In the last couple of days I’ve shown you what you can get in a home for $150,000 and $250,000 across St. Louis. Today we’re looking at homes that you can buy for around $500,000.
The truth is that what you get for your money varies dramatically depending on what part of town you choose.
Here are a few representative homes that give you an idea of what $500,000 will buy you.
St. Louis City – Central West End:
For people looking for sophisticated city living, the Central West End offers grand historic homes in the $500,000 price range.
This 2.5 story home has 6 bedrooms, 5 bathrooms and over 6000 sf. The 116 year old home takes you back into time with elaborate millwork and a grand entry staircase, and a carriage house apartment above the detached garage. Discounted from the going rate due to dated decor, this house sold in the spring for $505,000.
Mid County – Clayton:
Just a few years ago, it would have been nearly impossible to find a home in Clayton for $500,000.
The housing marketing downtown has made this small community with what many consider the best schools in town a possibility for many families for the first time. But a Clayton home at $500,000 still comes with compromises.
This 4 bedroom, 2.5 bathroom 2500 sf home is a solid home but has a dated kitchen and bathrooms. It sold in May for $518,000.
West County – Wildwood:
West County offers a lot of beautiful homes for around $500,000.
If you head to Wildwood, you can buy a sprawling newer 2 story like the one we have listed for $539,900 in Garden Valley subdivision.
Only 8 years old, this home has wood floors, a hearth room adjoining the breakfast room, a 2nd floor bonus room and a newly finished basement. Located in top ranked Rockwood School District, this home lets you live in luxury in an area that feels like country living, while you are just minutes away from suburban convenience.
South County – Sunset Hills:
While most people think of South County as mile after mile of affordable suburbs, Sunset Hills offers some exclusive pockets of homes that rival homes you can find anywhere in town.
This 1.5 story homes is just 24 years old and has 5 bedrooms, 4.5 bathrooms and 4200 sf. It has soaring vaulted ceilings, stained woodwork and huge rooms. With a 3 car garage and a 3/4 acre yard, it hits all of the highlights for people who want something other than the historic or newer homes in many of the other sophisticated parts of town.
It sold this summer for $495,000.
St. Charles County – O’Fallon:
St. Charles County offers more than just a sea of cookie-cutter subdivisions. There are pockets of homes that offer exclusive community perks, and Winghaven is one of those communities.With a private club offering social memberships, golf, swimming pool and tennis courts, Winghaven offers more than just homes.
This 10 year old Atrium 1.5 story home has 4 bedrooms and 5 full baths. Custom features around every corner make this home one of a kind. It sold in January for $517,500.
Choosing a Community:
When you decide to buy a home, one of the first things you need to decide is which community you want to join. There isn’t any one answer that is right for everyone.
While you can find very affordable homes all over town, you need to decide which trade-offs you are willing to make.
- Do you need a big yard?
- Do you want to be able to walk to cafes and coffee shops?
- Are you willing to drive farther to work to get a newer home?
- How important is it to be in one of the best school districts in town?
- Can you give up the master bathroom, finished basement or attached garage?
If you would like some help sorting through the issues to find the community that is the best fit for you, give us a call. We’ve got buyer specialists who can help you sort through all of the options.
Buying a home is too important to try to do it alone when you don’t have to. We’d love to help find you the perfect home in the perfect community.
