House-hunting USA: $1 million homes in 25 cities

Welcome to Curbed Comparisons, a column that explores what one can rent or buy for a set dollar amount in various cities across the U.S.

We’ve slowly been prying open the wallet in this series of Curbed Comparisons looking at home sales in major metros around the country—starting from $250,000, roughly the national median sales price, to a more generous budget of $500,000, and now to $1 million.

What happens when we go near seven-digit territory? The houses get larger, certainly, and we see a delightful variety of architectural styles on offer. But even outside of notoriously expensive locales like New York City and San Francisco, a “million dollar listing” doesn’t always come with as much extravagance as one might expect. Let’s take a closer look.

Atlanta, GA

4 beds, 4 baths, 3,031 sq.ft. — Renovated by local architect Rick Spitzmiller as his personal residence, this 1958-built home is a prime example of the elegant properties found in Atlanta’s posh Buckhead district. Inside, you’ll find a soaring vaulted living room, chef’s kitchen, custom built-ins, skylights, and farmhouse-chic contemporary finishes.

Austin, TX

4 beds, 4 baths, 2,917 sq.ft. — Built in 1912, this house in the Clarksville historic district offers original hardwood floors, a fireplace, renovated kitchen and bathrooms, optional fifth bedroom, deck, and yard. The home is walking distance to downtown.

Boston, MA

2 beds, 2 baths, 1,294 sq.ft. — In Boston, $1 million can get you an unit in a brand-new development in Charlestown, the city’s oldest neighborhood, north of the Charles River. The apartment comes with two-car garage parking, a common deck, exercise room, and enclosed pet run.

Chicago, IL

4 beds, 4 baths, 3,300 sq.ft. — This University Village house comes revamped with an open floor plan, stainless steel appliances, and built-in security system. Enjoy high ceilings, walk-in closets, and a decently sized backyard.

Columbus, OH

4 beds, 6 baths, 5,196 sq.ft. — The large ‘80s home has previously been owned by various members of the Ohio State University community. The woodland house includes a heated pool, patio, and riverwalk.

Dallas, TX

3 beds, 3 baths, 2,903 sq.ft. — Talk about curb appeal. This 1957 charmer sits among mature oak trees on a rare lakefront lot. The house is a split ranch with lake views from the master bedroom and family rooms, and includes a deck and patio.

Detroit, MI

5 beds, 6 baths, 6,310 sq.ft. — For $1 million, you can snag this stately 1912 home for $695K and have plenty left over to add and upgrade whatever you want. Located in the historic Indian Village on Detroit’s east side, the gorgeous house boasts Pewabic tile fireplaces, herringbone floors, and an impressive lead glass solarium.

The Hamptons: East Hampton, NY

4 beds, 5 baths, 2,700 sq.ft. — Sitting next to a 26-acre reserve, this 2006-built shingle home makes a cozy residence with a large eat-in kitchen, fireplace, plus French doors out to the backyard. A porch and heated pool await.

Indianapolis, IN

5 beds, 6 baths, 6,856 sq.ft. —This 1924-built manor sits on a 2.55-acre woodland estate. The interior has been updated with an open floor plan, plus new kitchen and baths. A three-car garage and carriage house are included.

Jacksonville, FL

6 beds, 5 baths, 5,025 sq.ft. — A beautiful early-1900s Colonial Revival home can be had for just under $1 million in Jacksonville. Inside, find a grand foyer, high ceilings, and several fireplaces. The yard is generous.

Las Vegas, NV

4 beds, 5 baths, 4,232 sq.ft. — An English Tudor in Vegas? It’s true! This 1979 home, part of the historic Las Vegas Country Club, is actually only minutes away from S. Las Vegas Boulevard, a.k.a the Strip. Ornate interiors, guest quarters, huge pool—check, check, check.

Los Angeles, CA

3 beds, 2 baths, 1,403 sq.ft. — A million bucks just lands you this midcentury pad in the trendy Silver Lake neighborhood on L.A.’s east side. On the market for the first time in 31 years, the eclectic abode offers a remodeled kitchen with a breakfast area, tons of outdoor space, and solar panels.

Miami, FL

3 beds, 3 baths, 2,216 sq.ft. — This remodeled home is located in the Roads, a residential neighborhood close to downtown. Interiors have that contemporary polish, and the house takes advantage of the sun with a large balcony and backyard pool.

Nashville, TN

4 beds, 3 baths, 4,902 sq.ft. — There’s loads of pomp and circumstance to be had with this home in a Nashville gated community. Six columns aside, there’s a grand red-carpeted central staircase, plus a double-height living area, and huge closets.

New Orleans, LA

4 beds, 5 baths, 3,700 sq.ft. — Holy Queen Anne! This 1890s Victorian sits on a double lot in NOLA’s Milan neighborhood. Look for tons of charming architectural details— windows, chandeliers, fireplaces—all with the convenience of a modern kitchen and bathrooms.

New York, NY

Studio, 1 bath, 659 sq.ft. — Exactly $1 million is the asking price for this high-ceilinged modern pad smack-dab in Manhattan’s Financial District. It can almost pass for a one-bedroom with the custom, glass-walled sleeping area.

Philadelphia, PA

2 beds, 2 baths, 2,035 sq.ft. — This characterful abode in Philly’s charming Rittenhouse Square area is all about open-plan, multi-level living. The townhouse starts with a ground-level living area, then goes up to a spacious kitchen and dining area, bedrooms and family room, and finally a rooftop deck.

Phoenix, AZ

3 beds, 3 baths, 3,840 sq.ft. — This remodeled 1957 mountainside home has Venetian plaster walls, stone floors, and amazing views. The rustic, gated property comes with a large pool, plus various balconies and outdoor areas.

Portland, OR

Zillow

4 beds, 3 baths, 3,408 sq.ft. — $1 million gets a 1912 landmark Craftsman in Portland’s Grant Park with iron gates and brick pillars. Inside, find Viking appliances, Brazilian cherry hardwoods, stained glass windows, and a wood-burning fireplace.

Salt Lake City, UT

4 beds, 4 baths, 5,289 sq.ft. — Another impressive 1912 home! This South Temple house shows off intricate moldings, original stained glass, and a hand-carved staircase.

San Antonio, TX

4 beds, 3 baths, 4,429 sq.ft. — Wowza, this Historic Monte Vista home dates back to 1895. Once past those ionic columns and double-deck porches, you’ll find super high ceilings, intricate woodwork, a gorgeous fireplace and staircase, plus modern amenities.

San Diego, CA

4 beds, 2.5 baths, 2,049 sq.ft. — This very San Diego-style home with a tiled roof and front double garage comes in at just under $1 million. The interior is open-plan with lots of windows and built-ins. There’s access to a pool.

San Francisco, CA

3 beds, 2 baths, 1,705 sq.ft. — This 1935 Spanish Mediterranean in San Francisco’s Sunset District serves up lovely arched doorways, parquet hardwood floors, stainless steel appliances, a breakfast nook, and balconies. Curbed SF is convinced it’s heading to a bidding war.

Seattle, WA

2 beds, 4 baths, 1,254 sq.ft. — This updated condo in Seattle’s dense Belltown neighborhood offers modern finishes, including remote-controlled blinds and heating/cooling. Expansive windows and two balconies give you the million-dollar city, water, and mountain views.

Washington, D.C.

2 beds, 3 baths, 1,320 sq.ft. — This two-level condo sits between two hot D.C. neighborhoods, Logan Circle and Shaw. The modern-chic interior comes with a new kitchen and bathrooms. There’s also a balcony and ample front and backyards.