Maine, known for its picturesque landscapes and serene environment, is quickly becoming a hot spot for renters due to its affordability. As the Pine Tree State flourishes with opportunities, it provides affordable living for individuals from all walks of life. Rental prices vary greatly across the state, yet Maine sustains an appealing cost of living for many. Particularly, three cities have marked their places as the cheapest for renters; South Portland, Portland, and Yarmouth. These cities not only offer affordable rent but also present a high quality of living with their unique characteristics.
South Portland, ME
With a population of 25,665, South Portland is not just an affordable city but also a great place to live. The city offers a median income of $67,198 and a median home value of $276,100. Life in South Portland comes with more than just affordable living, it’s a city that thrives on its local community and stunning coastal views. You’re never far from a stunning view, with the city’s unique location on the coast of Maine. The city also has plenty of green spaces, including Mill Creek Park and Willard Beach, providing the perfect backdrop for a Maine lifestyle.
Portland, ME
As the most populous city in Maine with 66,706 residents, Portland offers a balance between an affordable cost of living and a vibrant city life. The city has a median income of $61,695, and a median home value of $302,700. Of note to renters, the asking price for a 2-bedroom is around $4,412. Portland’s Old Port district, with its cobblestone streets, 19th-century brick buildings, and fishing piers, is a hub of activity. Plus, there are numerous recreational areas in the city, including East End Beach and the Eastern Promenade.
Yarmouth, ME
Although smaller with a population of 5,752, Yarmouth is a charming town that offers an affordable lifestyle. Here, the median income stands at $69,576 with a median home value of $347,300. Renters can find a 2-bedroom place for an asking price of around $2,915. Yarmouth’s Main Street is a testament to its historical charm, while Royal River Park provides a great outdoor experience for residents. Yarmouth also hosts the famous annual Clam Festival, which offers a glimpse into the friendly community spirit of the town.
Methodology
The cheapest cities in each state were ranked based on its median home price and median asking rents for studio, one-, two-, and three-bedroom units. Prior to ranking, inputs were normalized, and weights were applied using a 1.25:1 ratio of asking rents to home prices. Data on home prices are from the U.S. Census 2016-2020 American Community Survey 5-year estimates. Data on asking rents are from Rent. Cities without data for one- or two-bedroom asking rents or a population of less than 10,000 were removed from this ranking. Any other missing values were zeroed and did not impact the final score.
Pennsylvania, the Keystone State, offers a range of diverse living experiences from bustling urban centers like Philadelphia and Pittsburgh to serene rural boroughs. Amidst this diversity, cost of living is a key factor for many looking to relocate within the state. For renters, some cities in Pennsylvania stand out as particularly economical options. Our analysis identified five cities – Johnstown, Indiana, Pottsville, McKeesport, and Butler – as the most affordable places to live for renters. Each of these cities offers the charm and amenities of Pennsylvania living, while being friendly on the pocket too.
Johnstown, PA
Johnstown, home to close to 20,000 residents, shines as one of the most affordable cities in Pennsylvania. With a median income of $29,171 and a median rent for a two-bedroom apartment at just $685, Johnstown is a great option for renters. Despite the modest cost of living, the city doesn’t lack for attractions. It’s home to the Johnstown Flood National Memorial, the Johnstown Inclined Plane – the world’s steepest – and the Grandview Cemetery. The city’s rich industrial heritage and resilient spirit offer a unique living experience.
Indiana, PA
Indiana, Pennsylvania, offers a compact small-town charm with a population just above 13,000. Notwithstanding the median income of $30,934, the living expenses here are quite low with a two-bedroom rental asking price of $601. Indiana is home to the Jimmy Stewart Museum, dedicated to the legendary actor and native son. Access to education is easily available with the Indiana University of Pennsylvania in town. With many parks and recreational spots like Blue Spruce Park and Yellow Creek State Park nearby, Indiana provides a balanced and affordable living experience.
Pottsville, PA
Pottsville, with a population of over 13,000, boasts a remarkably reasonable median two-bedroom rent of $412. The city, with a median income of $39,154, offers a high quality yet economical lifestyle. Home to the historic Yuengling brewery, the oldest in America, Pottsville is rich in culture and history. Beautiful local parks like Rotary Park and JFK Memorial Pool and recreation areas offer ample opportunities for outdoor activities.
McKeesport, PA
In terms of affordability, McKeesport stands out, especially with a modest median home value of $51,200. Renters will find it good value for money with a median rent of $903 for a two-bedroom home. McKeesport’s population of 19,128 benefit from the city’s great location at the confluence of the Monongahela and Youghiogheny rivers. The city’s Renziehausen Park Rose Garden is a local treasure, and the Great Allegheny Passage trail offers a great opportunity for biking and hiking.
Butler, PA
Despite being the smallest city on the list with a population of 13,008, Butler packs in an impressive punch when it comes to affordability. With a median income of $32,746 and a median rent of $785 for a two-bedroom home, it makes for a great place to live for renters. Butler is known for its historic landmarks like the Butler County Courthouse and is just a short drive from Moraine State Park, offering lots of outdoor activity options.
Methodology
The cheapest cities in each state were ranked based on its median home price and median asking rents for studio, one-, two-, and three-bedroom units. Prior to ranking, inputs were normalized, and weights were applied using a 1.25:1 ratio of asking rents to home prices. Data on home prices are from the U.S. Census 2016-2020 American Community Survey 5-year estimates. Data on asking rents are from Rent. Cities without data for one- or two-bedroom asking rents or a population of less than 10,000 were removed from this ranking. Any other missing values were zeroed and did not impact the final score.
When architect Simon Storey’s clients took him to a steep lot of undeveloped land for sale in Silver Lake, he advised them to pass. Storey’s firm, Anonymous Architects, is used to building on difficult sites, but he knew this particular lot would be especially challenging.
“It’s more difficult and more time-consuming,” says Storey.
The lot lingered on the market for a few years and then the asking price dropped. That’s when Storey and his wife, Jen Holmes, decided they were willing to take on the difficult ground-up construction.
Sloped lots typically require excavation and complicated and costly foundations, and have issues ranging from erosion to drainage to landscaping. It’s not for the faint of heart.
“It’s such a huge pain. But I proved myself right: It wasn’t easy,” he says.
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Storey and Holmes bought the 2,900-square-foot lot in 2017 for $92,000 and started to plan their home. The land was not just steep — a grade of 33% — but also long and narrow. (For comparison, the steepest street in Los Angeles, Eldred Street in Highland Park, has the same slope.) The couple bought the land from entrepreneur Judd Schoenholtz, who bought the lot in a trust sale. Ironically, Schoenholtz was considering how to build on it and had looked at some of Storey’s other houses for inspiration. “Simon is probably the only one who could figure it out,” he says with a laugh.
