Finding a home that meets your needs without breaking the bank can be a serious challenge. State-wide, Maryland has a median home value of $325,400. When you add in maintenance costs and property taxes, it can be difficult for many to buy and own a home.
That's why we've compiled a list of affordable cities in Maryland to help you find a new place to live. All of these places are more affordable than average, meaning you can get more bang for your buck.
Looking for the most affordable places in Maryland is a start, but you'll save even more money by working with a great agent.
The top Maryland real estate agents know the local market and where to find pockets of more affordable homes. They can also help negotiate a better price when you do find your dream home.
At Clever Real Estate, we can match you with agents in any area you're interested in — even multiple areas at the same time. You can interview as many agents as you like until you find the perfect place to call home — all at no cost or obligation to you.
Most affordable cities in Maryland
Whether you're looking for a quiet small town or a trendy suburban neighborhood, it's possible to locate pockets of affordability throughout Maryland.
Here are our top picks for Maryland residents on a budget:
1. Cumberland
Cumberland is a business and commercial center that serves West Virginia. This place is known as “Where the South Begins” since the United States Census Bureau places it below the Mason-Dixon Line.
According to Zillow, the median sale price for homes in this area is $79,500, while the median listing price is $99,900. Properties in Cumberland appreciated 3.5% in 2018 while experts forecast a 1.6% home value appreciation rate within the next year.
This market is leaning toward the buyer’s side, helping buyers secure hefty bargains. The affordability and stable home value appreciation rates make it a great place to put down your roots when moving to Maryland.
2. Hagerstown
This area is home to several historic Civil War sites such as the South Mountain State Battlefield. The Hagerstown community is a cultural hotspot for galleries and museums.
The median sale price for Hagerstown home is $120,100 while $149,900 is the median listing price. During 2018, homes in this housing market appreciated 3.1%, while experts expect a 1.6% rise in home value within the next year.
Currently, Hagerstown is a seller’s market which can make it difficult to secure great deals. However, this place is a great option for home buyers looking for an affordable cultural hotspot in the Old Line State.
Even after you've found a more affordable place to live in Maryland, moving there can be expensive. By working with a Clever Partner Agent, you'll have an expert in your corner and you may be able to take advantage of Clever Cash Back.
When you buy a home with a Clever agent, you might be eligible for up to 0.5% cash back to use on anything you want. For the average home value of $325,400, you'd pocket $1,627 to help you move (or splurge on a great housewarming gift for yourself).
» SAVE: Learn more about what you can save with Clever Cash Back!
3. Greenbelt
Greenbelt is an affordable suburb less than 15 miles away from Washington, D.C. Its convenient access to all major highways makes it easy for their residents to travel to all surrounding major metro areas.
Greenbelt’s median home sale price is $219,200, while $188,900 is the median home value. Home values have appreciated 6.6% in 2018, while experts forecast a 5.1% appreciation within the next year.
This housing market is leaning toward the seller’s side. While you may not be able to secure a hefty discount, Greenbelt’s stable home value appreciation rates and accessibility make it a great option for home buyers looking to protect their investment.
4. Frederick
The area of Frederick is home to a mix of art, culture, historic, and shopping amenities. The Museum of Civil War Medicine and Monocacy National Battlefield are some historic sites in the area.
Frederick’s median sale price is $285,100, while the median listing price is $341,000. Homes in this market appreciated 3.7% in 2018, while experts expect a 1.4% appreciation rate within the next year.
Currently, it’s a seller’s market in Frederick. While market conditions may prevent you from finding a bargain, this area is a great option for home buyers looking for an affordable place that offers a diverse mix of amenities.
5. Hampstead
While Hampstead isn’t the most affordable place in our list, it’s a great suburb for young professionals and families. Its low crime rate and great schools are some of the top features cited by its residents.
The median sale price in Hampstead is $253,600 while the median listing price is $340,000. Home values in this area appreciated 3.2% in 2018, while in 2019, experts expect a fall in home values of 0.7%. The housing market is leaning toward the seller’s side.
While the potential fall in home value and market conditions might make you think twice about buying a home in this area, you should consider putting down your roots in this place for its family-friendly features.
The benefits of a great real estate agent
If you're just researching affordable places to live, you might wonder why you need a real estate agent. They're the ones that help you once you've already decided on a house, right?
Not necessarily. The truth is, it's never too early to start looking for an agent. In fact, talking to a realtor early on in the process can help you narrow down your options much faster than doing research on your own.
A real estate agent's job is to know everything about their local area. They'll find the best deals in desirable neighborhoods — and might just help you snag your dream home for an affordable price. Let a Clever agent help you discover your options today — all while you enjoy 0.5% cash back!
Frequently asked questions about affordable places to live in Maryland
In addition to shopping in some of the most affordable areas, you'll want to work with an experienced real estate agent. They can find you hidden gems at low price points. A good agent can also negotiate like a pro to get you a lower sale price and more buyer incentives. You may also be able to take advantage of home buyer rebates.
We recommend using the 28/36 rule to know how much house you can afford. This means your housing expenses shouldn't exceed 28% of your income, and all of your total debt shouldn't exceed 36%. Learn more about how to calculate your home buying budget.