This Maryland city ranks in 'Top 10 markets in US for first-time homebuyers'

BALTIMORE, Md. - First-time homebuyers are still navigating a difficult housing market, but experts say conditions are improving slightly in some parts of the country.

Zillow released its 2026 best markets for people who are purchasing their very first home.

Here's where: 

Dig deeper:

Zillow analyzed 50 of the largest U.S. metropolitan areas and based its ranking on four measures: 

• More affordable rent today
• More homes within reach
• Less competition for affordable listings
• More households in prime homebuying years

Big picture view:

Most of Zillow’s top 10 markets for first-time homebuyers are located in the Sun Belt and Midwest.

Many of the cities in the Sun Belt ranked high because of its large inventory, giving buyers more choices.

The Midwest offered relatively affordable home prices when compared to average incomes. 

Baltimore lands on Zillow’s list

Baltimore is getting national attention as a place where first-time buyers may have a better shot at homeownership in 2026.

According to Zillow research, Baltimore ranked among the top 10 markets for first-time homebuyers this year, highlighting the city’s relative affordability and more balanced housing conditions compared to other major metros.

Zillow’s analysis focuses on markets where buyers may find a mix of more homes within budget, less competition, and potential for price growth, creating better entry points for people purchasing their first home.

For buyers in Maryland, that could mean more negotiating power and less pressure compared to highly competitive coastal markets.

Zillow’s top 10 markets for first-time homebuyers in 2026

Zillow identified the following cities as the most favorable markets for first-time buyers this year:

1. Jacksonville
2. Birmingham
3. San Antonio
4. Atlanta
5. Houston
6. St. Louis
7. Detroit
8. Raleigh
9. Baltimore
10. Louisville

These markets tend to offer a combination of lower competition, improving affordability, and stronger long-term value potential, according to Zillow’s analysis.

Why you should care:

Housing affordability remains a major challenge nationwide, especially for first-time buyers dealing with high home prices and mortgage rates.

Reports show first-time buyers have been shrinking as a share of the market, making location one of the most important factors in whether buying a home is realistic.

Baltimore’s inclusion suggests that, despite broader challenges, some markets — including one in the FOX Baltimore region — may offer more accessible paths to homeownership in 2026.