Working within the constraints of a narrow lot was familiar to Storey, who had previously built his own home in Echo Park, a compact but elegant structure whose 960 square feet exceeded the 780-foot-lot it was built on.
Storey’s previous home, dubbed Eel’s Nest after the slender homes typical of dense neighborhoods in Japan, was a study in efficient urban living. He found ways to enlarge the space, just 15 feet wide, through the clever use of windows and skylights, high ceilings and a floating staircase that did double duty as a light well.
Storey and Holmes wanted to take the best parts of Eel’s Nest and the lessons learned from living in that space for more than a decade and apply them to this new project, which they called the Box. Once again the constraints of the lot dictated the design. “We had no choice but to go right up to maximum width and stick with it for the entire building,” explains Storey.
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The result is a long building that spans just 18 feet across and 100 feet long. Yet adding just three more feet than their previous house makes a dramatic difference. “Every inch makes an outsize difference. I don’t think of it as being a narrow building,” says Storey.
Storey wanted the house to be as utilitarian as possible. He chose a corrugated cement panel typically used for farming and industrial buildings in Europe as a siding material above the two-story concrete base.
With the structure built three feet from the property line, the couple were constrained by city code in the amount of windows allowed on the side of the building. As a result, the windows are arranged in a horizontal expanse, providing panoramic views of the hills in Silver Lake and Echo Park.
The entrance to the house is set back another five feet, allowing double-height windows that span two stories, bringing in more light. The floating staircase from Eel’s Nest makes another appearance in the Box, across from the entrance. A narrow walkway on the top floor connects the front and back of the house but allows light to filter in on both sides to the floor below. The skylight in Eel’s Nest also reappears in the Box, bringing more light into the shower in the primary bathroom.
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With a workshop sitting between the ground-floor garage and the two main stories of the house, Storey and Holmes were able to construct all of the cabinetry, millwork and even features like their stair treads on-site. “Anything made of wood we built ourselves,” says Storey.
Holmes, who works in development at LACMA but was an art student in college, found her sculpting skills came in handy. “I knew how to weld but didn’t do it for 20 years,” explains Holmes, who took a half-day welding class at Gearhead Workshops in Torrance to brush up on her skills.
In fact, much of the construction they did themselves, as a budgetary consideration but also to ensure the level of detail met their standards. Weekends, holidays and vacation days for nearly three years were spent working on the house.
The couple estimate they spent 5,500 hours working on the house, not including the hours spent on planning, designing and general contracting, and saved about $520,000 in construction costs based on pricing from comparable projects Storey has worked on.
“I’d take naps on a furniture blanket on the floor or in the car,” says Holmes, who became a regular at the nearby Whole Foods to pick up meals before they had a working kitchen. “Everyone [who works] there knows me and I know all of them.”
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Other expenses included $300,000 for the foundation, more than three times what it would have cost for a similarly sized project on a flat lot, and about $20,500 for geology consultants to survey the slope. All together the project came in at roughly $1.3 million. However, the average homeowner shouldn’t expect such a deal. Acting as his own architect, general contractor and builder helped Storey and Holmes save considerably. Additionally, every hillside lot presents its own hidden expenses — and what a house costs to build is often very different than its market value in competitive L.A.
Before they started on the cabinets, the pair worked on sealing the envelope of the house to ensure better air quality and circulation. They meticulously identified every gap in the framing stage, foaming and caulking the gaps to improve efficiency.
Once that was complete, they set about building their own window frames and cabinetry. The two handpicked all of their own lumber from Bohnhoff Lumber Co. in Vernon, a decision Storey says is key to guaranteeing high quality. “It was a cost issue but also a quality issue. There is a shocking level of inconsistency when you don’t pick it yourself.” The natural wood provides a calming contrast to the industrial materials used on the exterior.
Most of the casework is a mix of red and white oak. With construction of the house happening during the pandemic, the cost of white oak saw a precipitous rise. Storey and Holmes began to introduce red oak as an accent material, though the effect is still monochromatic. “I don’t want to live somewhere austere, but I like things that are minimal,” says Holmes.
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All of the cabinetry and woodwork is custom, designed to suit the couple’s needs. Separating the kitchen and living room is a multipurpose room-within-a-room that includes a custom pantry on one side and cabinetry to house their record collection and stereo on the other.
“Every element of the house has a function,” says Storey. The focus on utilitarian design is a carryover from Eel’s Nest. “We are squeezing as much utility into the building as possible.” Appliances, primarily Fisher & Paykel, are hidden behind custom wood panels, as are closets and bathrooms.
With four bedrooms and three bathrooms, the house was designed to be flexible enough to adapt to changing needs. Planned prior to the pandemic, Storey’s design called for his office to occupy the back of the house, with living spaces in the front. However, the office can easily be converted into a guest suite for relatives or visitors that includes a kitchenette and a private entry.
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As a passionate cook, Holmes programmed the layout of the kitchen to her specifications. The sink is placed in a central island, facing the views. “Every party I go to, people end up in the kitchen,” says Holmes. “I wanted it to be comfortable to cook in but also a place to entertain. We can have four or eight or 20 people here and it doesn’t feel too big or too small.”
While Holmes wanted the kitchen to be as functional as possible, Storey wanted the kitchen to not look like a kitchen at all. “The fridge and freezer vanish. Nothing screams ‘kitchen.’ We had competing objectives but managed to merge into a perfect solution,” he says, adding, “It’s a good allegory for marriage.”
The Denver housing market is a fascinating case study for potential homebuyers and real estate enthusiasts. As of late, the market is notably competitive, with homes averaging two offers and a relatively swift selling period of 18 days. Despite the competitive nature, the median sale price has dipped slightly to $569,000, a 3.6% decrease from the previous year. Nonetheless, the price per square foot has increased by 1.9%, landing at $370.
Let’s dive a bit deeper and learn some more about the Denver housing market and how the rental scene affects it.
Denver’s housing market by the numbers
The number of homes sold in Denver has experienced a downturn, with 802 homes sold in September 2023, marking a 19.4% decrease from the year before. This could reflect a tighter inventory or a shift in buyer behavior.
Despite no change in the median days on the market from the previous year, the Redfin Compete Score™ gives Denver a high score of 77 out of 100, suggesting a market where multiple offers on homes are common, and some buyers are willing to waive contingencies to secure their purchase.
Denver’s market is not just competitive but also pricier than the national average. The median sale price is a staggering 38% higher than the national average, and the overall cost of living in the city is 11% higher. Such figures put Denver in a unique position in the national housing landscape, making it a key market for established real estate investors and a challenging place for first-time homebuyers.
The strength of the Denver housing market
While homes tend to sell for about 1% below the list price, “hot” homes may go for about 1% above the asking price and can go within as little as five days. This dynamic underlines the critical importance of timing and strategic offer placement for buyers. For sellers, it reinforces the value of pricing homes correctly and understanding market trends to attract serious offers only.
