New Survey Finds Affordability a Key Factor in Baltimore City Homebuyer Decisions

Live Baltimore has released the results of its third major City Homebuyer Survey, revealing why new homeowners continue to choose Baltimore as the place to put down roots.

The 2025 report invited over 13,000 recent buyers to share insights on their neighborhood and housing preferences. Building on findings of surveys conducted in both 2021 and 2023, the latest findings confirm that Baltimore’s unique blend of affordability, lifestyle appeal, and long-term livability continues to attract and retain residents.

Key Findings from the 2025 Survey:

• Affordability Leads the Way: For the third time in a row, affordability ranked as the top motivator, with 73% of buyers in 2025 citing it as a must-have factor in choosing their neighborhood.
• Rising Out-of-State Buyers: While most buyers were Baltimore City renters (68%) and current Baltimore City residents (64%), an emerging trend indicates that more newcomers are arriving from outside Maryland. The share of out-of-state buyers increased from 9% in 2021 to 16% in 2025, led by buyers from Virginia, Washington, D.C., Texas, and New York.
• Staying Power: Three out of four homebuyers plan to stay in their homes for at least five years—the highest level recorded to date. Those intending to stay six years or more have increased, from 46% in 2021 to 54% in 2025.
• Charm City Appeal: Beyond economics, many buyers cited a love for Baltimore itself. 64% said that “just liking Baltimore City” played a major role in their decision, with 42% ranking it as the single most important factor in choosing to buy here.

“These findings confirm what Baltimore residents already know—our city offers the best of both worlds,” said Meghan McCorkell, Executive Director of Live Baltimore. “Homebuyers are drawn by affordability, but they stay because they fall in love with Baltimore’s unique neighborhoods, culture, and community spirit. That combination is powerful.”

With affordability, retention, and lifestyle appeal all playing strong roles, Baltimore continues to stand out as one of the most attractive urban markets in the country.

In addition to informing Live Baltimore’s residential marketing, this study’s results have implications for planners, housing developers, and policymakers working in the City of Baltimore.

To see the complete survey, including executive summary and methodology, visit LiveBaltimore.com/2025homebuyersurvey.

Federal Hill Research Group conducted all three surveys and reported the results. For questions regarding survey methodology, contact Mileah Kromer, principal of Federal Hill Research Group, at mkromer@federalhillresearchgroup.com

About Live Baltimore

Live Baltimore is a nationally recognized, independent nonprofit organization committed to promoting the benefits of Baltimore City living. Each year, Live Baltimore provides thousands of individuals with information on the city’s 250+ neighborhoods, rental living options, homebuying incentive programs, historic tax credits, and more. For more information, visit LiveBaltimore.com. PRONUNCIATION NOTE: Live Baltimore’s name is pronounced with a short “I” sound, as in “I live in Baltimore City.”

###

Media Contact: Suzi Senna, Director of Marketing & Communications