21239 ZIP Code: Living in Original Northwood & Loch Raven, Baltimore, MD

Updated November 2026 · Data: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2020–2024

ZIP code 21239 is mostly in Baltimore City, with part in Baltimore County, Maryland, and covers Original Northwood, Loch Raven, Idlewood and Hillen. Northeast Baltimore near Morgan State University and the Loch Raven Boulevard corridor. About 27,346 people live in the 21239 ZIP code area.

21239 at a glance

Figures are Census estimates for ZIP Code Tabulation Area 21239, which closely follows the postal ZIP code. Estimates for smaller areas have wider margins of error.

Neighborhoods and communities in 21239

The 21239 ZIP code includes Original Northwood, Loch Raven, Idlewood and Hillen. ZIP code lines don’t always match neighborhood or school boundaries, so confirm the details for any specific address.

Homes in 21239: what the housing looks like

Housing in 21239 is a mix of rowhomes, single-family homes and apartments. Most homes were built before 2000; about 2% date from 2000 or later. About 55% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners.

Type of home	Share of homes in 21239
Single-family detached	11%
Rowhomes and townhomes (attached)	52%
2–4 unit buildings	12%
Buildings with 5+ units (apartments, condos)	24%

Share of all housing units, ACS 2020–2024. 12,755 housing units in total.

Commuting from 21239

Workers living in 21239 average a 27.1-minute commute, and about 6% ride public transit. About 17.1% work from home. Here is how far the center of the 21239 ZIP code is from major job centers and travel hubs. These are straight-line distances; drive times depend on route and traffic.

Destination	Distance
Downtown Baltimore	6 miles
Washington, D.C.	40 miles
BWI Airport	14 miles
Annapolis	27 miles
Fort Meade	20 miles
Columbia Town Center	18 miles
Towson	3 miles

Living in Baltimore City: what to know

Baltimore City is its own jurisdiction, separate from Baltimore County. It sets its own property tax rate, which is higher than the surrounding counties, and some city homes carry ground rent. The city also offers homebuying incentives for qualifying buyers.

Public schools in 21239 are run by Baltimore City Public Schools. Assignments go by street address, not ZIP code, so use the district’s school locator for a specific home. To compare schools, see the Maryland State Department of Education Report Card.

For taxes, commuting and lifestyle across the county, read our Baltimore City relocation guide. For parks and trails, see Baltimore City parks.

ZIP codes near 21239

• 21212 – Homeland, Baltimore
• 21214 – Hamilton, Baltimore
• 21218 – Charles Village, Baltimore
• 21210 – Roland Park, Baltimore
• 21206 – Frankford, Baltimore
• 21286 – Towson

21239 ZIP code: frequently asked questions

What county is ZIP code 21239 in?

ZIP code 21239 is mostly in Baltimore City, Maryland, with part in Baltimore County.

What neighborhoods are in the 21239 ZIP code?

The 21239 ZIP code includes Original Northwood, Loch Raven, Idlewood and Hillen.

What is the median home value in 21239?

The median value of owner-occupied homes in 21239 is about $207,400, according to Census American Community Survey estimates for 2020–2024. Current asking prices can differ, so check active listings for today’s market.

How far is 21239 from Baltimore and Washington, D.C.?

The center of the 21239 ZIP code is about 6 miles from downtown Baltimore and 40 miles from Washington, D.C., in a straight line. Drive times vary with traffic.

Where can I see homes for sale in 21239?

You can see all current homes for sale in 21239 on GreatestMoves.com, our home search site, at https://www.greatestmoves.com/zip-codes/21239/.

Sources: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates 2020–2024 (tables DP03, DP04, DP05) for ZCTA 21239; U.S. Census Bureau TIGERweb ZCTA boundaries. Distances are calculated from the ZCTA’s internal point.