In this thriving market, Denver stands out for its strong demand and the competitive edge it offers to sellers. However, the fluctuations in sales prices and the volume of homes sold suggest a nuanced environment, one where buyers may find opportunities amidst the competition, particularly if they are prepared to act quickly and decisively.
The data provided by Redfin offers a valuable snapshot for those interested in the Denver real estate market. It’s evident that while the market has cooled slightly in terms of sale prices and volume, the competitive spirit remains undiminished, with Denver homes still commanding significant interest.
Settle down in Denver
For those considering entering the Denver housing market, whether as buyers or sellers, this analysis highlights the importance of staying informed on current trends and being prepared to navigate a competitive, fast-moving and high-cost environment. With the right strategy and understanding of the market dynamics, you’ll have a shot at getting your foot in the door.
Renting in Denver
Studio apartments in Denver start at an average monthly rent of $1,801. This entry price point is indicative of Denver’s growing appeal and the premium on living in a city that ranks so high in terms of quality of life. Moving up in space, a one-bedroom apartment averages $2,043 per month. For roomier accommodations, a two-bedroom apartment will set renters back an average of $2,741 a month. These prices, while steep for some, are a testament to the city’s thriving economy and the desirability of the Denver lifestyle.
Factors at play in Denver’s rental market
What contributes to Denver’s rental rates? To put it simply, a lot of factors. Denver has experienced a tech boom in recent years, with many startups and established tech companies setting up shop in the area, and bringing with them a wave of high-income professionals. Additionally, Denver’s culture is strong, with a ton restaurants, galleries and venues catering to a diverse population. The city’s proximity to ski resorts and national parks also makes it an attractive location for outdoor enthusiasts, further driving up demand for affordable houses and apartments.
For renters, these factors mean that while they might face higher rental rates, they are also purchasing access to a high-caliber quality of life. Denver’s public transportation system, including the expansive RTD Bus and Rail network, allows for easy commutes to and from the city’s neighborhoods and the downtown area. This accessibility adds value to Denver rentals, as does the proximity to renowned institutions like the University of Denver and the Colorado State Capitol.
The city’s rental market is not just about price but also about the quality of living spaces and community amenities. Many Denver apartments have luxury finishes, community fitness centers and pet-friendly policies, responding to the demands of a discerning renter population.
Denver’s undeniable growth
For landlords and property investors, the current rental market in Denver presents a promising opportunity. The city’s population growth, coupled with its economic expansion, suggests a continued demand for quality rental units. Investors can capitalize on this by offering well-maintained properties that cater to the lifestyle expectations of Denver’s diverse population.
However, potential renters must navigate this market carefully. It’s crucial to balance desires for location and amenities with budget constraints. Renting in the more affordable suburbs versus the city center can offer savings, and being flexible on amenities can lead to finding hidden gems that offer great value.
As Denver continues to evolve, the rental market is likely to keep pace, reflecting the city’s status as a hub of economic and cultural activity. For renters and investors, the key to success in this market will be staying informed and adaptable to the ever-changing landscape of this dynamic and desirable city.
Secure a sweet Denver apartment
Denver’s rental market in 2023 is full of options for city dwellers, with a price point that underscores the city’s attractiveness and economic vitality. Whether you’re is in search of a cozy studio or a spacious two-bedroom, Denver’s market demands careful consideration of what the city offers and at what cost, ensuring that residents can make the most of living in the Mile High City.
Ready to settle down in this gorgeous, mountainous metro? The perfect Denver apartment is only a few clicks away.
Welcome to Throwback Thursday, a web series where we revisit the most memorable properties we’ve covered in the past — and see what happened to them. Ranging from architecturally distinct properties to luxury listings with some quite unique features, to unforgettable houses that left us daydreaming about potentially moving in one day, Throwback Thursday revives our past favorites and provides an update on whether or not they’re still on the market, how much they sold for, and, if the information is publicly available, who bought them. This article has been updated to reflect the current status of the property, but all the information about the house itself as well as the property photos date back to our initial coverage (published on October 1, 2020).
Many million-dollar homes often come with name-bragging rights.
Sometimes, it’s because a celebrity once lived in the house, or because a famous designer left its expert touches on the home’s interiors; or maybe the address itself is well-known, for one reason or another.
But there’s a whole other level of name-dropping that comes with owning a home envisioned by one of our generation’s leading architects.
And that’s exactly the case for this modern glass home in Sagaponack, NY, designed by world-renowned architect Shigeru Ban.
In fact, the property is the award-winning Japanese architect’s first and only work in Long Island. And since it spent some time on the market in recent years, we got to take an exclusive look inside.
Famous for blending traditional Japanese elements with modern Western architecture, Shigeru Ban was named to TIME magazine’s shortlist of 21st-century innovators, won the 2014 Pritzker prize (the biggest distinction in the architecture world), and left his imprint on structures like the Aspen Art Museum, Centre-Pompidou-Metz in France, and Tainan Art Museum in Taiwan.
Despite his many accolades, the Japanese architect is most known for being a champion of sustainable architecture and has been instrumental in designing disaster relief housing from Rwanda to Turkey.
His design philosophy is centered around creating uniquely free and open spaces with concrete rationality of structure and construction method, and the Hamptons house is a perfect embodiment of this.
With a design based on Ludwig Mies van der Rohe’s unbuilt Brick Country House (which dates back to 1924), the 8,000-square-foot home boasts unique architectural features, including a row of pillars that line the path to the front door — that can double as hidden storage.
The 5-bedroom, 5.5-bath home features exceptional furnishings by renowned designer Shamir Shah.
It has floor-to-ceiling windows, an oversized living room (with a wood-burning fireplace and wraparound views of the landscaped lawn), and a massive workout room that is more akin to a private high-end gym — complete with oversized mirrors and every piece of equipment you could think of, including a spin bike, elliptical, treadmill, press machines, and more.
See also: This Floating Farmhouse in the Catskills dates back to the 1820s, but you could never tell
The indoors seamlessly open to the outdoor areas, where there’s a heated in-ground pool and a pool-side terrace with multiple lounging areas — adding to the tranquil zen garden area (with a modern stone fountain) which greets visitors as they enter the property.
What happened to this Shigeru Ban-designed home?
When we covered this property back in October 2020, it had just been listed for sale asking $4,995,000.
Listed with Matt Breitenbach of Compass, the architectural property was already marked as ContractSigned on the brokerage’s website mere days after it came to market, which means it’s likely that an architect buff has quickly seized on the opportunity to own a home designed by the Pritzker-prize winner.
As is to be expected for a property of this caliber, the Shigeru Ban-designed home sold for way over its original asking price.
