Home cost comparison: what $500K buys you

Welcome to Curbed Comparisons, a column that explores what one can rent or buy for a set dollar amount in various Austin neighborhoods. Is one person’s studio another person’s townhouse? Let’s find out! Today’s price: $500,000.

↑ 809 Herndon Lane, three-bedroom, one-bathroom house, 1,176 square feet, $448,000. Yes, Virginia, you can own a home for less than $500,000 in South Austin (in the Galindo neighborhood, to be exact), as long as you’re happy with less than McMansion-esque square footage—and a “backyard oasis” that’s in the front yard (it looks lovely). Built in 1950, this one-story home has two living spaces and a large kitchen and is located just off South First Street.

↑ 222 West Avenue #1808, one-bedroom, two-bathroom condo, 688 square feet, $479,900, $372/month HOA dues. This practically new (2016) unit on the 10th floor of Downtown’s Seaholm Residences have spectacular and protected Hill Country and lake views, according to the listing. It’s features and amenities include floor-to-ceiling windows, a walk-in shower, a wine cooler, white oak hardwoods, KitchenAid appliances, and a spacious balcony. The building has a heated pool, an outdoor terrace and lounge space, grills, and a dog park and wash station. It comes with one reserved parking space.

↑ 3002 Funston Street, two-bedroom, two-bathroom house, 1,077 square feet, $495,000. This sweet single-family home is being sold by its owner (aka FSBO) and is, um, convenient to MoPac. Built in 1949 but looking like it has been completely remodeled, the Bryker Woods home features an open floor plan, hardwood flooring and tile throughout, and a kitchen with granite countertops and stainless steel appliances, as well as many other upgrades. It has a large deck and a private backyard.

↑ 1158 Ridgeway Drive #A, three-bedroom, two-and-a-half-bathroom detached condo, 1,724 square feet, $515,000, $33/month HOA dues. This two-story, freestanding condo in East Austin’s Rosewood neighborhood has open floor plan, two living areas, upstairs bedrooms and a flex space. It has a private, fenced yard and one attached garage and a second reserved parking space between it and the other unit and the property.

↑ 4412 Avenue C, three-bedroom, two-bathroom house, 1,361 square feet, $549,000. This Hyde Park house has gotten a significant price drop since we featured it in January. Built in 1920, it still has its its ample, covered front porch, as wood floors, exposed original shiplap walls (painted and unpainted), tall ceilings, and various windows and doors. It also has an updated kitchen, bathrooms, and many of its home systems.