How much house does $500,000 buy?

Charlotte

• 4 bedrooms, 2 baths
• 3,231 square feet on 0.76 acres
• Year built: 1965
• Priced at $499,900

This brick home in the popular Lansdowne neighborhood is located on a large cul-de-sac lot. It has an updated kitchen with a large breakfast room and French doors leading to a deck.

Information provided by: Susan Prince of HM Properties

Chicago

• 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths
• Year built: 2000
• Offered at $525,000

This recently renovated extra large duplex home in East Village has three outdoor decks for entertaining, extra storage, garage parking, is within walking distance to restaurants, bars and shopping, and has easy access to Blue Line transit.

Information provided by: Tasneem Nomanbhai, Dwell One Realty

Dallas

• 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms
• Approximately 3,232 square feet on a 50-by-185-foot lot
• Year built: 1917
• Offered at $449,000

Located in the desirable M Streets area of Dallas close to entertainment and shopping, this early 1900s updated craftsman-style home can best be described as Dallas history meets modern amenities, says listing agent John Weber of Ebby Halliday Realtors. "It is perfect for someone wanting the conveniences of new construction while not sacrificing the architectural detail of an old home."

Denver

• 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths
• 3,264 square feet
• Year built: 2003
• Price: $550,000

Located in the  Lowry area, 15 minutes from downtown Denver, this French Normandy-styled home has slab granite countertops, travertine tile backsplash, cherry cabinets, hardwood floors and a professionally landscaped backyard with an automated retractable awning.  "Once a working Air Force base, Lowry is now a forward-thinking, mixed-use community that has become a model for urban-infill projects across the country," says listing agent Mitch Rothman of the Schlifkin Team.

Rothman says the Lowry neighborhood foreclosure rate is minimal when compared with national averages.  "The real issues in terms of foreclosures are occurring in the eastern and northern metro areas, but on the whole the city of Denver is holding up very well," he says.  

Detroit

• 3,900 square feet
• Year built: 1965
• Offered at $525,000

This home features lake views from a screened terrace and a master suite on the first floor.

Originally listed at $885,000, this house has been on the market for more than 20 months, says Realtor Kay Agney.  

Los Angeles

• 2-bedroom, 2-bath condo
• 1,161 square feet
• Year built: 1964
• Offered at $529,900

Located north of Santa Monica Boulevard and south of West Sunset Boulevard, this bank-owned foreclosure offers views of the city, a rooftop pool and valet parking. 

New York

• Studio apartment
• 545 square feet
• Price: $569,000

This large alcove studio is steps from Central Park and features a new kitchen and bath, big closets and a whole wall of windows overlooking the city, including views of Central Park. The 20-story condo building also has an exercise room, indoor playroom and outdoor playground.

Phoenix

• 6 bedrooms, 5.5 baths
• 4,528 square feet on a 0.31-acre lot
• Year built: 2003
• Offered at $525,000

This property is nestled in the exclusive Anthem Country Club, with mountain and city views.  It is in  a guarded golf course community, and has a guest casita with separate entrance, and a three-car garage. A kitchen with granite countertops, library with built-in bookcases and a backyard bar and heated pool and spa complete this listing. 

"Even though the market remains soft in Phoenix due to high foreclosure rates and relatively high inventory levels, no one seems to agree on when the market will bottom, so it's a really good time for buyers to strike bargains and not let this opportunity pass by," says Realtor Carlos J. Ramirez

San Diego

• 2-bedroom, 2.5-bath townhouse
• 1,256 square feet
• Year built: 2004
• Price: $559,000

This townhouse, located in Gaslamp City Square in downtown San Diego, faces the courtyard with a pool view and has secured parking. "Downtown San Diego has also been hurt by market conditions and increased inventory and rapid new construction over the past eight years," says Debbie Neuman of Neuman & Neuman Prudential CA Realty.

Seattle  

• 1-bedroom, 1-bath condo
• 820 square feet
• Year built: 2007
• Price: $499,950

This 19^th-floor condo boasts views of Lake Union, Mount Baker and the city from the living room and bedroom.  "It does not face any construction and affords chic, urban living in the heart of downtown Seattle, with easy access to shops, restaurants, theaters, freeway and public transport," says listing agent Natalya Tkach of RE/MAX Real Estate Center.

The condo complex also has an owners' lounge, spa/sauna, gym, guest suite and business center, as well as secure parking and storage.

Tampa

• 4 bedrooms, 3.5 baths
• 3,845 square feet on a .24-acre lot
• Year built: 2005
• Price: $550,000

This house is located in suburban Wesley Chapel, and has been on the market for two months. It has a screened pool, heated spa and a bonus room. It's part of a gated subdivision and has a three-car garage. "There are plenty of foreclosures and short sales happening in the Tampa area, and buyers can get good value for their money," says broker Susanna Madden.

More on MSN Real Estate

• Find out what your home is worth?
• How much house can you get for $200,000?
• How much house do you get for $1 million?
• What does $500,000 buy in your community?