Public records show that the sale closed in March 2021 for $5,250,000. That’s 5% over ask.
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Kansas City, MO is the sixth-largest city in the Midwest with over 481,000 people calling it home. Like all big cities, Kansas City has some great amenities like shops, entertainment venues and incredible restaurants.
Kansas City has some perks that not every large city in the U.S. can boast, though. Like the infrastructure — it’s designed to make driving less of a hassle. Raise your hand if you can’t wait to stop spending hours in bumper-to-bumper traffic!
Another perk of living in this city is the low prices. The cost of living in Kansas City, MO is 6.3 percent lower than that U.S. average. That number has dropped in the last year, too, by 2.3 percent.
To find out whether this city is for you, you’ll need to see if it meshes with your budget. Can you really afford the average rent in Kansas City, MO when you add the following factors into the total cost of living?
Housing costs in Kansas City, MO
The biggest expense in your monthly budget is housing costs. Where you live and what you pay for rent will have a direct and sometimes radical impact on the cost of living in Kansas City, MO.
Housing costs in the city are only 1.6 percent lower than the national average. Interestingly, this is a 13.8 percent increase over the cost of housing in 2020. One reason for the increase is that the demand for housing is up but the supply is not meeting that need.
The average rent in Kansas City, MO is $1,540 per month. However, there are neighborhoods throughout the city where you’ll find apartments for much higher (almost $1,000 more) and those for much less. If you look for apartments in the River Market area, you’ll be happy to learn that the average rent in that neighborhood is $2,338. On the other hand, if you look in the River View neighborhood, you’ll find an average rental rate of $720 per month.
Average rent prices in cities near Kansas City, MO
If you’re not sure you want to live directly in this city or aren’t happy with the average rent in Kansas City, MO, another option is to find an apartment for rent in nearby cities. The following cities range from 15 minutes to more than an hour away from Kansas City, so far enough from the hustle and bustle but close enough to still enjoy time spent in the city regularly.
Home prices in Kansas City, MO
You aren’t limited to renting in Kansas City. You might find that purchasing a home is, overall, more affordable for you and your family.
According to Redfin, the average cost of a house in Kansas City is $250,000, an increase of over 11 percent since 2020. As with rentals, the housing market is very competitive with most homes getting multiple offers and selling for 2 to 6 percent higher than the asking price.
Monthly mortgage rates are a little cheaper than the average rent in Kansas City, MO. You’d pay $1,079 per month with a 5 percent down payment or $909 with 20 percent down.
Food costs in Kansas City, MO
Kansas City is one of those awesome cities where you can get big city amenities but you don’t always have to worry about big city prices. Take food costs as an example. On average, they’re 11.4 percent lower than the U.S. average, which is a somewhat significant decrease over last year’s costs (5.7 percent higher).
In fact, if you love to dine out, you’ll be happy to know that there are a lot of amazing restaurants that cater to people on a budget. Like Happy Gillis Café + Hangout, where you can get a delectable dish of biscuits and gravy for $5 or a salad for $4.50. Or, try their Roasted Heirloom Tomato Grilled Cheese, made with farm toast, cheddar, roasted heirloom tomatoes, parsley, garlic, scallions and greens — all for $9.
If you’re in the mood for some fine dining, international cuisine or other specialty eateries, you won’t be disappointed. Kansas City offers Italian, gourmet barbecue, classic fare (think 1950s cocktail party) and much more.
Buying food in Kansas City, MO
If you’re like most people, you’re re-thinking how to maximize your budget since so much is up in the air during the pandemic. Cooking most of your meals at home is one way you can cut food costs significantly.
Let’s take a steak dinner for example. In the U.S., a good steak dinner can cost between $28 and $119, depending on the cut of meat and the restaurant.
If you make a steak dinner for two at home, you can expect to pay:
Steak: $22.06 (for two steaks)
Potatoes: $2.43
Lettuce (for a salad): $1.46
Sweet peas: $0.98
Your total comes to $26.93. The U.S. average for the same meal (cooked at home) comes to $30.66. Not only will cooking at home save you a few bucks (compared to the national average), but you’ll still be able to enjoy an incredible meal without having to leave the comfort of your own home — or paying $119 for the same meal.
Utility costs in Kansas City, MO
Besides food, utility costs take up another large portion of your monthly budget and can increase the cost of living in Kansas City, MO. Depending on whether your landlord covers these costs or not, utility fees can even increase the average rent in Kansas City, MO.
Overall, utility costs here are 3.2 percent lower than the national average. The monthly median energy prices are around $157.44 in this city, whereas the U.S. average is $161.20. One reason for the lower costs is power usage, which might be lower in this city than others because the weather here isn’t quite as extreme in other parts of the country.
Other utility fees to add to your budget include cell phone service (between $10 and $90), water and sewage (average = $109.67 per month), internet (average = $60 per month) and cable ($25 to $65).
If you’re looking to save on utilities (and who isn’t), you might want to look for apartments in Kansas City, MO that offer eco-friendly amenities. The savings can add up over time.
Transportation costs in Kansas City, MO
The best way to get around Kansas City is in a car. The walkability and bike scores (48 and 43, respectively) are relatively low, mainly due to the lack of bike lanes. There are some walkable neighborhoods within the city — Old Westport, South Plaza and Downtown Loop — where you can get some exercise and do a few errands.
The public transit score is lacking as well (37), though there are some options like the Kansas City Regional Transit company (RideKC). The company has a Park and Ride option and multiple buses. Their Transit app helps with planning your ride as it provides real-time information. You can also pay for fares and passes via Freedom On-Demand.
Most residents own their own vehicle since doing so gives them the freedom to come and go according to their schedule, not that of a bus company.
Transportation costs in Kansas City, MO are 11.8 percent lower than the national average. Fuel prices are currently at $2.50 per gallon, compared to $2.76 nationally. The national average for maintenance like tire balancing is around $52.40. The cost in Kansas City is $44.60.
Other transportation costs that can increase the cost of living in Kansas City, MO include parking ($6 to $20 for 2 hours), vehicle registration fees and insurance.
Healthcare costs in Kansas City, MO
Kansas City healthcare costs are an average of 9 percent lower than the U.S. average. For example, a trip to your doctor for your annual check-up will cost around $86.34. Elsewhere in the U.S., the same appointment costs an average of $112.81, though some people pay upwards of $234.
Over-the-counter medications are around 7.08 percent less than the national average, while prescription costs are about the same as the U.S. average (only 0.035 percent difference).
It’s important to note that determining healthcare cost averages is often difficult. What you pay compared to your neighbors is going to vary, sometimes drastically so. The reason for this is not just the insurance company you choose or the plans they offer. Some people will have higher costs because they don’t have insurance. Others because they have chronic health conditions. Finding out how healthcare costs impact the cost of living in Kansas City, MO will take some sleuthing, but it will be worth it to see if living in this city is within budget.
