Beautiful affordable homes for under 200k

[missy]

I received this in my email inbox and thought some of you might enjoy if I shared this so here it is. Hope it works as I'm sharing on the go on my iPad so hope the link works properly.

https://www.trulia.com/blog/16-affo...lia.com/blog/16-affordable-homes-curb-appeal/



16 Homes Under $200,000 With Great Curb Appeal

Everything is bigger in Texas—including the curb appeal!

By Brie Dyas | Jul 18, 2017 9:00AM

• 
  1. Renovated charm in Chattanooga
  209 Bass Rd, Chattanooga, TN 37421
  $200,000
  
  Who says you can’t get a great-looking family home for $200,000 or less? This Chattanooga home, situated in the Brainerd Hills neighborhood, has five bedrooms—plenty of room for a growing family. The property also has brand new hardwood floors and windows throughout the house, and has been freshly painted inside and out, giving it a breezy and refreshing quality. Close to the center of Chattanooga, Brainerd Hills is ideally situated near both the airport and downtown—putting it a stone’s throw away from amazing restaurants, live events, and countless outdoor activities.
  
  
• 
  2. Classic good looks in Iowa City
  3206 Friendship St., Iowa City, IA 52245
  $198,000
  
  Whether you have a big family—or are planning to add to yours—this spacious four-bedroom bilevel home has plenty of space for you. (Though there’s only one-and-a-half baths, you’ll have money left in the budget to add more.) Nestled on a leafy street in the quiet Lemme neighborhood of Iowa City, IA, the circa-1960s home has a classic vintage look with cute red shutters and tidy landscaping. The location can’t be beat for family fun, too. You can take to your bikes and head to nearby Scott Park, or easily drop the kids off at the nearby elementary and high schools (be sure to grab a treat from Daylight Donuts on the way!).
  
  
• 
  3. Victorian appeal in Marion
  524 S. Market St., Marion, IL 62959
  $149,900
  
  History lovers, we’ve found your dream home: A turn-of-the-century three-bedroom, one-and-a-half bath charmer in Marion, IL with original details galore. Though it’s technically a Victorian, the exterior of the home has a more subdued color palette that would please even the staunchest supporter of the clean-lined “modern” style. The quaint front patio is the perfect place for enjoying a cup of coffee and taking in the lovely garden—or the lovely old-fashioned atmosphere of the neighborhood. You’re just a quick walk up South Market Street to an adorable library, the Marion Cultural and Civic Center and a range of bars and cafes in historic buildings.
  
  
• 
  4. Country club grounds in Boca Raton
  11086 Highland Circle, Boca Raton, FL 33428
  $199,000
  
  Who says that multi-millionaires can only enjoy the rolling greens of a country club setting? This updatedthree-bedroom, two-bathroom home in Boca Raton, FL is part of Boca Woods, a gated golf country club with two championship courses. Though there are required fees for the club and HOA, all affordable homes are worth it and adorable. The tropical landscaping is impeccable, as is the fresh white exterior with the seriously cute blue trim and garage door. If you’re not into golf, there’s still so much to do in your neighborhood—there’s a luxe gym, a bar, a restaurant and a huge pool in the clubhouse. Or, simply take a 10-mile trip to soak up the sun at Boca’s famous beaches.
  
  
• 
  5. Simple made sophisticated in Long Neck
  32581 Long Spoon Way #3281, Long Neck, DE 19966
  $187,900
  
  A perky aqua door greets you to this sweet three bedroom, two-and-a-half bathroom home in Long Neck, DE. The eye-catching color lends contrast to the pristine neutral exterior and the meticulously landscaped lawn, without looking over-the-top. Built near the rolling greens of the Baywood Greens Golf Course, the home is in a pretty great location. The town’s proximity to both the Chesapeake Bay and the Atlantic Ocean, give this area a milder climate with few extremes. Interestingly, this region has also been booming in recent years, attracting small businesses (and lots of empty nesters) looking for an affordable alternative to costlier East Coast areas. On weekends, you’re a quick drive from some of the country’s best shore destinations, like Lewes (where you can also pick up a ferry to Cape May, NJ), Rehoboth Beach and Bethany Beach.
  
