Giveaway, FrontDoor explores 10 of the dreamiest places to live in the
United States. Whether it’s lush acreage, majestic views or exclusivity
that you crave, each of these neighborhoods offers all that and more. Perhaps
that’s why they’re in high demand, with buyers willing to pay millions
to call them home. Find out what makes them so irresistible.
1. Sonoma, California. What’s not to love about
Sonoma? The wine country’s rolling hills and sandy beaches make it an
all-inclusive place to live. While the median home price is more than
$500,000, acreage is in high demand here and buyers pay millions for
it. Architecture ranges from Mediterranean to Victorian to Craftsman,
and houses come in all sizes, from stunning estates to modest
bungalows. No wonder HGTV chose this quaint northern California town to
be the site of this year’s Dream Home. Don’t forget to sign up for a
chance to win it.
2. Buckhead, Atlanta, Georgia. This trendy district
north of Atlanta is a fascinating blend of old-money mansions and
new-money nightlife. Whether it’s a cozy cottage in Peachtree Hills or
a magnificent estate in Tuxedo Park, you’ll find Southern charm on
every corner. Buckhead is a shopper’s paradise, with two major shopping
areas-Lenox Square and Phipps Plaza-that offer high-end retailers and
great people-watching. The district also boasts the best dining and
nightlife in the region, with more than 300 restaurants, bars and
nightclubs.
3. Gold Coast, Chicago, Illinois. Old money and
stunning lake views characterize this hot neighborhood that runs
contrary to the Chicago phrase, “cooler by the lake.” Oprah lives on
the border of this high-priced community, where home buyers can pay
millions for a two-bedroom condo. The neighborhood offers world-class
shopping, dining and entertainment as well convenient proximity to the
lake and business district.
4. Scottsdale, Arizona. With upscale shopping, an
active nightlife scene and a number of high-end residential golf
communities, Scottsdale is the “it” place to be in the Phoenix area.
The average home price is $2 million to $3 million, but homes can
easily sell for a lot more. Home to more than 70 resorts and hotels,
the city has designed itself to be a big tourist draw, creating a high
demand for land in this area and raising property values.
5. Coral Gables, Florida. Just eight miles south of
Miami, Coral Gables is quintessential old South Florida, featuring
historic architecture, good schools and the Miracle Mile, a lively
street lined with restaurants, bars and high-end boutiques. Expect to
see lush landscaping and charming 1920s stucco homes with red tile
roofs, archways and private courtyards.
6. Mercer Island, Washington. Location plays a key
part in the high-end real estate market on Mercer Island. Connected to
Seattle by two bridges, the island offers incredible views of the
city’s skyline without the hustle and bustle of urban life. Tranquility
and convenience come at a price: a luxury home on Mercer Island can
cost up to $40 million.
7. Park Slope, Brooklyn, New York. This
neighborhood’s historic charm, top-notch restaurants and shopping, and
proximity to Prospect Park make it an attractive alternative to
Manhattan for families and professionals. Seventh and Fifth avenues are
Park Slope’s main commercial areas, while other streets are occupied by
renovated brownstones, which can sell for millions of dollars.
8. Lower Downtown (LoDo), Denver, Colorado. Looking
for a Rocky Mountain getaway? Lower Downtown Denver is perfect for
urbanites who love the mountains. The neighborhood is filled with old
brick buildings converted into lofts, new condo towers, and a density
of restaurants, bars and shops. The Riverfront Park, a rolling,
meandering grassy swatch of real estate fronting the Platte River,
offers great mountain views, places to barbecue and plenty of space to
enjoy the fresh air of the Mile High City. Colorado boasts excellent
skiing, world class dining and majestic views, which made Winter Park a
great Dream Home location in 2007. And ski havens Aspen and Telluride
are within driving distance.
9. Atherton, California. Located on the San
Francisco peninsula, this high-end California neighborhood is home to
computer company execs and venture capitalists. By preserving the
area’s wooded scenery and rural charm, Atherton is able to offer a
quieter lifestyle than its neighbor, San Francisco. As of December
2008, the median home price in Atherton settles in at more than $4
million.
10. Back Bay, Boston, Massachusetts. One of
Boston’s priciest neighborhoods, Back Bay is both a residential and
commercial area, featuring Victorian brownstones on its northern end
and some of Boston’s tallest skyscrapers on its southern end. The
neighborhood’s historic Newbury and Boylston streets offer trendy cafes
and upscale shopping, and Copley Square boasts several 19th century
landmarks.