If you’re considering buying a home in Canton, you’re probably wondering whether now is the right time and whether the neighborhood is a smart long-term investment.
The short answer: Yes — for the right buyer who is prepared and strategic, Canton continues to be one of the strongest lifestyle-driven neighborhoods in Baltimore City.
As a Baltimore Metro real estate advisor who works with both buyers and sellers throughout the Inner Harbor and surrounding neighborhoods, I see consistent demand in Canton — especially from professionals who value walkability, convenience, and access to parks and shopping.
You can learn more about my background and approach here: Eric Figurelle – Baltimore Metro Real Estate Advisor.
Why Buyers Are Choosing Canton
Canton attracts a very specific type of buyer.
Most of my Canton buyers are:
Young professionals
Employees at Johns Hopkins Hospital
Professionals working in Harbor East or east of downtown
Buyers commuting north on I-95
Buyers who want walkability and outside space
Canton offers something unique:
Easy access north of the tunnel
Quick access to I-95
Close proximity to Johns Hopkins Hospital
Shopping and big box convenience at Canton Crossing along Boston Street
Restaurants and nightlife in Canton and neighboring Fells Point
Green space and community at Patterson Park
For many buyers, Canton provides the right balance between city energy and neighborhood feel.
Buyers who are comparing neighborhoods often also evaluate Federal Hill — you can read my full breakdown here: What Should Buyers Know Before Buying a Home in Federal Hill?
What the Canton Real Estate Market Looks Like Right Now
The Canton real estate market is active — but disciplined.
In January 2026, the average days on market in Canton was approximately 44 days.
That number tells an important story.
Homes that are:
Priced correctly
Well prepared
Marketed properly
Are moving.
Homes that are overpriced?
They sit.
Buyers are price sensitive right now. They are patient. They will wait for the right opportunity. Sellers who try to “test the market” often find themselves chasing price reductions.
As a buyer, this creates opportunity — if you are prepared.
A Real Example: Buying Smart in Canton
A Real Example: Buying Strategically in Canton
I recently worked with a professional relocating to Baltimore for a position at Johns Hopkins Hospital.
They specifically wanted Canton because:
They preferred staying north of the tunnel
They wanted easy access to I-95 northbound
They valued walkability and access to Patterson Park
They wanted proximity to restaurants and Canton Crossing shopping
Like many Canton buyers, they were price sensitive but prepared.
They were fully pre-approved before we began touring homes. That preparation made a difference.
When a well-priced rowhome near Patterson Park came on the market, we moved quickly.
The home was not the most updated on the block, but it had:
Strong layout
Solid mechanical systems
A small outdoor space
Room for cosmetic improvements
Because the home was priced correctly, interest picked up quickly.
We wrote a competitive offer early and secured the property before multiple offers escalated the price.
The key wasn’t luck.
It was preparation and timing.
That’s how buying in Canton works right now — when the right house appears, you have to be ready.
The Biggest Mistake Canton Buyers Make
The biggest mistake I see is falling in love with a home before getting pre-approved.
In Canton, when the right house appears — especially one that is priced properly — you have to move decisively.
My advice is simple:
Get pre-approved (or fully underwritten if possible)
Understand your true comfort zone
Know your maximum payment
Be prepared to act
When preparation meets opportunity, you gain leverage.
Is Now the Right Time to Buy in Canton?
If you:
Want walkability
Value Patterson Park access
Want shopping convenience
Need northbound commute flexibility
Are financially prepared
Then yes — Canton remains one of the most attractive neighborhoods in Baltimore City.
But strategy matters.
Price sensitivity in today’s market means:
Overpaying is risky
Waiting too long can mean missing the right home
It’s about balance.
If you're currently selling before buying, you may also want to review my analysis of the seller side of the market here: Is Now a Good Time to Sell a Home in Federal Hill?
FAQs About Buying in Canton
Is Canton a good neighborhood for young professionals?
Yes. Canton attracts many professionals working at Johns Hopkins Hospital, Harbor East, and downtown Baltimore due to its walkability and convenience.
How competitive is the Canton market right now?
Well-priced homes move. Overpriced homes sit. Buyers are selective and data-driven.
What should I look for when buying in Canton?
Layout potential, parking options, roof condition, and how the home compares to recent comparable sales.
Is parking difficult in Canton?
Street parking is common. Many buyers add parking pads when possible to increase convenience and future resale value.
Final Thoughts
Canton continues to offer strong long-term value for buyers who are strategic, prepared, and realistic about pricing.
If you’re considering buying a home in Canton, the key is preparation and timing.
When the right house appears — make your move.
Eric Figurelle, Realtor
Figurelle Team of Cummings & Co. Realtors
201 Key Hwy
Baltimore, MD 21230
410-952-5099
https://figurelleteam.com/