  
• 
  6. Porch perfection in Havre De Grace
  358 Bourbon St., Havre de Grace, MD 21078
  $199,900
  
  Long Spoon Way #3281, Long Neck, DE 19966
  $187,900Weekenders love Havre de Grace, MD for its eclectic atmosphere and cool shopping district, which ranges from quirky antique stores (like JoRetro Vintage Market) to interesting restaurants (LAURRAPIN is a local fave). What could be better than visiting? Having affordable homes in town to call your own. This quaintthree-bedroom, two-bathroom home boasts peppy blue-and-white awnings and a spacious enclosed front porch. Even better, it’s in walking distance to the main shopping streets of St. John Street and North Washington Street, and a block away from the marinas of the picturesque Susquehanna River. With the money you save, why not take up boating?
  
  
• 
  7. Dockside details in Portland
  13008 NW Marina Way #12, Portland, OR 97231
  $140,000
  
  Though it looks a lot like the eclectic beach bungalows you’ll find in Key West, FL, this adorable waterfront home is indeed within the city limits of our nation’s quirkiest city, Portland, OR. However, if you’re looking for the indie bookstores and fanciful coffee shops made famous in “Portlandia,” you won’t find those near the location of this tidy one-bedroom, one-bathroom floating home. (All of that is 6 miles down NW St. Helens Road.) Instead, you’ll enjoy peace and quiet on the water. Instead of curb appeal, you can say that the blue and light red exterior has plenty of shore appeal.
  
  
• 
  8. Retro-chic mobile in Long Beach
  6205 E. Sea Breeze Dr. #3, Long Beach, CA 90803
  $189,000
  
  This charming three-bedroom, two-bathroom home proves that you can bring plenty of personality to a mobile home. Decorated with splashes of aqua and red along with climbing plants, it’s hard not to smile when you pull up to the carport. Situated within a 55+ community in Long Beach, CA, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to get to know your neighbors as you enjoy the resort-like amenities including a heated pool, billiard room and library. Heading out on the town? Nearby Naples has a myriad of restaurants ranging from upscale (like Chianina Steakhouse) to retro (the adorable Valentino’s pizzeria).
• 
  
  

 

[missy]

Continued

9. Micro home with mega appeal in Palm Springs
144 Pali Drive, Palm Springs, CA 92264

• $145,000
  
  This iconic desert town has been rediscovered by a new generation of residents who are opening restaurants, galleries and shops, while still keeping true to the midcentury vibe for which Palm Springs is famous. This one-bedroom, one-bathroom micro-home fits this new-meets-old philosophy. Located in a trendy vintage mobile home park that’s currently growing, this home features a stylish neutral exterior that emphasizes the sleek lines of the home. We particularly love the wrap-around patio, which gives you zones for outdoor entertaining (you can fit a table for six out there!) to lounging with a tiki cocktail. You’re also just off of Palm Canyon Drive, which takes you to everything to see and do…and all the great midcentury architecture of your dreams.

• 
  10. Desert landscape perfection in Green Valley
  1401 N Paseo Maravilloso, Green Valley, AZ 85614
  $165,000
  
  For those who have weathered one too many winters, the year-round sun of Arizona is a welcome change. Though many flock to Tucson, bargains can be had beyond the city—like in Green Valley, AZ. This gorgeous Sun Belt town is particularly attractive for retirees who want a peaceful pace of life at an affordable price. About 70 percent of the community is over the age of 55 and the median age is 72. In addition to stunning surroundings, the Southwestern architecture is impeccable. This three-bedroom, two-bathroom home boasts the stucco walls and tiled roof that perfectly fit the desert landscape. Yet, you’re not too remote. In fact, your home is right near the 5th hole of the Green Valley Country Club. You can practically taste the Arnold Palmers.

• 
  11. Clean lines under a canopy of trees in Sonora
  17891 Good Shepherd Drive, Sonora, CA 95370
  $178,000
  
  This A-frame home in Sonora, CA is a fun alternative to the usual rustic cabins you often find in woodsy areas. Its simple wood-clad exterior is accented with touches of green, perhaps inspired by the great trees that offer shade through the summer (and become an enchanting wintry scene during the snow season). The two-bedroom, one-bathroom home’s location in the Sierra Nevada foothills adjacent to the Stanislaus National Forest makes it a great choice for outdoor enthusiasts for the obvious reasons. However, Sonora also boasts a popular shopping district with antique shops, coffee houses and restaurants. There’s truly something for everyone to enjoy.

