$550,676Average Value$208Average Price per Sq Ft41Homes 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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
Debbi Rivero,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
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On average, homes in Towson, MD sell after 30 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 $472,000, up 9% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Introducing a beautifully styled brick end-of-row Colonial in Towson’s sought-after Knettishall community. This 3-bedroom, 2-full-bath home offers three finished levels that blend classic character with a refined, comfortable feel. The main level centers around a brick fireplace that adds a timeless focal point to the living space, creating an inviting atmosphere from the moment you enter.
205 E Joppa Rd #808 – The Ridgely, Towson- Move-in–ready 2BR/2BA condo featuring a huge open floor plan, fresh updates, and two deeded garage parking spaces located near the garage entrance—an exceptional convenience in this building. The home includes a beautifully renovated kitchen with an Italian-marble–look backsplash, Whirlpool stainless appliances, and modern cabinetry. The spacious primary
Steve AppelMonument Sotheby's International Realty
Discover this nearly new 3 bedroom townhome featuring stunning, brand new hardwood floors, modern new baths, and new energy efficient windows. The bright, almost new kitchen is perfect for cooking and entertaining. Enjoy the convenience of a first floor den or office space, along with a cozy fireplace in the living room for those chilly evenings. Step outside on the large deck that overlooks a
Experience panoramic Towson views from this rarely available two-level penthouse featuring 3 bedrooms and 2.5 baths. Arrive in style through the welcoming reception area and take the elevator up to the 27th floor, where your private retreat awaits.The main level showcases an airy open floor plan with fresh neutral tones and durable luxury vinyl plank flooring. Sunlight fills the spacious
Welcome to this refreshed 3-bedroom, 1.5-bath home in the sought-after Westfield neighborhood of Towson. The living room greets you with hardwood floors, a freshly painted neutral palette, and abundant natural light from its southwest exposure. An arched doorway leads to the dining room, where new carpet adds comfort for everyday meals and gatherings.The kitchen is thoughtfully arranged with
Excellent opportunity for investors wanting a fully rented commercial property. This well-maintained updated property is zoned Residential/Office in the bustling business district on East Joppa Road in Towson. Conveniently located just over a mile from 695, this property is perfectly positioned for small businesses seeking a high-traffic area. Currently rented as two separate offices. The lower
Rare rental opportunity in the heart of Ruxton! This expansive 2,800+ sq ft single-family home offers 5 bedrooms with an optional 6th, 5 full bathrooms, and two oversized bonus rooms perfect for home offices, rec rooms, or guest suites. Nestled on a quiet cul-de-sac in the Riderwood Elementary School district, this home combines generous living space with an unbeatable location. Interior
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
Welcome to Berkshires at Town Center apartments for rent located in Towson, Maryland. Here you will find the timeless elegance of an established community combined with the convenience of modern-day living. With easy access to the Baltimore Beltway, you're only minutes away from great shopping, fine dining, and entertainment. If you need a break from the hustle and bustle of a busy life, there
Ruxton, Maryland is located west of Towson and only 20 minutes south of downtown Baltimore and is known as one the most desirable neighborhoods in Baltimore County. With tree-lined neighborhoods steeped in lush greenery and backed by a deep history dating back to colonial times, Ruxton has much to offer with an award-winning school system and a strong economy. “It’s probably the most expensive zip code in Baltimore,” explains James Weiskerger, Realtor with Next Step Realty. “People like Ruxton for its schools, access to all of the area hospitals, and its super eclectic variety of homes.”
Ruxton takes its name from Nicholas Ruxton Moore, a captain and commander of the Baltimore Light Dragoons during the American Revolution, who would later serve in the U.S. House of Representatives. He purchased the land that would become Ruxton and there is a historic marker bearing his name at the intersection of Bellona and Malvern Avenues.
Once the location of Baltimore’s nobility dating back to the Revolution, Ruxton maintains the historic presence that first drew settlers to the area more than 200 years ago. Ruxton’s woodlands and rolling hills offer the perfect backdrop for homes of all shapes and sizes. While most houses in Ruxton were built before the 1970s, they range in style from minimalist ramblers and cozy cottages to standard Colonials and even sprawling French provincial estates. The median home price here is $985,000, with prices varying a lot depending on style and location. Because of the area’s high desirability, even smaller homes price points can be steep. With its proximity to Baltimore, Ruxton is a popular landing spot for those in the medical field, with six hospitals and three major medical centers all within 10 miles.
Peppered with historic homes, Ruxton is a living museum and Moore’s home still stands near Roland Run and Circle Road. The neighborhood is in proximity the Hampton National Historic Site, one of the largest private homes in America in 1790 and an example of late Georgian architecture. Located along Bellona Avenue you’ll find historic St. John’s Church. The church was originally constructed in log cabin form in 1833 by the local African American congregation and remains an outstanding example of late-19th century Gothic Revival architecture. Both sites have been added to the National Register of Historic Places.
Lake Roland Park is the present day location of Bellona Gunpowder Company Mills. With over 500 acres of woodlands and wetlands, the natural wonderland has numerous hiking trails and is a prime spot for kayaking and fishing.
For more structured fun you can visit the Lake Roland Nature Center that hosts educational programs and events like canoe expeditions, yoga in the park and youth summer camps. A visit Nature Center provides educational exhibits on local flora and fauna and offers great views of Lake Roland’s cascading dam.
For all of life’s daily essentials, residents can head down Bellona Avenue to pick up groceries, visit the bank, or do some boutique shopping. Be sure to stop in at local favorite Graul’s Market, established in the 1920s this mom-and-pop store offers fresh meats, seafood and produce items, as well as pre-made meals-to-go like deli sandwiches, sushi rolls, and a variety of baked goods. At Mt. Washington Tavern you can get anything from oysters to premium cuts of steak in the neighborhood eatery inspired by Chesapeake Bay.
Students in the public system begin at West Towson Elementary. Serving 474 students, the school boasts a student-to-teacher ratio of 15:1 and honored as a National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence, attaining a grade of A-minus on Niche.com. Students move on to Dumbarton Middle School, and Towson High School, rated A-minus and an A respectively. Many residents also enjoy their proximity to private school options in the area. Schools like the all-girls Bryn Mawr School and the all-boys Gilman School offer distinct curriculums for students in pre-kindergarten through twelfth grade. While the nearby Loyola Blakefield preparatory school, offers opportunities for boys in sixth through twelfth grades only.
Property Mix - Square Feet
Towson Has More Owners
Demographics
Total Population
58,437
Median Age
36
Population Density
17 ppl/acre
Population under 18
22.6%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
18.9%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$90,820
Above the national average
$79,601
Average Household Income
$122,341
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
94.8%
College Graduates
64%
Significantly above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
32.4%
Above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
64.7%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
44''
Average Winter Low Temperature
30°F
Average Summer High Temperature
90°F
Annual Snowfall
9''
Area Factors
Somewhat Bikeable
Bike Score®®
27/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®®
45/ 100
Good Transit
Transit Score®®
51/ 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score
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.
