15 Maryland Cities You Should Never Buy Property In

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In Maryland, there is charm, history, and plenty of scenery; it’s a nice place to make a home. However, like any investment, buying property here isn’t all sunshine and roses. Some cities might be picturesque, but they come with baggage you don’t want to lug around. Some places simply have high crime rates, are in economic struggles, or have structure problems such as schools, roads, freeways etc.

If you’re thinking about hanging your hat in Maryland, take a breath and look at the alternatives before you do. Of course some places are obviously nice, but here are some cities in Maryland where buying property is not such a good idea.

Salisbury

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Maryland’s Eastern Shore largest city, Salisbury, is a city facing a mix of economic and social challenges. Though it has grown in its healthcare and education sectors, the city is plagued by crime and poverty. FBI data shows Salisbury is one of the more crime prone areas in Maryland, a fact that makes it a risky bet to potential property buyers.

Bladensburg

Affordability is the first thing that comes to mind for Bladensburg, but, as with most things, there are trade offs. Residents feel that they aren’t getting much bang for their buck—they’re stuck with high property taxes and few amenities. If you want to be a thriving community, this may not be it.

Oxon Hill

Oxon Hill, home of the National Harbor, might look glamorous, but surrounding residential areas tell a different story. There are many neighborhoods with rising crime rates and no cohesive community planning. If you’re going to invest here, you may want to tread carefully and do your homework.

Lanham

Another city afflicted with the commuter trap is Lanham. It gives you access to major metropolitan areas, but its property taxes are high and its housing markets are not always buyer friendly. And sometimes, the cost to benefit ratio will make you question your choices.

Riverdale Park

There are a few things to like about Riverdale Park, but there are some things to not like about it too. In a time of rising living costs and a not massively competitive housing market, many potential buyers are looking elsewhere. This might not be the city to put your hopes on if you’re looking for long term value.

Dundalk

Over the years, Dundalk has been an economically struggling blue collar community. With industrial jobs in decline, the area is struggling with unemployment and property values that are stagnant. The challenge may not be offset even by the lovely views from the waterfront.

Glen Burnie

A tricky place to invest is Glen Burnie, where crime is a problem and property appreciation is limited, although it offers proximity to both Baltimore and Annapolis. Some residents bemoan a lack of community cohesion, meaning that property ownership here can sometimes seem more of a chore than a haven.

District Heights

Although District Heights appears to have a suburban feel to it, the crime statistics show that isn’t the case. Many homeowners have been frustrated with property theft and vandalism rates. Some residents love the tight knit community vibe, and some residents warn about buying a home here unless you are willing to deal with these issues firsthand.

Cambridge

Cambridge is located on the Eastern Shore, but the area’s history and scenic views do not mean much when you consider its economic struggles. It has been an unsafe place to invest, as the city has been struggling with declining job opportunities. Vibrant cities are a balance of the opportunity and livability of a city, and Cambridge has a bit of ground to make up on both.

Cumberland

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Cumberland sits in Western Maryland, has a quaint small town feel, but the housing market isn’t exactly thriving. Over the years, the city’s population has been shrinking, and there’s a surplus of homes and little demand for them. Cumberland might not be the best place to invest if you are looking for a place that your investment can appreciate.

Laurel

At first, Laurel’s position as a happy medium between Baltimore and Washington, D.C., might sound like a positive, but look a little closer and the luster starts to come off. Among other red flags, there is traffic congestion and rising crime rates. In fact, Laurel’s crime rate puts it higher than the state average, according to NeighborhoodScout’s study of the area, meaning that Laurel was one of the worst places for homebuyers to live.

Hagerstown

Hagerstown, as the “Hub City” has its share of challenges. Despite the city’s progress in revitalization, property values have remained flat. Add in a struggling economy and it’s a city where investing in real estate might not generate the returns you’re looking for.

Essex

Once a city of its own, Essex, a Baltimore suburb, has had better days. There are many properties here that cannot keep their value because of aging infrastructure and rising crime rates. Some locals joke that if real estate dreams could nap, they do so in Essex. The community has its strong points, but its housing market sucks.

Hyattsville

Hyattsville is known for its proximity to Washington, D.C., and might seem like a commuter’s dream. The reality, however, is often very different. The housing market hasn’t grown and the cost of living is high. On top of that, traffic congestion that can make your daily commute feel like you’re running a marathon is enough to persuade others from investing in property in this city.

Baltimore

Baltimore has a reputation that often precedes it, and it’s no secret. In other parts of the city, a cultural renaissance is under way, but in areas of high crime and low property values, the picture is very different. Baltimore is one of the worst large cities to live in, according to a WalletHub study, and throw in underfunded schools and aging infrastructure, and you may be thinking twice about investing here.

Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.