• 
  12. Stately in Houston
  1710 Corral Drive, Houston, TX 77090
  $199,000
  
  Believe it or not, luxury can be found for under $200,000. This gracious four-bedroom, two-and-a-half bathroom home in Houston, TX proves just that! With its columns, pristine white-and-black color scheme, grand lawn and second-story veranda, this is a home that goes beyond curb appeal—it makes a jaw-dropping impression. Houston’s lower cost of living and good job market mean that you can afford to live a little bit larger than you could in other areas, so you might want to make a move on this home before someone else does!

• 
  13. Gone bold in Birmingham
  1209 Browning Ave., Birmingham, AL 35213
  $199,900
  
  Birmingham, AL is another Southern city enjoying an increase in population, perhaps spurred by redevelopment efforts and an affordable cost of living. (You’d also be surprised at how many magazines are based here, rather than New York or other cities.) It’s also a city that has some of the most beautiful housing stock, especially if you’re into cottages. It really doesn’t get any more adorable than this two-bedroom, one-bath home. The picture-perfect home has a sunny yellow-and-white exterior that would be cute in any decade, along with the ultimate cottage amenity: A front porch swing. It’s the ideal spot for enjoying a glass of lemonade and catching up on your reading (or on neighborhood gossip).

• 
  14. Cheery details in Indianapolis
  812 E 53rd St Indianapolis, IN 46220
  $195,000
  
  Indianapolis may be home to the Indianapolis 500, one of the most prestigious motorsports events in the world, but it’s more than just a base for racing enthusiasts. With an up and coming food scene, scores of urban activities (including gondolier rides on the city’s gorgeous canal walk), and cute houses like this two-bedroom, one-bathroom home, it’s no wonder families are flocking to the Hoosier State for affordable homes. An updated kitchen, attractive stone fireplace, and updated bathrooms complete the layout of this single family home, which stands out for its front window flower beds and cheerful yellow exterior paint job.

• 
  15. Pops of color in Canon City
  503 Pike Ave., Canon City, CO 81212
  $198,782
  
  Not only is this corner-lot cottage decked out with a shaded front porch and white picket fence, it’s also move-in ready. The three-bedroom, one-and-a-half bathroom Canon City home , which is more than 1,600 square feet, has been updated with crown molding, bead boards, wainscoting and French doors. It is located 45 minutes southwest of Colorado Springs (and two hours south of Denver). A 10-minute walk gets you right to one of Cañon City‘s main attractions, the Royal Gorge Route Railroad.

• 
  16. Greenery to spare in Fairview Park
  4070 W 220th St Fairview Park, OH 44126
  $159,000
  
  This delightful three-bedroom, one-bathroom Colonial home in Fairview Park, Ohio is in exceptional shape and features a spacious yard with a deck and fire-pit, unique interior molding, and shelves galore. Located within walking distance to a bevy of stores, restaurants, and parks, it’s also smack dab in the middle of a great school zone, making it perfect for families. It’s also ideal for Buckeyes who want the peace of the suburbs, but with a short, under 30-minute commute to nearby Cleveland.

 

[elle_71125]

Man, I think I need to move to Texas. That's a lot of bang for your buck!

ETS: I feel this way every time I watch HGTV too. The houses are always so nice and relatively inexpensive.

 

[Slickk]

Wow @missy This really highlights how those of us in the Northeast really pay a premium for housing. Those homes (especially the Texas column beauty) make me want to relocate. Thanks for sharing.

 

[msop04]

What a fun thread! I live near Birmingham, so I'm very familiar with the Crestline area. It's an older part of town that has been trying to be "revived" over the last 10 or so years... Lots of restorations to older homes and flips.

 

[madelise]

I'm crying

I need to gtfo of California.
The one listing you had in Long Beach, CA is probably in the dangerous areas, and is a flippin' mobile home.

Ya'll.
I give up on CA.

