Real estate bargain hunting and summer go together like America and apple pie.
In the spirit of this seasonal deal divining, we’ve identified the most affordable Mansion Global homes in the top five financially formidable zip codes—properties that will give buyers a foothold into some of America’s choicest communities.
As we did previously when we showcased the most expensive homes in the most expensive zip codes, we will be using the most recent Forbes ranking, which identifies the nation’s priciest neighborhoods based on "median home price data for more than 29,500 ZIPs covering 95% of the U.S. population."
1. Atherton, CA (94027)
Median Sales Price: $10,564,038
PRICE: $4.475 Million
BEDROOMS: 4
BATHROOMS: 4.5 (4 Full, 1 Partial)
SIZE: 4,410 square feet
This home proves that it’s not just about what’s inside that counts. Sure, there is a split-level, airy design that allows for easy entertaining and privacy, four bedrooms and a detached artist’s studio, but outside you’ll also find a pool, arbor-covered patio and 75 rose bushes. So the parties can be inside or outside, depending on how much the Northern California weather cooperates.
2. Sagaponack, NY (11962)
Median Sales Price: $7,416,538
PRICE: $1.59 Million
BEDROOMS: 4
BATHROOMS: 2.5 Full
SIZE: 2,500 square feet
This Hamptons house is summer, weekend or year-round ready. At 2,500 square feet, the house, which was recently constructed, isn’t huge (especially by East End standards), but it’s airy, clean and has a heated pool outside.
More:Luxury Home Sales in the Hamptons Drop by a Fifth as Market Resets
3. New York, NY (10012)
Median Sales Price: $7,302,117
PRICE: $1.017 Million
BEDROOMS: 1 (Studio)
BATHROOMS: 1 Full
SIZE: 446 square feet
Large windows and high ceilings can make smaller spaces feel much larger, and this SoHo studio has both. The bathroom and kitchen are both updated with high-end finishes, as is the building itself: the full-service building has a doorman, and a fitness room and happens to be located smack in the middle of SoHo, on Lafayette Street.
4. Woody Creek, CO (81656)
Median Sales Price: $7,020,893
PRICE: $2.495 Million
SIZE: 35 Acres
On the other end of the spectrum is this Colorado ranch that sits on 35 acres. While it’s minutes from downtown Aspen, you’ve got that rural feel, with breathtaking views of the Elk Mountains. The ranch comes with a professional landscape plan -- ponds, stream and irrigation system included.
More:Joe Cocker’s 240-Acre Colorado Ranch is Headed to Auction
5. New York, NY (10013)
Median Sales Price: $6,076,018
PRICE: $1.075 Million
BEDROOMS: 1 (Studio)
BATHROOMS: 1 Full
SIZE: 611 square feet
You’ll have to be willing to not move in for a bit if you buy this studio loft in Tribeca, since there’s a tenant in place until April 2017 (it may also be a good investment opportunity after that). The apartment has custom seven-foot windows, 10-foot ceilings, southern exposure, a washer/dryer, and 7-inch-wide white oak plank floors. Custom patina brass fixtures are from Waterworks. The building itself -- which was converted into a condo in 2013 -- has a dog washing station, open landscaped rooftop lounge with a pergola, a kitchen station and panoramic views.