Facebook
X
Pinterest
Copy Link
If you’re deciding where to buy in central Maryland, Howard, Anne Arundel, and Montgomery counties are three of the most commonly cross-shopped areas — and they’re different enough in price, pace, and character that the right answer really does depend on what you’re looking for. Here’s how they actually compare right now.
Howard County
The median home sale price in Howard County was $637,865 as of August 2026, essentially flat year-over-year (down 0.33%), with homes typically selling in 30 days.1 Howard County — Ellicott City, Columbia, Clarksville — tends to draw buyers prioritizing top-rated schools and a shorter commute into Baltimore, without Montgomery County’s DC-adjacent price premium.
Anne Arundel County
Anne Arundel County’s median home sale price was $475,500 in 2026, up 3.4% year-over-year, with homes selling faster than a year ago — 30 days on market, down from 35.2 It’s the most affordable of the three counties here, and the most varied: waterfront properties around Annapolis and Severna Park sit alongside inland suburban neighborhoods near Glen Burnie, so the county covers a wider price range than a single median suggests.
Montgomery County
Montgomery County’s median home sale price was $636,639 over the trailing three months of 2026, up 3.0% year-over-year, with a typical 41 days on market.3 Rockville, Bethesda, and Silver Spring put Montgomery County closest to Washington, D.C., which shows up directly in both price and pace — it’s essentially tied with Howard County on median price, but takes longer to sell, reflecting a different, more DC-commuter-driven buyer pool.
Side-by-Side
| County | Median Sale Price | YoY Change | Median Days on Market |
|---|---|---|---|
| Howard County | $637,865 | -0.33% | 30 days |
| Anne Arundel County | $475,500 | +3.4% | 30 days |
| Montgomery County | $636,639 | +3.0% | 41 days |
Source: Redfin county housing market data, 2026.1,2,3
So Which County Is Right for You?
If budget is the deciding factor, Anne Arundel County currently offers the most home for the money among these three, with a median price roughly $160,000 below Howard or Montgomery. If you want the fastest-moving market — meaning less time for a good listing to sit before you need to act — Howard and Anne Arundel are both averaging 30 days versus Montgomery’s 41. And if proximity to D.C. matters more than price or pace, Montgomery County’s premium reflects exactly that trade-off.
None of these numbers capture school zones, commute patterns, or the specific neighborhood feel that actually makes a house feel like the right house — that part still takes an agent who knows all three counties, not just one.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which of these three counties is the most affordable?
Anne Arundel County, with a median sale price of $475,500 in 2026 — meaningfully lower than Howard County ($637,865) or Montgomery County ($636,639).
Which county has the fastest-selling homes?
Howard and Anne Arundel counties are currently tied at a 30-day median time on market. Montgomery County homes take longer on average, at 41 days.
Does Executive Home Group work in all three counties?
Yes. Ryan Byrd and Rebeca Garcia serve Howard, Anne Arundel, and Montgomery counties, along with Baltimore, Carroll, and Prince George’s counties, as part of the Executive Home Group.
Not sure which county fits your budget and priorities? Schedule a consultation with Ryan or Rebeca — we’ll walk through the trade-offs together.
Sources:
1. Redfin, Howard County, MD Housing Market — August 2026 data
2. Redfin, Anne Arundel County, MD Housing Market
3. Redfin, Montgomery County, MD Housing Market