 

[Arcadian]

a house in boca raton... The house is 199 BUT, you'd be required to pay monthly maintenance fees plus a very large membership fee. some of those fees start at 30K and work up from there depending on the club. Your maintenance fee could be 1K plus a month. looks good on paper but living down here I can tell you that its the land of hidden fees.

 

[Dancing Fire]

I'm crying

Ya'll.
I give up on CA.

Yup, Crazy prices in Ca.

 

[ksinger]

Nice houses, but the locations might give one pause. Houston? You couldn't pay me.

I also like the way some of these are framed, as on #9: "Micro home with mega appeal".

Yeah, right. Micro my posterior. I checked, that house is 1800 square feet. I live in 1100 sq feet, and while on the smaller side, it isn't micro either. Eighteen hundred sq feet is only micro if you've had the great good fortune to become so divorced from reality that you think 3000+ sq feet normal, when it really is so not. Clearly, it isn't just the portion size of french fries that has been inflated. The McMansion-ing of the US has resulted in the supersizing of houses and then calling normal sized houses "micro". "Oh look, that cute tiny 1800 sq footer!

 

[Hayley87]

Man, CA is rough I can see why so many people I know have family members who move to other states when retiring. A college pal's parents had a 3-story, 4,000+ sq ft home on a lake in the Midwest. It had an elevator and a private dock....and it cost less than 2/3 of our home

I gotta say, though, some of those mobile home parks in Long Beach are actually pretty luxurious. I've been in some for work travel, and they're super-renovated inside, each home is elevated above the ones below it (so you have direct views of the ocean), and at least the one I went to was across the street from a Whole Foods

 

[Gussie]

Nice houses, but the locations might give one pause. Houston? You couldn't pay me.

I also like the way some of these are framed, as on #9: "Micro home with mega appeal".

Yeah, right. Micro my posterior. I checked, that house is 1800 square feet. I live in 1100 sq feet, and while on the smaller side, it isn't micro either. Eighteen hundred sq feet is only micro if you've had the great good fortune to become so divorced from reality that you think 3000+ sq feet normal, when it really is so not. Clearly, it isn't just the portion size of french fries that has been inflated. The McMansion-ing of the US has resulted in the supersizing of houses and then calling normal sized houses "micro". "Oh look, that cute tiny 1800 sq footer!

Lol, my husband and I are both born Texans (the only true Texan is a born one!). When we got married we made a vow that we would move anywhere except houston, the armpit of the USA. Guess what? We have lived in houston for over 10 years now. We went where the job took us. I love it here (except the heat and humidity). The people are laid back and friendly. The cost of living is very low. Haha, I learned to never say "never!"

With that said, I would be terrified of the neighborhood that the one in the article is in. 200k in the city of houston is really going to be in a bad area.

 

[mom2dolls]

One of my favorite Instagram pages is Magnolia Realty. It is Chip and Joanna Gaines realty company. The houses are amazing! Hubby and I are planning to move out of So Cal in about four years when our youngest daughter graduates high school. Texas is high on the list.

 

[Vera W]

I hope you don't mind me sharing but I sign on the solid line for this house tomorrow. I AM GIDDY to say the least.

http://www.har.com/19615-river-rock-dr/sale_20385947

 

[OoohShiny]

Nice houses, but the locations might give one pause. Houston? You couldn't pay me.

I also like the way some of these are framed, as on #9: "Micro home with mega appeal".

Yeah, right. Micro my posterior. I checked, that house is 1800 square feet. I live in 1100 sq feet, and while on the smaller side, it isn't micro either. Eighteen hundred sq feet is only micro if you've had the great good fortune to become so divorced from reality that you think 3000+ sq feet normal, when it really is so not. Clearly, it isn't just the portion size of french fries that has been inflated. The McMansion-ing of the US has resulted in the supersizing of houses and then calling normal sized houses "micro". "Oh look, that cute tiny 1800 sq footer!

hahaha I was going to post exactly this!

Given the two of us are living in a ~500sq foot apartment right now, with ~300 sq ft studio apartments in the town centre (with no parking space) going for £200k, something with 1800 sq ft is a large family home over here, which many can only aspire to!!

