross Yield | 5.9% |
| Cap Rate | 3.9% |
| 5-Year IRR | 7.5% |
📈 Home Appreciation
| 1-Year | +0.4% ▲ |
| 3-Year CAGR | +3.3% ▲ |
| 5-Year CAGR | +3.7% ▲ |
| 10-Year CAGR | +5.3% ▲ |
🏠 Rent Trends
| 1-Year | N/A |
| 3-Year CAGR | N/A |
| 5-Year CAGR | N/A |
The current 30-yr mortgage rate (6.8%) exceeds the estimated cap rate (3.9%). 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 21914
Population: 786
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 21914
Schools in This ZIP Code
Nearby Schools (5 more)
Schools in adjacent ZIP codes that may serve this area
North East Elementary
North East Middle
Bay View Elementary
North East High
Rising Sun 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 1,402 students living off-campus nearby, this area has strong rental demand from the college population.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do landlords charge for rent in Charlestown, MD?
Investors in Charlestown, MD typically see rents near $1,674/mo per month against $339K home values - a solid setup for rental cash flow.
Can I live-in-and-rent in Charlestown, MD?
Charlestown, MD is a a challenging market for house hackers. FHA or conventional owner-occupant buyers find the $339K price point reasonable to enter.
How strong is Charlestown, MD for real estate investors?
Investors tracking Charlestown, MD will find a 3.0/5 rating supported by $339K median home values and $1,674/mo rents. That profile suits long-term holders targeting steady returns.
How much should I expect to pay for a home in Charlestown, MD?
Charlestown, MD home values average about $339K. That price point suits investors targeting rentals with $1,674/mo in monthly income.
What is the rental occupancy rate in Charlestown, MD?
Expect elevated vacancy in Charlestown, MD. Rents at $1,674/mo are absorbed by the tenant base without meaningful lag.
You know 21914 now. You don’t know where it ranks.
This page stays free — all of it. What one page can’t tell you is how 21914 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 21914 ranks in Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD
Every ZIP in this metro, ranked. Free.
AI Market Advisor
Ask questions about investing in 21914 (Charlestown)
Community Ratings
What people who’ve spent time here actually say. Not paid reviews.
Be the first to rate 21914 (Charlestown, MD).
It takes 30 seconds. No signup. Your rating helps everyone who comes here after you.