The story of this market
The typical home in ZIP 21286 sells for about $450,000, or $235 per square foot.
Prices are down 8.4% from a year ago, which gives buyers more room to negotiate. Homes take about 22 days to sell, which is fast. HUD's fair market rent for a two-bedroom is $1,605 a month.
ZIP 21286 — Towson
The 21286 housing market is currently experiencing a period of price correction, with median sale prices down 8.4% year-over-year. Inventory remains relatively tight, and the market is seeing a balanced interaction between buyers and sellers, though price cuts are becoming more common as sellers adjust to current interest rate environments.
This ZIP is well-suited for families seeking established suburban neighborhoods, university-affiliated professionals, and commuters who value proximity to the Baltimore beltway and regional amenities.
Median prices moved down 8.4% year over year.
Homes spend a median of 22 days on market with 2.1 months of supply — a fast-moving market.
28% of listings have cut prices · homes sell at 98.5% of asking — demand is running ahead of supply.
no recorded foreclosure-ledger notices (0.0 per 10,000 residents) · unemployment 3.3% · poverty 13.2% — a stable, low-distress profile.
Researched annual trajectory for this ZIP, from published historical series
Solid: researched ten-year history · dotted: 1 / 3 / 5-year projection extended from the historical 4.6%/yr trend — a deterministic estimate, not a published forecast or guarantee.
Median annual property tax paid on this ZIP's residential parcels
Solid: researched ten-year history · dotted: 1 / 3 / 5-year projection extended from the historical 4.0%/yr trend — a deterministic estimate, not a published forecast or guarantee.
versus the prior ACS vintage
ZCTA 21286, Baltimore County MD
Crime rates in the Towson area are generally consistent with suburban Baltimore County, though specific localized trends vary; residents are encouraged to consult local precinct reports for the most current safety data.
The area is served by Baltimore County Public Schools, featuring several well-regarded magnet and neighborhood schools that generally perform in line with or above state averages.
The region faces standard mid-Atlantic climate risks, including occasional heavy precipitation and wind events; flood risk is localized to specific low-lying areas near stream valleys.
Economic momentum is driven by the proximity to Towson University and the regional commercial hub, with ongoing redevelopment of older retail corridors and office spaces.
Composed from the ARED governance burden registry — tier-native tax structure (state + county + city + special districts), never averaged. State (Maryland) — Maryland Real Property Assessment and Taxation: Property is assessed at its phased-in use value. The tax is calculated by multiplying the assessed value by the applicable state and local tax rates.
Residents typically face a 25-30 minute commute to downtown Baltimore, with access primarily via I-695 and I-83; public transit options include regional bus lines connecting to the Baltimore light rail.
The area offers access to Loch Raven Reservoir for outdoor activities, several community parks, and proximity to the extensive shopping and dining districts in Towson.
The rental market is characterized by steady demand driven by university students and professionals, with moderate vacancy pressure and consistent rent growth.
The economy is anchored by Towson University, the Baltimore County government seat, and a robust healthcare sector including major regional hospitals.
The area is served by a network of arterial roads and is highly dependent on the I-695 beltway for regional connectivity.
Development is focused on densification of the Towson core and revitalization of aging commercial strips.
The Baltimore County Department of Assessments and Taxation manages property valuations, typically reassessing properties on a three-year cycle.
Parcels are subject to Baltimore County property taxes and may fall within specific utility service districts for water and sewer.
Property insurance premiums are influenced by regional weather patterns; homeowners are generally advised to maintain standard coverage with riders for wind and water damage.
Data retrieved from Census Reporter and Maryland State Data Center.
Public schools whose reported address is in this area (NCES). Not attendance boundaries — schools that serve residents may sit outside it. Check the district's address locator for assignment.
- Dave & Buster's Hanover - Arundel419.1 mi
- Dave & Buster's4.26.4 mi
- Urban Air Trampoline and Adventure Park4.318 mi
- Round1 Bowling & Arcade - Towson3.81.2 mi
- Get Air Trampoline Park4.214.8 mi
- CFG Bank Arena4.18.7 mi
- M&T Bank Stadium4.79.5 mi
- Camden Yards4.89 mi
- Oriole Park at Camden Yards4.79.1 mi
- The Baltimore Convention Center4.48.9 mi
- National Aquarium4.68.8 mi
- Oriole Park at Camden Yards4.79.1 mi
- The Maryland Zoo in Baltimore4.47.2 mi
- Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine4.810.2 mi
- Gunpowder Falls State Park Hammerman Area4.512.8 mi
- National Aquarium4.68.8 mi
- Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine4.810.2 mi
- Baltimore Museum of Art4.86.3 mi
- The Walters Art Museum4.88.2 mi
- Port Discovery Children's Museum4.58.6 mi
- Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine4.810.2 mi
- Gunpowder Falls State Park Hammerman Area4.512.8 mi
- Sherwood Gardens4.85.2 mi
- Ladew Topiary Gardens4.712.2 mi
- Canton Waterfront Park4.69.2 mi
- Sparrows Point Country Club4.512.1 mi
- Bar Harbor RV Park and Marina4.418.2 mi
- Port Covington Marina4.710.2 mi
- The Island at Flying Point Marina4.117.1 mi
- Anchorage Marina4.59 mi
- Topgolf Baltimore3.89.8 mi
- Pine Ridge Golf Course4.32.4 mi
- Diamond Ridge Golf Course4.312 mi
- Fox Hollow Golf Course4.34.2 mi
- Mountain Branch4.111.8 mi
- Towson Town Center4.41.3 mi
- White Marsh Mall4.36.4 mi
- Mondawmin Mall3.97.7 mi
- Lexington Market3.98.6 mi
- Security Square3.811.6 mi
- Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport4.316.9 mi
- The Club BWI3.916.7 mi
Theme parks, venues, golf, airports, museums, water and shopping across the area from Google Maps, ranked by popularity within the radius shown.
Large reservoir offering hiking trails, fishing, and scenic views.
Major regional shopping mall serving the northern Baltimore area.
Expansive parkland with nature trails and historic sites.
Key-figure check: median price diverges 11.6% from the nearest retained anchor (published ten-year series (2025)) — beyond the 12.5% tolerance; an automated validation case is open and the value publishes pending its verdict. Validation: the flagged $398,000 (-11.6% vs the published ten-year series (2025)) could not be independently corroborated and was reverted to the prior cycle value pending review; the case is under review in the Command Center.