As we are about to move into one 12'x14' bedroom in the other half's dad's house (itself a ~700 sq ft 2-bed terrace in the rougher part of town) because we can't afford to buy without saving, I think it's fair to say that 'perspective is everything'... lol

I hope you don't mind me sharing but I sign on the solid line for this house tomorrow. I AM GIDDY to say the least.

http://www.har.com/19615-river-rock-dr/sale_20385947

Congratulations! That looks lovely

 

[Gussie]

I hope you don't mind me sharing but I sign on the solid line for this house tomorrow. I AM GIDDY to say the least.

http://www.har.com/19615-river-rock-


dr/sale_20385947

Congratulations! I live SE of katy. Don't you love the prices here!!!

 

[missy]

Congratulations Vera!!!!

 

[mom2dolls]

Congratulations Vera!!!

 

[ihy138]

Damn, why does Massachusetts cost so much money? I'm trying to buy a house as a single woman and it's a real challenge finding that needle in a haystack. :roll

I wish I could find something like this near me:
https://www.trulia.com/property/3003379239-503-Pike-Ave-Canon-City-CO-81212

 

[lovedogs]

I was watching HGTV and was motivated to look up housing prices in TX (especially waterfront homes). Couldn't believe how reasonable the prices were! That would be incredible to be able to buy a house right on the water with a dock, etc. Granted DH would never move to TX, and we love it in CA, but it's something to think about for the future!

 

[whitewave]

Congratulations, Vera! (But should you put your address on the internet?!?) it is a great house.

I'm in a 4 bedroom 3 bath 2875 heated on 1 acre... paid $280,000

 

[ksinger]

Lol, my husband and I are both born Texans (the only true Texan is a born one!). When we got married we made a vow that we would move anywhere except houston, the armpit of the USA. Guess what? We have lived in houston for over 10 years now. We went where the job took us. I love it here (except the heat and humidity). The people are laid back and friendly. The cost of living is very low. Haha, I learned to never say "never!"

With that said, I would be terrified of the neighborhood that the one in the article is in. 200k in the city of houston is really going to be in a bad area.

Actually, I was born in Texas too, I just didn't grow up there, and don't claim to be Texan. Of course the giant meat cleaver 'o stupid that is Oklahoma doesn't have much to recommend it either. For true metropolitan city life though, most places in Texas have Oklahoma beat by several light years. Still, I'd much prefer to be out of this part of the country completely. Colorado would be my choice since I have a lot of family there, but alas, we're anchored here, so here we stay.

 

[LLJsmom]

I hope you don't mind me sharing but I sign on the solid line for this house tomorrow. I AM GIDDY to say the least.

http://www.har.com/19615-river-rock-dr/sale_20385947

Congratulations Vera!! That is fabulous news!

 

[LLJsmom]

Yes CA is pricey. You get a lot more house for your money elsewhere. But after having just visited some major metropolitan cities in Europe, smaller living spaces are the norm for a lot of the world. Many families live in flats that are less than 1000 square feet and are happy for the space.

And I must admit that as I get older, I have a lower and lower tolerance for less than comfortable weather. I now realize that what a lot of Californians in certain parts of the Bay Area are paying for is the lovely year round temperate Mediterranean climate which can be found in very few parts of this earth. Barcelona was mid 80s with about 70% humidity. Rome was 104 a couple of days ago. I come back and it's low 70s and relatively dry. When I sit in a car for five minutes that has been baking in the sun, I whine like a baby. Heavy rains for four months in the winter is the most we need to complain about. You add the opportunities of the technology and biotechnology industries and there you have these ridiculous home prices. Yes, I am paying a lot but for me it is worth it.

 

[t-c]

Absolutely agree, @LLJsmom. I would move back to the SF Bay Area in a heartbeat if it were only up to me. (And coming from Manhattan, I'm not shocked by housing prices in the Bay Area). The heat and humidity in NYC drives me batty...And summer should be dry, not marred with heavy thunderstorms.

Others can keep their seasons, I prefer year-round comfortable weather.

 

[Austina]

As someone who is planning on moving to Austin, Tx, I can tell you that the houses around there are waaaaay more expensive than $200,000 fortunately, our property in the U.K. is still a lot more than Austin prices, so we will gain there, but our equivalent property tax is waaay less, so will definitely lose there!