Goods and services costs in Kansas City, MO
Miscellaneous goods and services are, on average, 7 percent cheaper than other cities in the U.S.
It can be hard to figure in all the costs that go into living your life in a big city, but you can get a somewhat accurate estimate by looking at the things you purchase with relative frequency. Things like:
Petcare (vet services, grooming, etc.)
Gym fees and exercise classes (or Peloton membership fees)
Plants, potting soil and anything else you need to create and develop an apartment patio garden
Let’s say you want to take your partner out to a movie. The tickets will cost around $21.42. The national average for a Saturday trip to the movies runs about $22.24 for a couple.
If you’re a fitness buff, the average gym membership in Kansas City is $45 per month. A yoga class will cost you around $15.60, which is $0.60 higher than the national average.
Though it’s not easy to try and calculate everything you spend your money on each month (or quarter or year), it’s important to get a general idea of how much you spend on miscellaneous goods and services. These fees can significantly increase the cost of living in Kansas City, MO, and might even make the average rent in Kansas City, MO out of reach.
Taxes in Kansas City, MO
Another factor to consider in determining the cost of living in Kansas City, MO is the tax rate in that city, as well as county and state taxes.
Kansas City has a 1 percent earnings tax rate. Everyone in the city who earns an income (even if they work outside the city) must pay this tax, which covers the city’s cost for:
Snow removal
Road repair
Trash collection
Police, firefighter, ambulance and paramedic services
Historic preservation
Code inspections
As a resident here, you’ll also pay 8.86 percent sales tax. The state sales tax in Missouri is 4.23 percent. City and county taxes make up the additional 4.63 percent. How does this translate to cash? Let’s say you find a must-buy item with a $1,000 price tag. In addition to paying $1,000, you’ll also pay $88.60 in sales tax.
Finally, if you decide to purchase a home in Kansas City, MO, you’ll have the added responsibility and expense of paying residential property taxes. The Jackson County tax rate is 1.35 percent. If you buy a $250,000 home, you’ll pay a little under $3,400 per year in property taxes.
How much do I need to earn to live in Kansas City, MO?
Whether you can afford the cost of living in Kansas City, MO depends on what you earn. On average, residents of Kansas City earn $54,194 annually. This is slightly higher than the national average of $51,916.
If you earn the average annual income, can you afford the average rent in Kansas City, MO? Rent in this city is approximately $1,540 per month or $18,480 per year. This is nearly $3,000 more than the oft-recommended 30 percent rental budget.
Though the price is higher, it doesn’t mean you can’t afford to live in Kansas City, MO. If you’re comfortable cutting costs in other areas (walking and biking as much as possible to save on fuel or eating out less frequently), you can afford the cost of rent in this city. Also, remember that there are several neighborhoods in Kansas City and suburbs around it that offer great rentals for lower prices.
If you’re curious whether you can afford to live in this city, be sure to check out our free rent calculator.
Understanding the cost of living in Kansas City, MO
There’s no flat rate when it comes to the cost of living in Kansas City, MO. As nice as that would be (talk about easy calculations!), we all have varying needs. And those needs result in different housing, food, tax and healthcare costs.
That said, for many people, the cost of living and the average rent in Kansas City, MO is quite affordable. Much more so than many large cities across the country.
If you’re one of those people who want to take the plunge and move to this fair city, make sure to check out our rental listings to find apartments for rent in Kansas City, MO that fit your budget.
Cost of living information comes from The Council for Community and Economic Research.
Rent prices are based on a rolling weighted average from Apartment Guide and Rent.‘s multifamily rental property inventory of two-bedroom apartments as of August 2021. Our team uses a weighted average formula that more accurately represents price availability for each individual unit type and reduces the influence of seasonality on rent prices in specific markets.
The rent information included in this article is used for illustrative purposes only. The data contained herein do not constitute financial advice or a pricing guarantee for any apartment.
I’ve already written about it not being the best time to buy a home right now, at least from a pure investment standpoint.
In short, home prices are expensive relative to incomes, mortgage rates have more than doubled, and there’s little quality inventory.
And now we can quantify just how long it takes to break even on a house, per a new analysis from Zillow.
Hint: it’s a long, long time, even if you’re able to muster a big 20% down payment.
So if you’re thinking about buying a home today, prepare to stick around for the long-haul.
How Long to Break Even on a House These Days?
– 3% down payment: 13 years and six months to make a profit. – 5% down payment: 13 years and three months to make a profit. – 10% down payment: 12 years and seven months to make a profit. – 20% down payment: 11 years and three months to make a profit.
A new Zillow analysis tried to determine how long you’d need to own your home before you could sell it for a profit.
This factors in the closing costs associated with the home purchase, the mortgage interest paid, home maintenance costs, and the sales costs once it came time to list the property.
Specifically, they assume 3% closing costs at purchase, 1% home maintenance fees, and 6% in closing costs at the time of sale, along with all that mortgage interest.
In reality, it could be even higher. It’s not unusual for real estate agents to charge 5-6% of the sales price.
So if you’re putting down just 3%, you’re already in the hole, especially once you consider those closing costs as well.
To offset all those expenses, you need to make regular payments to principal each month and hope the property appreciates in value over the years as well.
The rule of thumb says it normally takes about 3-7 years to break even on a home purchase, with perhaps five years the average.
But that number has risen sharply lately thanks to a combination of sky-high asking prices and equally expensive mortgage rates.
How long you ask? Per Zillow, home buyers today can expect to spend approximately 13.5 years in their house before being able to sell at a profit!
In other words, you better really like your house unless you want to sell for a loss, or worse, be forced to do a short sale.
It Takes More Time to Turn a Profit in Affordable Housing Markets
And here’s the irony. It actually takes longer to turn a profit in more affordable housing markets.
Those purchasing a home in places like Cleveland, Baton Rouge, El Paso, Akron, or Indianapolis might need to wait at least 20 years to reach this crucial profit point.
As for why, it’s because of the slower historical growth rate in these more affordable areas.
Without home price appreciation doing most of the heavy lifting, it takes a lot more time to build home equity.
Simply put, principal payments are a lot less impactful than increases in property values, especially on a high-rate mortgage where most of the payment goes toward interest.
It’s the worst in Cleveland, where Zillow says it can take a whopping 22 years and 10 months to turn a profit.
Similar timelines can be seen in the other metros mentioned, meaning it’s not always advisable to buy a home just because it’s cheap.
There’s a Faster Road to Profit in Expensive Housing Markets
Again, while seemingly counterintuitive, it’s actually easier to turn a profit if you buy a home in an expensive metro.
Of course, the barrier to entry will likely be higher, but it’s one of those rich get richer stories.
