$496,324Average Value$206Average Price per Sq Ft68Homes For Sale
A county seat with a unique mix of opportunities
Towson is a city located right on the edge of Baltimore that can best be described as a city center, college town and residential suburb all rolled into one. With its inventory of established neighborhoods, new construction condos and cost-effective townhomes, this area attracts students, professionals, families and retirees. Residents spend their weekends downtown at one of the local York Street haunts, shopping at the state’s third-largest mall or getting outdoors at one of the city’s 27 parks. Niche gives Towson the No. 2 spot in its Best Places to Live in Baltimore County list.
Many newcomers choose Towson for its two vibrant universities or to find work in the city. “Since Towson is the county seat of Baltimore County, there are a lot of young professionals who come here to work for the local government,” says Realtor Dara Lewis with Pinnacle Real Estate Company, who has lived in the area for 10 years. “And doctors who work at Johns Hopkins in Baltimore or at Greater Baltimore Medical Center and St. Joseph’s Hospital in Towson will often choose it because they don’t want to pay the extra property taxes in the city.”
Towson University brings many college students to the Towson area.
Towson is a great neighborhood on the outskirts of Baltimore.
1/2
Varied home styles across a hot housing market
The housing market in Towson is competitive, and home styles vary greatly across the city’s neighborhoods. Some are more competitive than others. “In West Towson, you’ll see homes sell between $500,000 and $800,000 for the most part,” says Lewis. “Whereas Stoneleigh to the south would be at a higher price point than that. It’s very European, with a lot of older homes built in the 1930s, and homes there sell quickly.” Midcentury Colonial Revivals and split-level houses here start around $500,000 and reach prices of up to $1 million.
Downtown offers a walkable, urban experience, with smaller city lots and multi-unit housing. It is no doubt more attractive to college students and young professionals, with condos pricing between $230,000 and $300,000. Townhouses along the west side of York Road can cost anywhere from $290,000 to $500,000 depending on the number of bedrooms. Ruxton, the city’s westernmost community, has a distinctly more established, suburban feel, though it comes at a cost, as the large Colonial Revival homes can run anywhere from $925,000 to upwards of $2 million.
The city is currently expanding its student housing options. “The apartments over the Whole Foods aren’t necessarily student housing,” Lewis says. “It’s more like apartments geared towards students, with street-level retail on the ground floor. It’s been great to see, and it’s brought a lot of extra life to Towson.”
Live in a beautiful colonial home in Towson.
Live in a nice condo in Towson.
1/2
Concerts at The Recher and Tigers football
For arts, culture, shopping and entertainment, most people head downtown. Towson Town Center, an expansive shopping mall with more than 180 stores, anchors the commercial district. Nearby York Road is a hub of restaurants and nightlife, thanks in part to the college and university within walking distance. Swallow at the Hollow is among the most popular, having been featured on Food Network’s Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives. The Recher is the city’s live music venue. It has hosted a diverse roster of acts, from Cheap Trick and Ziggy Marley to All Time Low. “The Recher was the only concert venue in the area for years,” says Jordan Sarnovsky, a lifetime area resident. “At one point, they tried to turn it into a nightclub, but there was a huge push to make it a live music venue again, and it reopened in 2021.”
Residents can access a handful of small art galleries downtown. This district is also the location of annual events like the Towsontown Spring Festival, which includes live music and hundreds of vendors selling food, art, crafts and more.
During football season, Towson shows its colors as a rowdy college town. “I lived in a corner dorm on York Road. Whenever the Tigers were playing, people got so loud my walls would shake,” Sarnovsky says. “And it only got crazier when they won.”
Residents are also close to Baltimore Ravens football games, Baltimore Orioles MLB games and Baltimore Blast indoor soccer games.
Towson Town Center in Towson has all the shopping and dining you need.
The Recher in Towson has great live music.
1/2
Blue Ribbon schools and top-rated universities
Overall, the Baltimore County Public Schools system earns a district-wide rating of B from Niche. It is the third largest school district in Maryland, with more than 110,000 students, over 20,000 employees and 26 Maryland Blue Ribbon Schools. Standouts include the George W. Carver Center for Arts and Technology, a public magnet school that is ranked as the No. 2 Best High School for the Arts in Maryland. Towson is also home to some of the top private schools in the area, including Loyola Blakefield and Calvert Hall College High School, both of which are rated A or higher.
Towson University, which serves almost 20,000 students on its 329-acre campus, was named one of the Top 100 Public Institutions in the U.S. by Forbes in 2022. Goucher College is a smaller private university with approximately 2,000 students. Goucher was named among the most innovative schools in U.S. News & World Report's 2023 rankings.
George W. Carver Center for Arts & Technology in Towson has 997 students in Towson.
Students of Townson have the opportunity to attend Calvert Hall College High School.
1/2
Ongoing efforts towards equity by the parks and rec department
There are 27 public parks in Towson, ranging from small tot lots to dozen-acre green spaces. One big feature in the area is Loch Raven Reservoir, just north of Towson. Residents come here for hiking, boating, bird watching and horseback riding opportunities. The Towson Recreation Council operates youth and adult leagues in sports like baseball, soccer and basketball. The Orokawa Y, located on West Chesapeake Avenue, provides indoor recreation throughout the year and features a pool, rock climbing wall and fitness center.
The Department of Recreation and Parks announced a "Reimagine Recreation and Parks" initiative in December 2023. CivicRec, an online registration platform that serves as a one-stop destination for recreation facilities, programs and park reservations, was launched as part of an effort to be more efficient, transparent and equitable.
