Buying a home for the first time is exciting! Not only is it a great financial investment, but a phenomenal opportunity to settle down.

But, big cities like Baltimore make it difficult for first-time homebuyers to enter into the market because of their high prices.

That's why so many young homebuyers are looking to nearby suburban towns of Baltimore instead of the big city itself.

So, if you're thinking of buying a home in Baltimore metropolitan area, here are four Baltimore suburbs that are great for first-time homebuyers:

Ellicott City

Ellicott City is one of the most popular suburbs of Baltimore for first-time homebuyers. Not only is it just 25 minutes by car from Baltimore, but it also has a fantastic selection of homes on the market and is a city full of history and charm.

Around every corner of Ellicott City you will find heritage buildings and historical sites that have come to define the city.

Peppered around these historical buildings are all the boutique shops and cafes that make living here extremely comfortable and convenient.

The best part about living in a place like Ellicott City is that you have gorgeous state parks within arms reach. Patapsco Valley State Park is a popular spot where you can find 32-miles of trails for walking and biking.

What attracts so many first-time homebuyers to this area, though, is that there are plenty of affordable homes on the market that offer functional layouts and modern amenities.

It's easy to find homes in the $300,000 - $400,000 range, making home ownership a very possible thing for those shopping on a budget.

The other option for first time homebuyers are townhouses. There are plenty of new construction communities with townhouses in Ellicott City that offer more affordable living situations.

Columbia

Located right next to Ellicott City, Columbia is another fantastic town near Baltimore for first-time homebuyers.

For years, it has been ranked one of the top cities in the United States for livability and quality of life. This is because the city offers tons of amenities, like theaters, restaurants, and parks, while remaining relatively affordable.

The city was first designed to be an idyllic place with seven distinct neighborhoods. In the middle of it all is a town center that has all the shops and restaurants you can imagine.

Columbia is a great suburban town and provides plenty of options for sports and after-school activities. There are sports parks, athletics clubs, and running tracks sprinkled around the town for everyone to use.

It's easy to see why so many people choose to invest in real estate here.

Another reason is that it's actually quite realistic for first-time homebuyers to buy a home in Columbia. There are tons of homes and townhouses on the market that fit even the tightest of budgets.

Thinking of buying a home near Baltimore or anywhere else in Maryland? Contact one of our expert agents at Northrop Realty or consult our first-time homebuyer's guide for more advice.

Fulton

Fulton is a small town which is a 30-minute drive from Baltimore via the I-95. It's known to be a terrific place for first-time homebuyers thanks to its modern amenities and growing economy.

The city has a thriving job industry, offering jobs in scientific and technical services, as well as health care and public administration.

Though career isn't the only thing attracting homebuyers to Fulton. It's natural beauty and community parks are other factors that impress everyone.

What makes Fulton one of the best suburban towns near Baltimore for first-time buyers is its affordable real estate market.

Tons of new construction homes and townhomes have been popping up everywhere in Fulton, offering attractive, colonial-style homes with modern amenities.

These homes sell for reasonable prices, making them ideal for first-time buyers.

The city is also filled with charming townhouse communities that are perfect for those looking for a low-maintenance lifestyle.

Lutherville

If you're looking for an affordable town near Baltimore, Lutherville is your best bet.

This quaint town is possibly one of the most charming cities around, boasting a resort-town feel with its abundance of top-rated golf courses. In fact, in the mid-century, this town was considered a vacation town before people began moving here permanently.

It's easy to see why so many people chose to move here permanently—it has unbeatable natural beauty and a community with a small town atmosphere where everyone knows your name. All of this while being just 20 minutes from Baltimore.

Lutherville is known for its community events and festivals that bring everyone together through live music and delicious foods. The Festival of Trees and the Fall Festival are two popular events, though the Maryland State Fair is the biggest event of the year.

What attracts so many homebuyers to this area is not only the sheer number of golf courses and shopping centers, but the fantastic real estate as well.

There are so many affordable options for first-time homebuyers, there's no better place in the state to find a home.

Many of the homes in this area were built in the mid-century, so the prices aren't as high as newer homes located closer to the city. Lutherville homes for sale, though, have charming details and features, like original hardwood floors and archways between rooms.

There are so many fantastic suburban towns close to Baltimore that are perfect for first-time homebuyers, it's hard to list them all. To learn more about investing in your first home, talk to Northrop Realty today! They will help you with all of your real estate needs.