Baltimore continues to gain national recognition as a city of opportunity—this time for first-time homebuyers. According to new research released by Realtor.com®, Baltimore, Maryland has been ranked among the 10 Best Markets for First-Time Homebuyers in 2026, earning the No. 7 spot nationwide out of more than 10,000 communities evaluated across the country.

The annual report, The Best Markets for First-Time Homebuyers in 2026, assesses affordability, housing availability, local amenities, commute quality, economic health, and housing market outlook. Baltimore’s inclusion highlights the city’s growing appeal to young professionals and first-time buyers seeking attainable homeownership without sacrificing access to jobs, culture, and community.
The full report is available at:
https://www.realtor.com/research/first-time-homebuyer-markets-2026

Why Baltimore Made the List

Realtor.com® researchers cited Baltimore’s strong balance of affordability and amenities as key factors in the ranking. With a median listing price of $223,900, Baltimore remains below the national median, while incomes among residents ages 25 to 34 are high enough to make homeownership realistic. The report estimates that a typical first-time buyer in Baltimore would spend about 23.6% of their income on mortgage payments, well under the commonly accepted 30% affordability benchmark.

Baltimore also scored highly for local amenities and housing availability, reflecting its walkable neighborhoods, access to restaurants and grocery stores, cultural institutions, and a healthy supply of homes for sale. The city’s central location and employment access further reinforce the advantages of buying in the urban core rather than far-flung suburbs.

A Rising Market for Young Buyers

Baltimore’s ranking marks an improvement from last year, moving up from eighth to seventh place, signaling growing confidence in the region’s housing market and economic outlook. Realtor.com® projects continued long-term stability and moderate price growth in the Baltimore–Columbia–Towson metro area, making the city attractive not only for affordability today, but also for future wealth-building.

At a time when many young Americans are being priced out of homeownership in larger coastal markets, Baltimore’s mix of attainable housing, strong community infrastructure, and urban lifestyle stands out as a compelling alternative.

Live Baltimore’s Winter 2026 Trolley Tour Showcases Southeast Baltimore

Helping turn national recognition into real-world opportunity, Live Baltimore will host its Winter 2026 Trolley Tour on February 7, offering prospective buyers a hands-on introduction to homeownership in the city. The free, in-person event will run from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Henderson-Hopkins School and will feature neighborhoods throughout Southeast Baltimore City.

Live Baltimore’s Trolley Tour is designed for buyers at all stages of the homebuying process. Attendees do not need to be actively searching for a home to benefit. Whether just beginning to explore the idea of homeownership or preparing to buy in the near future, participants will gain practical insight and direct access to trusted resources.

During the event, participants will:

  • Attend expert-led workshops covering the homebuying process, financing options, and credit readiness
  • Connect with real estate professionals, lenders, and community organizations during the City Living Fair
  • Explore more than 10 Southeast Baltimore neighborhoods on a narrated bus tour, offering firsthand insight into housing styles, amenities, and community character
  • Become eligible to receive up to $5,000 toward the purchase of a home anywhere in Baltimore City, helping offset closing costs or other homebuying expenses*

More information and registration details for the Winter 2026 Trolley Tour are available at:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/live-baltimore-trolley-tour-winter-2026-tickets-1544690754629

Baltimore’s Moment

Baltimore’s appearance on Realtor.com®’s 2026 list reinforces a powerful message: homeownership is still possible for first-time buyers who know where to look. With national recognition, a diverse housing stock, and strong local organizations like Live Baltimore providing education and incentives, the city is well-positioned to help a new generation of residents build long-term stability and wealth.

As Baltimore continues to earn its place among the best markets for first-time homebuyers, initiatives like the Winter 2026 Trolley Tour ensure that residents are not only inspired—but equipped—to make their first home purchase a reality.

Click Here to See More posts by this Author