What A $500,000 House Looks Like In The Nations Top Cities – Forbes

Two Super Bowl viewers could get $500,000 toward their dream homes. That $500,000 might not go far ... [+] in some of the nation's real estate markets.

For two lucky viewers, this years Super Bowl wont just mean bragging rights or a smorgasbord of finger foods and beer. Thanks to a new contest launched by online lender Rocket Mortgage, it could mean their dream home as well.

During the big game February 2, the Rocket Mortgage Squares contest will offer $50,000 in cash for randomly drawn winners at each score change (up to 30 of them). At the end of the game, two grand-prize winners will get $500,000 to potentially use toward their dream home.

What that dream home will look like, though? Well, that depends on where those winners are located.

Lets take a look at just how different $500,000 looks in the countrys biggest real estate markets:

Chicago

For $500,000, this Chicago high-rise apartment is within reach.

If youre looking to stay in the downtown area, $500,000 can get you a pretty nice pad in a high-rise. Heres a two-bedroom unit available at $500,000 in the Park Place Condo building. It boasts a top-floor location, a pool, gym, and playground and a 24-hour doorman.

This home in Chicago's Dunning neighborhood is listed at under $500,000.

Willing to live in the burbs? This cute five-bedroom in Dunning is an option. Completely updated and renovated throughout, it boasts white shaker cabinets, quartz countertops and an expansive wood deck. Theres even a finished basement with a fireplace.

Los Angeles

Here's what $500,000 could get you in L.A.

Five hundred thousand dollars wont get you much in the City of Angels, but it will get you this immaculate tiny house. Its just 888 square feet, but it boasts three bedrooms, two baths and a low-maintenance yard to boot.

A look at what $500,000 could get you in current Los Angeles real estate.

If you head south of the city to West Athens, then this quaint five-bedroom is within reach. Built in 2007, it offers an updated kitchen, new appliances and stone countertops.

New York City

Here's what a $500,000 "dream home" would look like in Manhattan.

In Manhattan, $500,000 could get you this studio co-op on 34th Street. The 12th-floor unit comes with a doorman, furnished roof deck and recently renovated bathroom. Its just a few blocks from Hudson Yards.

What a $500,000 can get you in Staten Island.

If youre willing to go out to Staten Island, youll get more bang for your buck with this three-bedroom, 1,500-square foot property. It boasts a finished basement, covered patio and hardwood flooring throughout.

Houston

Here's what a $500,000 "dream home" looks like in Houston.

Houstons where contest winners could really get some bang for their buck. On the Northeast side of town, $500,000 could get you this massive, six-bedroom estate nestled along Lake Houston. With more than 6,000 square feet, it offers a gourmet chefs kitchen (plus an outdoor kitchen, too), a heated in-ground pool and a media room.

Here's what $500,000 could get you near downtown Houston.

Want to be closer to the sights? This three-bedroom townhome could be the right fit. Located near downtown, as well as the Houston Zoo, the Houston Arboretum and the Museum District, all the citys cultural hotspots are within reach.

Phoenix

Here's a look at what $500,000 could buy you in the Phoenix area.

That contest money would go far in Phoenix, too. This five-bedroom, 4,000-square-foot estate would be an option, offering two patios, a pool, an island kitchen and more. Its even equipped with the latest smart home technologies, including smart locks, the Ring video doorbell, a smart garage door and a learning thermostat.

A look at what $500,000 could buy you near downtown Phoenix.

If urban living is more your thing, this three-bedroom unit in the Encue Biltmore is a winner. The brand new property is pet-friendly, offers a private courtyard and comes with an attached two-car garage. Theres also a shared pool and barbecue area.

Philadelphia

For $500,000, you could get this turn-of-the-century house in Philadelphia.

On the Northwest side of town, $500,000 (well, actually $490,000) can get you a five-bedroom, 3.5-bath property complete with a wrap-around porch, original hardwood floors (from 1925!) and newly renovated kitchen.

Here's what $500,000 could buy you near downtown Philadelphia.

Want to live closer to the city? This historic two-bedroom apartment in Society Hill is an option. Built in 1900, it boasts two bedrooms, two baths and a wood-burning fireplace. (It sort of looks like the Home Alone house, too.)

San Antonio

$500,000 could get you this sprawling estate outside San Antonio.

In Texas second-most popular city, $500,000 can go pretty far. This four-bedroom, 3.5-bath rustic estate is just one example of what that chunk of change can net you. With panoramic Hill Country views, an expansive guesthouse, an outdoor kitchen (and shower) and Travertine floors throughout, its as spacious as it is stylish.

Here's what $500,000 could buy near downtown San Antonio.

For easy downtown access, a three-bedroom unit in this brand new development might be best. Boasting concrete floors, Viking appliances, screened-in porches and private garages, they make urban living more comfortable (and more spacious) than ever.

San Diego

For $500,000, you could get a one-bedroom property in this San Diego high-rise.

In San Diego, downtown living will cost you. Though you can find an urban unit for $500,000 or less, it likely wont be huge. Take this one-bedroom, one-bath unit. Priced at $499,000, it offers 873 square feet, high ceilings and easy access to the citys top amenities.

A look at what $500,000 could get you in the San Diego area.

For more space, youll have to venture out a bit. East of the city, youll find properties like this four-bedroom home. At $495,000, it boasts two baths, nearly 2,000 square feet and a wood-burning fireplace.

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What A $500,000 House Looks Like In The Nations Top Cities - Forbes