Getting your player ready...
Don’t look now, but the is suddenly bearing signs of life. Many – some even posting gains in home values. For example, the hit bottom in Q4 of 2011 and is projected to gain 5.6 percent in value between March 2012 and March 2013. Does this mean people should get off the sidelines? The answer appears to be yes, according to Zillow Chief Economist Dr. Stan Humphries.
And with this positive bit of news, let’s take a look at what $350,000 can buy in major metros in the U.S.“For people who have been waiting to time their home purchases close to the market bottom, it’s time to start shopping,” said Humphries.
Chicago, IL
(below) For sale: $349,999 Square footage: 1,227 Whether it’s the deep-dish pizza, the culture or the city skyline, people have been moving to the Windy City for decades. The third-largest city in the U.S., Chicago is home to the second-largest business district after New York. While many well-established companies have roots in Chicago, the city has also seen growth in startups in the past decade, including Groupon, Orbitz and CareerBuilder.New Orleans
(below) For sale: $358,000 Square feet: 1,729Philadelphia
(below) For sale: $358,800 Square feet: 1,648 Not only did Philadelphia give us cheese steaks and soft pretzels, it also in the early 19th century, called “Philadelphia rows.” It was the perfect urban home and developers could easily profit. In addition to row houses, Philly also developed “twins,” and sets of three or four homes all built together. is currently $103,700, but the city is projected to gain 0.9 percent in value between March 2012 and March 2013. A popular Pennsylvania barn star adorns the clapboard siding of this circa 1981 two-story “twin” located in the popular of Philadelphia where are currently $390,800. Need to commute into Philly? The historic Gravers Lane Station is located just a block away and across the street is a baseball field. The home is within a walking distance to trendy shops and restaurants of Chestnut Hill and comes with a one-year warranty.Salt Lake City
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For sale: $349,000 Square footage: 1,960 Founded in 1847 by Mormon leader Brigham Young, Salt Lake City has grown beyond simply being the headquarters for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. After hosting the 2002 Winter Olympic Games, Salt Lake’s tourism industry has grown and the city is now known as a convention center hub. The is currently $225,000. Listed on the sweetly named , this brand-new contemporary (above) offers an open floor plan with 3 bedrooms and 2.5 baths with floors made of concrete and bamboo. Even the garage has a slanted roof. The house is close to eateries and a planned streetcar line/bike trail.Milwaukee
(below) For sale: $349,000 Square footage: 2,015 While is synonymous with breweries and home to one of the country’s biggest brewers, Miller Brewing Company, it is also headquarters to 14 Fortune 100 companies such as Johnson Controls, Northwestern Mutual, Manpower Inc., Harley-Davidson, and Briggs & Stratton, among others. And, in case you were looking for the could be it. Located about four miles north of Milwaukee, the village of Shorewood is known for its neighborhoods, architecture, eclectic shops and restaurants, and exceptional schools. are currently $87,900; come in at $189,000. This well-maintained English Tudor offers 3 bedrooms and 1.5 baths and is located in a desirable . The home has hardwood floors, leaded glass windows, natural fireplace, newer kitchen, newer roof and newly finished lower level. Its family room on first floor was completely remodeled.Seattle, WA
(below) For sale: $350,000 Square footage: 1,000 As the national headquarters for Starbucks, Amazon, and Microsoft, Seattle is a city known for its tech companies, caffeinated city folk and spawning the grunge music scene in the 1990s. Despite the city’s many days of gray weather, the area continues to attract new people. are relatively steep, hovering around $346,300. One of the best things about is that some of the homes for sale float. Pay homage to “Sleepless in Seattle” with this floating home for sale. No, it’s not the one featured in the movie, but it does have French doors that open out to a wraparound deck with spectacular views of the city. The home also features slate and hardwood floors and built-in window seats and bookcases.Dallas, TX
(below) For sale: $349,900 Square footage: 1,747 One of the biggest cities in the United States, Dallas also has the third-largest concentration of , including AT&T, Neiman Marcus, and ExxonMobil. According to , the Dallas-Fort Worth area grew more than any other metropolitan area in the country, adding 1.2 million people to the area. Built in 1927, this is a Tudor, which includes all the details of the period: leaded glass windows, hardwood floors and an arched fireplace. The 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom home has also been extensively updated. The kitchen includes granite countertops and island, stainless steel appliances and a glass tile backsplash. The bathrooms also have marble countertops.Hartford, CT
(below) For sale: $339,900 Square footage: 3,461 Home of the oldest park, art museum, and secondary school, Hartford is one of the oldest cities in America. Although the capital city made its start in industry, its current draw is its many insurance companies as well as proximity to state and private universities. It’s not a Colonial-style home, but this still has plenty of period charm. Built in 1910, the Victorian home has been “lovingly restored” with soapstone countertops in the kitchen, hardwood floors, a new roof and new windows. The home has 5 bedrooms and 3.5 bathroom and includes a third-floor mother-in-law suite.Miami, FL
(below) For sale: $349,000 Square footage: 2,784 With four major professional sports teams, vibrant economy, sizzling beach and night life scene and a growing population, it’s no wonder are on the rise. Median home values currently ring in at $184,600, which is an increase of 1.9 percent year-over-year. This Mediterranean-style home in of Miami offers 4 bedrooms, 3 baths and is situated on an oversize lot. The home has tile on first floor and wood on second floor as well as a brand new A/C unit.Napa, CA
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For sale: $335,000 Square footage: 1,500 Dreaming of a home in wine country? Best known for its rolling hills of grapes, Napa is situated just an hour outside of San Francisco, but is significantly more affordable, boasting a , about half of of $653,200. This California ranch . While it doesn’t come with vineyard acreage, there are a few grape plants in the backyard. Indoors, the home has been freshly painted and has an updated kitchen. Related:
