Homes: What you can buy for $600,000
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Single-family homes in most major metropolitan areas can easily cost buyers more than $600,000 these days.
But in smaller markets like Marietta, Georgia, and Cincinnati, Ohio, spending over a half-million dollars will buy a property with a reasonable amount of space and luxury.
Since $600,000 will get buyers many different types of residences depending on the location, people with a budget that size may want to take some extra time deciding where to lay down roots. Ask some key questions: Is it more important to live in a big city or have room for a growing family? Is access to private outdoor space an important factor?
These and other considerations will make choosing between a 650-square-foot studio on Manhattan's Upper East Side and a 3,510-square-foot colonial in Philadelphia much easier -- if you have that kind of choice.
Check out what buyers can snag for $600,000 in 10 different markets across the U.S.
Chicago, Illinois
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This four-bedroom, three-bathroom condo in the West Town area of Chicago went on the market this month for $600,000. It was last listed for just under $500,000 in August 2013, but after an unsuccessful pending sale, the listing was removed in March 2014, according to Zillow. It's much more expensive than the median home value in the area, which is currently around $375,000.
Chicago, Illinois
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The 2,800-square-foot unit in a brick building features hardwood flooring, quartz countertops, stainless steel appliances, surround sound speakers, a smart thermostat, private deck off the master bedroom and rooftop deck access.
Greenwich, Connecticut
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A buyer in Central Greenwich, Connecticut, could snag this two-bedroom, 1.5-bathroom condo for $600,000. It was listed last year for $585,000, but the listing was removed in July 2014, according to Zillow. The unit in a 1923 colonial-style property is much less expensive than the area's median home value, which is about $1.6 million.
Greenwich, Connecticut
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It features 1,788 square feet of space, hardwood flooring, in-unit laundry, stainless steel appliances, an eat-in kitchen, off-street parking, a fireplace, front porch and claw-foot bathtub.
San Diego, California
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This three-bedroom, two-bathroom, 1,538-square-foot condo on the San Diego River is currently on the market for $600,000. It was last for sale in February 2012 for $415,000, and the listing was removed later that same month. It's almost twice as expensive as the approximately $305,000 median sale price in the area.
San Diego, California
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The unit has granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, hardwood flooring, in-unit laundry, a walk-in closet, breakfast nook, private patio and spa-like master bath. Additionally, it provides access to a clubhouse, pool, fitness center, elevator and parking garage.
Marietta, Georgia
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This five-bedroom, four-bathroom home in Marietta, Georgia, (about 20 miles northwest of Atlanta) went on the market this month for $600,000. It last sold in May 2005 for $540,000. The 3,663-square-foot property is significantly more expensive than the modest $185,100 median home value in the area.
Marietta, Georgia
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It features French doors, hardwood flooring, an unfinished basement, attic, a fireplace, screened-in porch, deck, jetted bathtub, security system, intercom, sprinkler system, walk-in closet, breakfast bar and pantry.
New York, New York
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On the Upper East Side of New York City, this 650-square-foot studio co-op is on the market for the first time at $600,000, according to Zillow. It was last listed for rent at $2,850 per month in November 2013 and was rented two months later. The relatively small space is much less expensive than the $889,100 median sale price in the area.
New York, New York
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The building provides an elevator, bike storage, parking garage, access to private basement storage bins and a communal backyard space. The individual unit has a private terrace, breakfast bar and small kitchen.
Nashville, Tennessee
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This three-bedroom, 4.5-bathroom traditional-style home in the Edgehill neighborhood of Nashville went on the market this month for $600,000. According to Zillow, the home sold in March of this year for $265,000, indicating it was likely flipped. The property is much pricier than the approximately $239,000 median home value in the area.
Nashville, Tennessee
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The brick home features 3,457 square feet of space, hardwood flooring, a two-car garage, patio, fireplace, pantry, walk-in closet, breakfast bar, spa-like master bath and carpeted rec room.
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
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This four-bedroom, three-bathroom, 3,510-square foot, colonial home in the Chestnut Hill area of Philadelphia is on the market for $600,000. The current owners have been there for a while: It last sold in December 1982 for $165,000, according to Zillow. It's a bit more expensive than the approximately $500,000 median home value in the area.
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
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The brick, two-story property was built in 1925 and features an attached single-story office space with its own bathroom, a floating stairwell, paneled walls and some built-in shelving. However, the listing says the home "needs some TLC," and photos show clear signs of wear and tear.
Santa Fe, New Mexico
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In South Santa Fe, this three-bedroom, two-bathroom, 2,971-square-foot contemporary home is on the market for $600,000. It was first listed in April at $625,000 and has had two price reductions since. It last sold in May 2014 for $475,000. The property is much pricier than the median home value in the area, which is approximately $332,000, according to Zillow.
Santa Fe, New Mexico
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It sits on about 1.5 acres and has beamed ceilings, concrete flooring, gas heating, a fireplace, two-car parking garage, breakfast bar, patio, spa-like master bath and art studio space.
Cincinnati, Ohio
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This four-bedroom, four-bathroom traditional home in the posh Hyde Park area of Cincinnati is on the market for $600,000. It last sold for $350,000 in May 2011. The property is much more expensive than the median home value in the area, which is just over $332,000, according to Zillow.
Cincinnati, Ohio
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It has 2,932 square feet of space, hardwood flooring, stainless steel appliances, multiple fireplaces, a front porch, backyard area with a shed, breakfast bar and contemporary light fixtures.
Seattle, Washington
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This two-bedroom, one-bathroom, 1,660-square-foot Cape Cod-style house in the East Queen Anne area of Seattle went on the market this month for $600,000. It last sold in October 1999 for around $297,000. The property's price is pretty close to the median home value in the area, which is $510,000 according to Zillow.
Seattle, Washington
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The home features a fireplace, deck, laundry chute leading to a separate laundry room, barbeque, finished basement, security system and one-car garage.