There's a great slide show on BusinessWeek.com showing what homes you can buy for $500K around the country. There are pictures and descriptions of homes for sale in Scottsdale, AZ; Danbury, CT; St. Louis, MO; New York City; Shaker Heights, OH; Austin, TX; and more. Check it out here.
So I figured I'd show you what $500K can get you in various Boston neighborhoods just to compare:
Back Bay Condo - 182 Marlborough St #5
$525,000 (1 bed, 1 bath - 610 sq ft)
Traditional 2nd floor front one bedroom in an elegant, well-maintained building on a lovely block of Marlborough Street between Dartmouth & Exeter Streets. The kitchen, open to the living room, has been renovated to high standards with granite countertops & stainless steel appliances, including SubZero refrigerator, Meile range & Bosch dishwasher. The renovated bathroom has elegant custom tile & fixtures. Beautiful detail, built-in bookcases, high ceilings & hardwood floors throughout.
(description from MLS courtesy of Karen Tedeman at Hammond Residential)
South End Condo - 314 Shawmut Ave #7
$525,000 (1 bed, 1 bath - 808 sq ft)
Wood-burning fireplace. Skylights. Private roof deck. Top-floor, corner unit. Shawmut & Union Park. Got your attention yet? Yes, you’ll find all this plus high ceilings, exposed brick, hardwood floors, built-in bookcase, walk-in closet, recessed lighting, in-unit washer/dryer, storage galore and the South End's best views of the Boston skyline. This airy, sun-filled condo is offered at a price that’s also meant to get your attention. Interested? Call today before someone else beats you to it.
(description from MLS courtesy of Michael Pallares at Metro Realty)
Beacon Hill Condo - 11 Myrtle St #4
$525,000 (1 bed, 1 bath - 595 sq ft)
Charming sun-splashed penthouse with exposure on three sides at the corner of Joy and Myrtle! Soaring living room ceiling with exposed beams. Bedroom with 150+sf loft for additional space and storage. Private roof deck. 2003 granite kitchen with gas cooking and stainless appliances. Separate dining area. Located in impeccably maintained building with free common laundry. 4 out of 5 units owner occupied. Pets allowed with trustee approval. Truly a unique home! Small assessment for roof in 2013.
(description from MLS courtesy of Maureen Ohara at Coldwell Banker)
North End/Waterfront Condo - 142 Commercial St #305
$519,000 (1 bed, 1 bath - 785 sq ft)
Located in the historic Commercial Block Building this beautiful 1br unit features gleaming hardwood floors throughout. Combination living/dining room, high ceilings, exposed brick walls and oversized windows overlooking tree-lined Commercial Street. fully applianced, open kitchen. Spacious bedroom with high ceilings, hardwood floors and oversized windows. Building amenities include a large common roof deck with spectacular water and city views, common laundry facilities and storage in bsmnt.
(description from MLS courtesy of Jeffrey Goldman at Premier Properties of Boston)
South Boston Condo - 36 A St #5B
$519,000 (2 bed, 1 bath - 1002 sq ft)
Incredible price for this sun-filled 2 bed, 1 bath loft with dark espresso cabinets, Carrera marble and Fisher Paykel appliances which include a 5-burner gas cooktop. Ideally located in a boutique 25-unit building just steps away from the new South Boston outpost of the Franklin Cafe and the Broadway T Station. Features 1 car garage parking, recessed lighting, and central air/heat. Extra Storage and 1 garage parking space is included in price.
(description from MLS courtesy of Megan Kopman at Ballast Realty Group)
Charlestown Condo - 42 Eighth St. #3301
$525,000 (2 bed, 2 bath - 923 sq ft)
Located in the Historic Navy Yard this spacious 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom unit is in move-in condition. Hardwood floors throughout living area, open kitchen with granite and stainless appliances. Great light and ample closet space! Comes with 2 self park parking spaces!
(description from MLS courtesy of Jill Sala at Coldwell Banker)
There you have it.....in the world of Boston real estate $500K doesn't mean what it used to! Especially compared to some of the homes in the Business Week slide show!