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BALTIMORE, MD (Wednesday, May 29, 2025) – Sites in Greenleigh, Avalon Bay and Cross Keys are emerging as the ‘hot spots’ for residential development in the Baltimore region, according to the latest Residential Building Permit Activity Hot Spot Report from Baltimore Metropolitan Council (BMC). In 2024, 6,448 residential units were permitted in the Baltimore Region, a 12 percent decrease from 2023. BMC Executive Director Mike Kelly says that the decline in building permits is an issue of concern for regional leaders. "The best way to combat rising housing prices is to provide more options for families at all income levels,” Kelly said. “At the same time, residents are concerned about the existing traffic and crowding in their communities. “From a regional perspective, the challenge is to incentivize development in places with capacity for growth. Right now, much of this capacity is in the urban core, which could be a real opportunity for Baltimore City." BMC will work with the region’s local governments over the coming year to explore the interactions between new and existing homes, the region’s transportation network, economic opportunity, and public sentiment. The data in BMC’s Residential Building Permit Activity Hot Spot Report accompanies the 2024 Metropolitan Building Activity Report and provides essential insight for our community. The Metropolitan Building Activity Report details trends in total single-family, multi-family, and mixed-use permitting and includes data on all residential and non-residential construction. Together, these reports provide insight into trends in residential development. In 2024, Baltimore County received the most residential unit permits, with 1,511 units permitted. Anne Arundel County and Baltimore City followed with 1,305 and 1,273 units permitted, respectively. The region’s top ten ‘Housing Hot Spots’ significant for residential developments in 2024 were: 1. Greenleigh (Chase/Bowleys Quarters, Baltimore County) with 456 multi-family, single-family attached, and single-family detached units 2. Avalon Bay (Canton, Baltimore City) with 418 multi-family units 3. Cross Keys (Mount Washington, Baltimore City) with 331 multi-family units 4. Aberdeen Fields/Fieldside (Aberdeen/Havre De Grace, Harford County) with 204 multi-family units 5. Watershed (Maryland City, Anne Arundel County) with 183 single-family attached units 6. Brightview Hunt Valley Town Centre (Cockeysville/Timonium, Baltimore County) with 178 multi-family units 7. Aberdeen Overlook (Aberdeen/Havre De Grace, Harford County) with 158 single-family attached and detached units 8. Perkins Homes (Phase 4) (East Baltimore, Baltimore City) with 156 multi-family units 9. Four Seasons Kent Island (Kent Island, Queen Anne’s County) with 150 single-family detached and multi-family units -and- Blue Oaks (Odenton, Anne Arundel County) with 150 multi-family units Of the total permits issued in 2024, 41.2 percent of total residential permits were for multi-family and mixed-use developments, while 33.9 percent were for attached single-family homes, and 24.9 percent were for detached single-family homes. In contrast, in 2023, 50.1 percent of total residential permits were for multi-family or mixed-use developments, becoming the majority of permits issued for the first time, while 27.3 percent were for attached single-family homes and 22.6 percent were for detached single-family homes. BMC compiles and maintains the region’s building permit information in a standardized database, providing a continual record of plans for new and renovated residential and non-residential projects from all permits with an estimated construction value of $10,000 or more. This helps local and state agencies prepare for anticipated trends as communities grow over time. ### Baltimore Metropolitan Council (BMC) works collaboratively with the chief elected officials in the region to create initiatives to improve quality of life and economic vitality. As the Baltimore region’s council of governments, BMC hosts the Baltimore Regional Transportation Board (BRTB) and supports local government by coordinating efforts in a range of policy areas including emergency preparedness, housing, cooperative purchasing, environmental planning and workforce development. BMC operates its programs and services without regard to race, color or national origin in accordance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and other applicable laws. BMC offers interpretation services, including language translation services and signage for the hearing impaired, at public meetings upon request with seven days advance notice. BMC will not exclude persons based on age, religion, or disability. For assistance, contact the Public Involvement Coordinator, comments@baltometro.org, or call 410-732-0500. Dial 7-1-1 or 800-735-2258 to initiate a TTY call through Maryland Relay. Usarios de Relay MD marquen 7-1-1. Si se necesita información de Título VI en español, llame al 410-732-0500. |