Young, Single, Black Women Transforming Baltimore's Neighborhoods

A new generation of first-time homebuyers are revitalizing the city through affordable housing programs.

Published on Feb. 7, 2026

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A growing number of young, single, Black women are becoming first-time homeowners in Baltimore, thanks to city and state initiatives that are helping them overcome financial barriers. These new homeowners are playing a key role in the economic transformation of Baltimore neighborhoods, building equity and generational wealth. Programs like those offered by the nonprofit LiveBaltimore are specifically targeting this demographic, recognizing their importance in diversifying the city's population and revitalizing long-neglected areas.

Why it matters

Baltimore has long struggled with blight, violence, and disinvestment, but the influx of young, single, Black female homeowners is helping to turn the tide. These new residents are putting down roots, getting involved in their communities, and creating a more stable, prosperous future for themselves and their families. Their homeownership also helps build generational wealth in communities that have historically been disadvantaged.

The details

Through programs like those offered by LiveBaltimore, young, single, Black women are able to access down payment assistance, student loan repayment aid, and other financial support that makes homeownership more attainable. This is helping to address the significant homeownership gap between White and Black Americans, with Black borrowers often facing higher denial rates for mortgage applications. The new homeowners are taking pride in their properties, investing in repairs and improvements, and getting involved in neighborhood initiatives to further revitalize their communities.

  • In late 2023, Kourtnee Turner, a 35-year-old Black woman, purchased her first home in Baltimore.
  • In 2025, 71% of LiveBaltimore's customers were female, and 73% were single. Some 60% were between the ages of 25 and 44, and 81% were African-American.

The players

Kourtnee Turner

A 35-year-old Black woman who recently purchased her first home in Baltimore with the help of city and state homeownership assistance programs.

Shaniqua Payne

A 35-year-old single mother and dialysis technician who also recently became a first-time homeowner with support from LiveBaltimore.

Martia Rodgers

A long-time Baltimore resident who inherited her home from her grandparents and has been working to rehabilitate it with assistance from the Legacy Homeowner Repair Program.

Meghan McCorkell

The executive director of LiveBaltimore, a nonprofit that works to attract and retain city residents, particularly young, single, Black women, through homeownership assistance.

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What they’re saying

“It feels like I made an adult move…. and it gave me something for me to be able to give to my children as well.”

— Shaniqua Payne, First-time homeowner (USA TODAY)

“It's equity and generational wealth, and having a high percentage of owners in any given neighborhood gives them a stake in the place and more incentive to take good care of it.”

— Martia Rodgers, Long-time Baltimore resident and homeowner (USA TODAY)

“Sometimes you have to step out on faith. Homeownership means more stability than renting, even if it feels like a big risk.”

— Kourtnee Turner, Mortgage industry professional and first-time homeowner (USA TODAY)

What’s next

The city of Baltimore and organizations like LiveBaltimore will continue to focus on attracting and retaining young, single, Black female homeowners through targeted assistance programs and outreach efforts.

The takeaway

The influx of young, single, Black women becoming first-time homeowners in Baltimore is a testament to the power of affordable housing initiatives and the transformative impact these new residents can have on revitalizing urban communities. Their homeownership is building equity, generational wealth, and a stronger sense of community investment in neighborhoods that have long struggled with disinvestment.