For example, in notoriously expensive Bay Area metros such as San Jose or San Francisco, California, the break-even timeline to profit is a much shorter 7 to 7.5 years.
This is still a long time historically speaking, but it is considerably less than in those “cheap” housing markets.
Similar short purchase-to-sale profit timelines can be found in San Diego, Los Angeles, and Miami.
As you can see, these are highly-sought after cities where demand always tends to be strong, and supply always low. And because of that, home prices are often rising.
But there’s a big barrier to entry, whether it’s the high asking price or the large down payment required.
Either way, this data tells us it might not be the best time to purchase a home at the moment, even if you can muster a 20% down payment.
It could be advantageous to wait for a better combination of lower asking prices, cheaper mortgage rates, and better inventory.
Of course, there are reasons to buy a home other than for the investment. But you still need to be prepared to stick around for a while.
Read more: Pros and cons of renting vs. buying a home
In the heart of the Pacific Northwest, the Seattle housing market is a fascinating real estate scene. Underscored by competitive pricing and swift sales, the Seattle housing market is a hotbed for homebuyers and investors alike.
With so much heat surrounding this constantly evolving market, there has never been a better time to take the first few steps toward fully understanding the nuances of owning or renting a home in the heart of the Pacific Northwest.
Stay tuned as we break down some of the most interesting aspects of the Seattle housing market and provide some examples of how the financial reality of owning a home in the Emerald City compares to renting an apartment.
The Seattle housing market
As we delve into the intricacies of the Seattle housing market, a key takeaway emerges, the median sale price of a Seattle home has experienced a decrease of 2.6% year-over-year to rest at $800,000. This adjustment, while subtle, is still noteworthy because it may signal a temporary (or longer) breather in the otherwise bustling Seattle housing market.
Despite this marginal cooling, the pace of Seattle’s housing market remains upbeat. Homes here are scooped up off the market after a mere 14 days on the market, a notable uptick from the previous year’s 17-day benchmark. This brisk pace of sales is emblematic of a persistent demand for housing in Seattle at all price points.
Seattle home sales
While the median home sale price has dipped slightly, the amount of sales tells a more complex story. In September 2023, the Seattle housing market saw a sales volume of 635 homes — a sharp 21.3% decrease from the previous year. This shift in volume may reflect a multitude of narratives, from inventory flux to economic uncertainty influencing buyer behavior.
Competition in Seattle’s housing market
In the competitive Seattle housing market, homes not only sell fast but often above the asking price, too. The current market sees homes achieving 99.9% of their listed value, with about 27.9% of them closing above the listing price. This increase in homes selling over the asking price — a jump of 6.6 percentage points from last year — highlights the vigorous competition among qualified buyers.
Seattle housing market migration
Migration trends play a role in Seattle’s housing market. The recent data shows that a striking 82% of homebuyers in Seattle are choosing to stay within the metropolitan area. Yet, for those looking to move into Seattle from the outside, the city is drawing crowds from metros like Louisville, San Francisco and Los Angeles.
Conversely, Seattleites who are eying an exit tend to cast their gaze toward places like Spokane, Phoenix and Wenatchee, perhaps seeking different economic conditions or even a slower pace of life.
How climate affects the Seattle housing market
With environmental concerns increasingly playing a role in housing decisions, the Seattle housing market faces a moderate assortment of environmental risks, namely in flood and water damage.
The minor risk of wildfires and negligible concern for severe winds strike a chord with those weighing up the safety of their investments against the changing climate measures. All in all, Seattle is not as risky, in terms of environmental concerns, as many other cities on the West Coast.
Life in Seattle
Beyond the numbers, the quality of life in Seattle contributes to its market’s prowess. With high walkability, transit accessibility and bike-friendly streets dramatically lessening some of the more annoying and persistent noises that often plague life in larger cities, there’s a certain peace in Seattle that is truly difficult to find in other cities of comparable size.
Settle down in your ideal Seattle home
Seattle remains an enduring epicenter for real estate activity in the Pacific Northwest. The market’s recent dip in pricing and pace sets the stage for a complex interplay of supply, demand and economics. For those tuned into the nuances of real estate, the Seattle housing market presents a dynamic opportunity, one that calls for savvy negotiation and an appreciation for the city’s unique lifestyle composition.
Renting in Seattle
Just as the Seattle housing market has its own unique ebbs and flows, the city’s rental market does as well. The nuances of renting in Seattle offer a range of experiences, from solo living in studios to too many roommates in two-bedroom apartments, any number of renting scenarios is possible in the Emerald City.
Current rent prices in Seattle
Seattle’s rental market, as of late 2023, reveals prices that cater to a diverse audience of renters. For those seeking the compact convenience of a studio apartment, the average rent has dipped to $1,422, a significant decrease of 16% from the previous year. This downward trend presents a more accessible entry point for individuals looking to enjoy city life on a budget.
For one-bedroom apartments, the average rent rests at $2,145, reflecting a 10% decrease compared to prior figures. For those requiring more room to compose their lives — perhaps a couple or a small family — this price point offers the extra space with just a moderated increase in cost.
For two-bedroom units, the average rent comes in at $2,991, a 12% reduction from previous years. This adjustment in the rental market may resonate well with those looking to harmonize affordability with the need for more expansive living quarters.
Seattle rent ranges
The makeup of apartment prices in Seattle’s rental market reveals that 30% of the apartments hit the middle range of $1,501-$2,100, indicating a substantial segment of the market is oriented towards moderate pricing. Meanwhile, a smaller, yet noteworthy, 19% of apartments fall between $1,001-$1,500, showcasing the availability of lower-priced units that attract budget-conscious renters.
Interestingly, apartments priced at $701-$1,000 comprise a mere 4% of the market, illustrating the rarity of finding such affordability within the city limits. The absence of units in the $501-$700 range is a silent note in the city’s rental market score, underscoring the premium placed on living in Seattle.
Finding your space in Seattle’s rental market
Seattle’s real estate and rental markets are full of complexities and variations. Despite recent dips in average rent prices, providing a softening counterpoint to the competitive housing sales market, Seattle’s rental market maintains a steady rhythm of demand with just enough supply to get by.
With its strong economy, scenic charm and cultural relevance, Seattle continues to attract people from across the country and throughout the globe. Whether people are drawn to the city’s rental market as a prelude to homeownership or as a long-term lifestyle choice, Seattle is home to a range of living options that suit different lifestyles and budgets.
Does Seattle sound like the place for you? The perfect Seattle apartment is only a few clicks away.
Thanks to a record number of price cuts and a big improvement in mortgage rates, home buying conditions have improved tremendously.
Taken together, you might be able to snag a lower purchase price and finance the property with a mortgage rate about .50% lower than what was on offer last month.
Does this mean it’s time to rush out to buy a home? Or does it continue to pay to be patient?
