In Baltimore, many homeowners are facing a frustrating situation due to paying high taxes. They want to sell their homes, but buyers are not showing much interest. Houses often sit on the market for months without offers. Compared to nearby counties, home values in the city are noticeably lower, making it even harder for owners to get a fair price. Sellers are left feeling stuck, unsure of what to do next.
Crime Keeps Buyers Away
One of the biggest reasons people hesitate to buy in Baltimore is crime. Stories from residents paint a clear picture of drug activity, break-ins, and street violence, making some areas undesirable. Real estate agents admit that when buyers learn about safety concerns in certain neighborhoods, many lose interest immediately. Even families who have lived in these areas for years feel that crime has closed the door on selling their homes.
High Taxes and Struggling Schools
Another major problem is the city’s property taxes. Baltimore has some of the highest property tax rates in Maryland, more than double the rates in many surrounding areas. On top of that, families complain about underperforming schools. These two issues, combined with expensive taxes and poor education options, push many potential buyers to look elsewhere. For people trying to sell, this creates a double burden: not only are homes hard to move, but the cost of staying put keeps rising.
Attempts at Change Haven’t Worked
There have been efforts to reduce Baltimore’s property tax rates, but so far, nothing has been successful. Recent proposals either failed to gain enough support or never made it to a full vote. Without meaningful changes, many homeowners feel like the city isn’t doing enough to make their neighborhoods competitive with the suburbs. Some believe that unless city leaders step up, the problem will only get worse.
Families Who Want Out, But Can’t Leave
For many residents, the emotional toll is just as heavy as the financial one. Some say their relatives don’t even want to visit because of safety concerns. Others are so frustrated they’ve considered walking away from their homes altogether. It’s not that people don’t want to take pride in their city; they feel like the conditions around them make it impossible to move forward. Homeownership, which is supposed to feel like a foundation of stability, has turned into a trap.
Closing Thoughts
Baltimore’s housing market is weighed down by more than just numbers on a spreadsheet. Crime, high taxes, and weak schools all create a negative perception that drives buyers away. And when buyers stay away, homeowners feel powerless. The tough reality is that fixing one issue won’t be enough. Lowering taxes alone won’t solve crime. Improving schools won’t make people forget about high property costs. It’s going to take real action on multiple fronts before Baltimore homeowners can feel like their investment in the city was worth it.