Take your dog for a walk at one of the many parks in Towson.
The Y in Towson is a great spot to get a workout in.
1/2
The multi-modal transit options of the Maryland Transit Administration
Both Interstates 83 and 695 border the community, so driving around the region is convenient if not quick. The nearest Amtrak stop is at Baltimore’s Penn Station, about 7 miles away on surface streets. This trip can be made in 13 miles via the highway, which is often faster. Commuters can also catch the Maryland Area Regional Commuter (MARC) train to Washington, D.C., at Penn Station. In addition to the MARC train, the Maryland Transit Administration also operates a Light Rail that makes one stop in town at Towson’s Falls Road station. This line makes more frequent stops than the MARC and runs from Hunt Valley, Maryland, to the north and the Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport 30 miles to the south.
The MTA also offers a variety of bus lines that service Towson, including the CityLink Red and CityLink Green. The county operates the Baltimore County Circulator, or “The Loop,” which is a free service that makes stops throughout Towson’s central business district.
Even with all the commuter options, the MTA has its eye on the future. The organization recently completed a feasibility study for a new transit line between Towson and downtown Baltimore, one of the busiest travel corridors in the area. The report, released in December 2023, laid out several proposed options, including light rail, heavy rail and bus rapid transit, which have been advanced for public comment.
Crime concentrated around shopping centers
The Baltimore County Police Department reports that 69 percent of all crimes in Towson between January 2023 and August 2024 were crimes against property, likely driven by shoplifting charges at the area's major shopping centers. Crimes against persons made up 20 percent of the total, with assault offenses forming the bulk of charges. Only one homicide was reported in the city during that time.
According to an article in The Baltimore Sun, a string of violent crimes in early 2023 caused concern that big-city crime was taking over downtown Towson. However, an analysis of crime data isolated to central Towson provided by the county police showed that overall crime in 2022 had risen to levels just above what they were in 2019, prior to the coronavirus pandemic.
Written By
Hugh Taylor
Photography Contributed By
Bryan Allen
Video By
Mark Tilley
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
HANG YANG,
an experienced agent in this area.
On average, homes in Towson, MD sell after 26 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Towson, MD over the last 12 months is $450,000, up 5% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Welcome to 6416 Sherwood Road in the sought-after Idlewylde neighborhood of Towson! Built in 1992, this charming 3-bedroom, 2-full, and 2-half-bath home offers a perfect blend of comfort and convenience. Step inside to find a freshly painted interior, wood floors, and updated baths. The spacious layout is ideal for both everyday living and entertaining. The kitchen has had a major refresh with
Welcome to this charming one-level home nestled in the highly sought-after Knollwood community. The spacious kitchen features abundant cabinetry and a convenient breakfast bar, perfect for casual dining. An expansive living room showcases vaulted ceilings, rich cherry hardwood floors, and an abundance of natural light. Enjoy additional space in the separate family room—ideal for entertaining or
Exceptional Ruxton Location – Seamless Indoor/Outdoor Living! Experience living in one of Baltimore County’s most sought-after neighborhoods. Thoughtfully designed to embrace its stunning surroundings, this home offers a seamless connection between indoor comfort and outdoor fun. Nearly every room, including the serene primary suite, opens directly to the pool and patio—creating the perfect
Maureen LalleyHubble Bisbee Christie's International Real Estate
This recently renovated townhouse in the picturesque town of Beautiful Corner offers exceptional convenience due to its proximity to major highways such as Route 695 and Route 83. The spacious three-bedroom unit features a fully equipped bathroom and a half-bathroom, and the flooring is entirely new. The property is being offered for sale in its current condition.
Major Price Reduction! Motivated sellers want to get you settled into your new home before the holidays! Take advantage of this reduction and turn the huge basement into your dream office, kids playroom, theatre or all of that. This house is much bigger than it looks and is in a great neighborhood close to hiking and biking trails. A large flat lot with a partially fenced yard sits at
Welcome to 6416 Sherwood Road in the sought-after Idlewylde neighborhood of Towson! Built in 1992, this charming 3-bedroom, 2-full, and 2-half-bath home offers a perfect blend of comfort and convenience. Step inside to find a freshly painted interior, wood floors, and updated baths. The spacious layout is ideal for both everyday living and entertaining. The kitchen has had a major refresh with
Open house Saturday Oct 25 Noon to 1pm. Discover the charm of this delightful townhouse nestled in the Knettishall community. Built in 1952, this traditional brick home exudes warmth and character, making it the perfect retreat for those seeking comfort and convenience. With 1,248 square feet of thoughtfully designed living space, this residence features three inviting bedrooms and one and a
This recently renovated townhouse in the picturesque town of Beautiful Corner offers exceptional convenience due to its proximity to major highways such as Route 695 and Route 83. The spacious three-bedroom unit features a fully equipped bathroom and a half-bathroom, and the flooring is entirely new. 3 bedrooms 1.5 bath requirement : credit score 650+ income 2.5X
UPPER LEVEL EOG TOWN HOME CONVENIENTLY LOCATED ON A QUIET STREET IN THE HEART OF TOWSON, JUST MINUTES FROM TOWSON CENTER, QUALITY SCHOOLS, AND 625. MOVE IN READY WITH FRESH PAINT FEATURING LIGHT-FILLED INTERIOR, GOOD-SIZED BEDROOMS, AND SPACIOUS KITCHEN.
Walk Score® measures the walkability of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