Personally, I’m still in the no-rush camp, but if you do see something you love, the price tag could be a little lower.
And there may be less competition as it tends to drop off later in the year as buyers get consumed with other things.
Unseasonal Increase in For-Sale Listings as Asking Prices Drop
Redfin reported this morning that some “glimmers of hope” are emerging for prospective home buyers.
The first one being that new listings increased 1.5% from a year ago during the four weeks ending November 5th.
This was just the second such increase since July 2022, a testament to the continued short supply plaguing the housing market.
They noted that this increase is partly because new listings were falling during this period last year.
At the same time, active listings are at their highest level since the beginning of 2023, and months of supply ticked up 0.2 points to 3.6 months.
Inventory remains constrained nationally, with 4 to 5 months typically signifying healthy supply. But it is rising, which appears to be leading to price reductions.
And the share of listed homes with a price drop increased to 6.8%, a new record high.
However, the median asking price was still 4.9% higher than a year ago at $379,725, the biggest increase in over a year.
This means the median monthly mortgage payment remains near an all-time high of $2,732, assuming a 7.76% 30-year fixed mortgage rate.
The monthly mortgage payment hit an all-time high two weeks ago when it was $8 higher.
Total Housing Payments Are Up Over 10% From a Year Ago
When you factor in the steeper asking prices and the higher mortgage rates, total housing payments are still up 10.6% year-over-year.
So despite increased inventory and rising price cuts, it’s not as if discounts are rolling in.
The only real improvement has been a pullback in rates, providing a boost to affordability in an otherwise bleak environment.
If you zoom out and look at all of 2023, and ignore the month of October, mortgage rates remain close to their highs for the year.
In other words, while affordability improved relative to a month ago, it remains at/near its worst levels of the year.
As such, it might benefit buyers to continue to wait for prices/rates to come down further.
This counters advice from Redfin economists, who “recommend that serious homebuyers consider locking in a mortgage now.”
The economists, like many others, are cautious with regard to mortgage rates and concerned they could easily reverse course.
They cite the upcoming CPI report, which will be released on November 14th. If you reveals that inflation ticked up again, mortgage rates could resume their climb.
And they’re not wrong that it’s much easier for mortgage rates to go up than come down.
Mortgage lenders are generally defensive in their pricing. They’re happy to raise rates at the drop of a hat, but reluctant to lower them, even if the data supports it.
So if you are far along in the home buying process, it could make sense to lock in a mortgage rate and avoid taking chances.
Prices and Rates Could Continue to Fall into December
It could make sense to continue to wait to buy a home, as pressure has finally seemed to ease on mortgage rates.
At the same time, housing inventory is climbing at a time of year when it typically doesn’t, indicating possible incoming weakness on pricing.
This means it could be beneficial to bide your time on a home purchase, instead of rushing in to nab what could in hindsight be a small discount relative to recent levels.
A while back, I dug through Freddie Mac data and found that mortgage rates tend to be lowest in December.
The 30-year fixed has averaged 5.97% in the month of December, nearly 0.25% lower than the 6.18% rate typically seen in the months of April and May.
Those months also tend to be when homes sell for the most money as it’s the traditional spring home buying season.
There are more buyers out, more demand, increased bidding wars and competition, and higher rates.
So there’s certainly an argument to be made about buying a home in the latter months of 2023, at least relative to other months recently.
But overall, it still feels like it’s not a good time to buy a home, at least from an investment standpoint, in most areas of the country.
Until asking prices and mortgage rates come down, it could pay to continue waiting for better.
Prominent YouTube content creator Jimmy Donaldson — best known as MrBeast — took on the world of luxury real estate, and hundreds of millions of viewers tuned in to watch him tour upscale properties with some of his most famous friends (Justin Timberlake, Mark Cuban, and Miranda Cosgrove).
The YouTuber, who holds the title of the most-subscribed individual on the platform (and also has the second-most-subscribed channel overall), is famous for his viral videos centered around expensive stunts, challenges, and donations.
And he’s set quite a few records since launching his channel in 2013.
In 2017, he released his “counting to 100,000” video — which became his breakthrough viral video — and he has become increasingly popular ever since, with most of his videos gaining hundreds of millions of views.
By 2021, MrBeast was making headlines for breaking the record for the fastest non-music video to reach 100 million views, thanks to his Squid Game-themed video. That video now has over 500 million views.
He’s also known for his charitable endeavors, and for the fact that the more popular he gets, the more money he gives away.
While many have claimed that his monetary giveaways could be the primary reason why he accrues millions upon millions of video views, one of his most recent viral hits debunks this theory.
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On October 14, MrBeast released a new video titled $1 vs $100,000,000 House!, where the YouTuber — alongside his crew and several famous pals — tour homes of different price points, from a $1 shack to a $100 million mansion in Los Angeles (that’s actually worth $139 million).
The video garnered more than 100 million views in its first 10 days and shattered the previous record for the most views within 24 hours — a record that MrBeast himself had set with his “7 Days Stranded at Sea” video — proving to naysayers that giving money away is not the reason behind Donaldson’s success.
Now, since the content crossed the threshold into our turf — the world of luxury real estate — we wanted to provide some background info on the properties featured in MrBeast’s video — including specs, updated prices, photos and more.
And we also got some behind-the-scenes tidbits that the listing agents shared with us, including how long ago the property tours took place, and what type of response they saw after the video launched.
All the luxury homes featured in MrBeast’s “$1 vs $100,000,000 House!” video
While there’s not much to say about the $1 shack that kicked off the video (that one might even be best summarized as “what you see is what you get”), there’s lots to learn about the other striking homes that made the cut. We’ll also skip the $1 million house, as that price point doesn’t necessarily fall into luxury territory in many of the real estate markets we cover.
We talked to some of the agents in charge of the listings featured in the viral video, and they shared their excitement about being part of the project.
“It was a cool experience to be affiliated with Mr. Beast,” says Rachael Williams with Revel Real Estate, who holds the listing for the $15 million property featured in the video. “Apparently this video broke the world record for most views in 24 hours. So essentially being a part of history is pretty awesome! 😎“
Wondering whether it was MrBeast’s team that sourced the houses? We were thinking the same, and it turns out that “Mr. Beast’s team reached out to us to be featured,” Ben Bacal, Founder and real estate agent at Revel Real Estate tells us. “We were told our property might, or might not make the final cut, but it did! And we’re so happy that they included it. “
The agents also told us that filming — at least for some of the properties — took place back in August, despite the final cut being released in October.
Naturally, that also means that some of the prices have changed in the meantime.
The $45 million house was most recently listed for $29.888 million, while the art-filled Malibu home dropped its asking from $69 million to $59 million. And the $100 million house is actually far more expensive in real life. So let’s take them one at a time.
