Here’s What $1 Million Gets You in Five “Great Bang For Your Buck” Cities

Have you ever thought of what it would be like to live in a million dollar home? Though $1 million may seem like a lot of money to spend on a house, it really depends on where you’re located. In San Francisco, New York, or Miami, that amount may only be enough to buy a nice 2 bedroom condo. However, in real estate markets that are more reasonably priced, such as areas of Minnesota, Texas, and Illinois, you don’t even need half a million dollars to buy a McMansion.

Here’s what $1 million will buy you in some of the country’s most affordable real estate markets.

1. A magazine worthy, century old house in Memphis, Tennessee

The Williamson-Cooper house is an architectural and historical gem located in Midtown Memphis, and it can be yours for $999,000. This 6 bedroom, 5 bathroom home is located on a half acre lot and is over one hundred years old. The 6,500 square foot house was built in 1912, and has since been renovated in spectacular fashion. This home’s landscaping looks like it came straight out of a design magazine, and it actually did. In 2011, this house was featured in Memphis magazine after a renovation was completed by its current owners. The interior sports a wealth of details, and even the ceilings are decorative. It’s a perfect mix of old world charm and modern style — this definitely isn’t your run of the mill McMansion or cookie cutter house.

A wet bar, finished basement, deluxe flooring, gated entry, mother in law apartment, and sauna are just a few of the standout features. Outside, you’ll find plenty of space to lounge around and enjoy the weather, parking space for three cars, and RV parking. There’s also a greenhouse in the backyard.

2. A sprawling 20 acre estate in San Antonio, Texas

San Antonio is one of the largest cities in the country, but it’s also incredibly difficult to find a million dollar home here — after all, it is one of the least expensive major real estate markets in Texas. One of the handful of million dollar properties for sale in Alamo City is this big house on over 20 acres of land in Cibolo Creek. It’s truly an outdoor lover’s delight, and has a lily pond, waterfall, grotto, beautiful gardens, walking paths, an 80 foot cliff terrace, a pool, and much more. The property is also next to a nature conservancy and preserve, and rare birds can often be spotted in the trees.

The main home that’s apart of this estate is 3,137 square feet, 9 bedrooms, and 7 bathrooms. An attached 3 car garage, mother in law quarters, dramatic vaulted ceilings, and gorgeous interior details add to this home’s luxury. In addition, there’s also a 2,272 square foot guest house on the grounds. Considering all of the land and the fact that not one but two fabulous homes come with the property, it’s a bargain at just $1,000,000.

3. A luxury penthouse in Short North Columbus, Ohio

This fantastic penthouse in Columbus, Ohio has it all: top of the line appliances, great city views, and just about every amenity that you can imagine. It has 2 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms spread across 1,918 square feet. This is a unique unit that’s the epitome of modern luxury. The walls upon walls of custom windows, huge laundry room, bonus storage unit, and two car garage are just for starters. The home also comes with access to a concierge — for the $1,000,000 price tag, you would definitely get your money’s worth.

The master bedroom is a large suite complete with a hidden work space, walk in closet, sliding cabinets, and sweeping ceilings. If you love to cook, you’ll adore this kitchen and its Subzero fridge, Woolf cooktop and oven, and Berloni cabinets. Quartz counters, an open dining area, and built in wine rack are also included. Elsewhere in the home lie secret doors that lead to a library and study. Though this is a condo, it has 1,000 square feet of outdoor living space in the form of a private terrace. Given its close proximity to the city’s best entertainment, shopping, and dining options, this property truly has the best of both worlds.

4. A contemporary home that’s built for entertaining in Salt Lake City, Utah

The word “spacious” is often thrown around in many real estate markets, but this home truly fits the bill. It’s a beautiful house on over half an acre of land that features grand suites, excellent detailing, and all you could ever want to keep yourself or your guests entertained. The 4 bedroom 5 bathroom house is 6,692 feet, and it holds an impressive array of rooms inside. The entrance alone, with its stained glass windows and marble tile, was built to impress.

The gourmet kitchen has multiple dining areas, including a semi-formal eating space. Outside is an attached three car garage, large deck, outdoor kitchen, and amazing views of the city. On the lower level of the home is a wet bar and an exercise room, which opens up to a fenced in sports court where you can enjoy a game of tennis, volleyball, or basketball. The price for this magnificent home is just $989,000.

5. A mountain retreat in Birmingham, Alabama

The beauty that’s inside and outside of this home in the deep south make it well worth its price tag of $995,000. The property is over 5.5 acres and is surrounded by natural rock formations, huge trees, and lush plants. The home was built in 1984, but was completely redone a few years ago — everything from the plumbing to the pool pump were replaced and the house now has a fresh new look. It’s 5 bedrooms, 6 bathrooms, 3,880 square feet, and has a ton of charm and personality.

Hardwood flooring, Mexican tile, built-in bookshelves, and cozy fireplaces are some of the things you’ll find inside this home. The kitchen features custom cabinets, new appliances, and a dining room that opens up to the outdoors. Al fresco dining is available at any time, thanks to the patio that’s perfect for eating, entertaining, and just kicking back. There’s also a pool on the property — you can get the same feeling of relaxing at a world class resort just by stepping into your backyard.