Compared to nearby areas around Washington DC, Hagerstown is still considered a relatively low barrier to entry market, and I felt it was necessary to look at how this gap has narrowed over the past five years.

According to Zillow, the median home price in Hagerstown was around $200,000 at the beginning of 2021, and as of 2026, it is forming around $280,000. The cumulative increase over five years is estimated to be about 40%, indicating that while the absolute prices are low, the rate of increase has been quite high.

From 2021 to 2022, demand surged as people moved to avoid the high prices in the DC and Baltimore areas, causing prices to rise quickly. Even during the interest rate hikes in the second half of 2022, the relatively affordable price range meant that the adjustments were not significant. A gradual increase continued into 2023 and 2024, and recently, the pace of increase has somewhat stabilized.

Compared to the national average cumulative increase of around 38% over five years, Hagerstown has shown a rate of increase that exceeds the national average.

This appears to be the result of a combination of relatively low entry prices, an influx of demand displaced from the DC and Baltimore commuting zones, and a lack of new housing supply in the area.

However, since the price range is still relatively low, there may be room for further increases, but it is also important to keep in mind that this area could respond sensitively to economic changes.

For Korean households with limited budgets, Hagerstown remains a relatively accessible option, but it is advisable to carefully consider commuting distances and living infrastructure before making a decision.

Given that it is a region with relatively low price burdens, I believe it is still a market worth watching for those looking to live there.