The $100 million house, LA FIN
The focal point of the video, the striking $100 million house MrBeast tours alongside celebrity guest Justin Timberlake is actually a $139 million mega-mansion in Bel Air, California.
Newly built in 2021, the spec mansion is dubbed LA FIN, and is touted as “the pinnacle of homes designed for entertaining at a scale comparable to the best hotels in the world.” And for good reason.
Featuring an impressive total of 12 bedrooms, 17 bathrooms, and a guest penthouse, the luxury abode has an entire array of amenities that you’d be hard-pressed to find anywhere else, including a 6,000-square-foot nightclub, a unique 6-car elevator that displays the car collection above the nightclub, and an ice-cold vodka-tasting room furnished with fur coats.
Other notable features include a cigar lounge, a cutting-edge gym equipped with Peloton equipment and a rock-climbing wall
The primary bedroom suite of the luxury Bel Air mansion is nestled in its private wing.
Cloaked in Italian oak, the bedroom’s centerpiece is a striking fireplace crafted from Portuguese marble, and has an adjoining bathroom reminiscent of a world-class spa with Calacatta gold marble, a sweeping 100-square-foot shower, and a bathtub sculpted from a singular marble block.
With so many unique features, we could talk about this property all day. But since pictures are worth a thousand words, why not take a closer look inside the ultra-luxurious Bel Air mansion instead (Swipe for more pics):
Price & property history: The $139 million mansion was first listed in February 2022, with Jon Grauman and Adam Rosenfeld (The Agency). And while it has retained its asking price, representation for the property has since changed, with Shawn Elliot or NestSeekers International.
The art-filled $69 million house
Joined by iCarly actress Miranda Cosgrove, MrBeast tours the second most expensive home, a Malibu architectural gem that bears the signature of lauded architect Ed Niles.
The art-filled glass-and-steel house — which we’ve covered in depth here following its recent price adjustment, that brought it from $69 million down to $59.5 million — is propped up on a hill just 75 feet away from water and pairs its excellent oceanfront location with a distinct architecture that makes it one of Malibu’s most impressive real estate offerings.
The avant-garde abode is defined by sharp geometric angles, varied shapes, and out-of-the-box materials like glass, steel, and concrete, all thoughtfully executed and flowing beautifully together.
Featuring 4 bedrooms and 6 bathrooms with a detached one-bed, one-bath guesthouse on 8,206 square feet, the glass-and-steel house incorporates many Feng Shui principles.
Price & property history: Originally listed in March 2023 with an ambitious $68.8 million price tag, the Ed Niles-designed home recently had its price re-adjusted to $59.5 million.
Madison Hildebrand and Jennifer Chrisman at Compass and Wendy Wong and Katherine Quach of Treelane Realty Group are spearheading the home sale.
The $45 million Brentwood house
Our favorite property on this list — though we might be a bit biased, as we’ve written extensively about this mansion before — is a newly built spec mansion in Los Angeles’ family-friendly Brentwood neighborhood.
Toured alongside billionaire Mark Cuban (who lives in an equally impressive luxury mansion), the spectacular property known as Allure is a 14,000-square-foot mansion that’s been carved into the mountainside — an arduous process that included the removal of approximately 680 truckloads of dirt to create over an acre of flat land.
First listed for $45 million (price later dropped to $29.888 million) ‘Allure’ is inspired by “The Greats” across various domains — including elite athletes, top Hollywood stars, influential C-suite executives, and international business tycoons.
And its long (and creative) list of amenities reflects that.
The 7-bedroom, 8-bath home has a movie theater with a Rolls Royce starlight ceiling, two striking living moss walls, a dedicated regulation-sized pickleball court, an NBA-sized half-court sporting a Michael Jordan design, a putting green, and a sanctuary spa with a fitness center and sauna.
The upscale Brentwood mansion was developed by Ramtin “Ray” Nosrati of Huntington Estates Properties, the mastermind behind some of LA’s most affluent homes.
Price & property history: The 14,000-square-foot house was first listed for $45 million. With a revised price of $29.888 million, Allure is listed with Sally Forster Jones and Nicole Plaxen of Sally Forster Jones Group at Compass, Santiago Arana at The Agency, Shauna Walters at Beverly Hills Estates, and Josh and Matt Altman of The Altman Brothers at Douglas Elliman.
Take a closer look inside: This $29.888 million Brentwood mansion is the Michael Jordan of homes
The $30 million mansion with an indoor water park
While most of the houses in MrBeast’s videos are located in California, the $30 million mansion takes us on a trip to Leverett, Massachusetts, to visit a highly unique property likened to “a candy store for adults.”
Known as the Juggler Meadow Estate, the $30 million Massachusetts property is the former home of late Yankee Candle founder Michael Kittredge II and is a local celebrity in its own right (which comes as little surprise after watching the video tour).
With an impressive 120,000 square feet of interior space — split between 8 structures — the compound features a 25,000-square-foot main residence, a 55,000-square-foot spa, an indoor water park, three tennis courts, a three-lane bowling alley, two grotto-like wine cellars, and a 10-seat movie theater, among many other amenities.
Price & property history: The former Yankee Candle founder’s house was listed in the second half of 2022 for $23 million. Popular listing websites like Zillow and Realtor.com still show the same $23 million asking price, while the official listing on the brokerage’s website (the house is repped by Johnny Hatem Jr with The Sarkis Team at Douglas Elliman) says the price is only available upon request.
The $15 million house
While the other luxury houses MrBeast visited strayed a bit from the price point shown in the video, the next property on our list is a true-to-story $15 million home in the Hollywood Hills — with a killer location and spectacular design.
Perched atop the famous Bird Streets (widely known as some of LA’s most desirable streets, (attracting celebrities like Leo DiCaprio, Tobey Maguire, or Jodie Foster), the 7,217-square-foot contemporary, Ameen Ayoub-designed residence was completed in 2021.
Packed with world-class amenities — including a chef’s kitchen with Miele appliances, an aquarium bar that looks into the infinite pool, a custom-built honeycomb quartz wine cellar, a decoupled home theatre, a subterranean garage, and a state-of-the-art fitness center with a sauna and steam shower — the 3-bed, 5-bath home is pure luxury.
It also has a jaw-dropping primary suite with a fireplace and private terrace, dual bathrooms, and a designer closet.
Price & property history: Listed for $14,900,000 with by Ben Bacal and Rachel Williams of Revel Real Estate, the $15 million was listed in mid-2023, and hasn’t had any price adjustments since.
After being featured in MrBeast’s $1 vs $100,000,000 House! video, the property’s agents share that the Hollywood Hills mansion already received an offer — for a one-year lease. And more will likely follow, as the viral video keeps accruing millions of views.
Which property did you love the most?
*Featured image credit: Fidias, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons, Nils Timm / Nils Timm Visuals & Simon Berlyn courtesy of Compass
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