Did we mention the residential real estate market was on a rebound? Well, if we haven’t – pay attention. As markets start to turn upwards across the country, these deals are starting to get harder and harder to find. Nonetheless, Barbara’s compiled 5 homes from across the country that you can own for less than $500k, and some of these homes are absolutely astonishing.

$165,000 – Olive Branch, Missisippi

Olive Branch, a suburb of Memphis (yes, in Tennessee) is known for its huge recreational parks. Any family looking for a nice neighborhood with plenty of places for the kids to roam wouldn’t go wrong ending up here. Actually, over 60% of the DeSoto School District are rated as “superior”, the highest rating under No Child Left Behind.

The home has a beautiful brick front and a great open floor plan. The great room’s vaulted ceilings add an air of elegance, with a gas fireplace in the corner. The kitchen’s ceramic tile floor adds a lot of value to an already nice space. The breakfast area’s bay windows overlooks a big backyard. 2 downstairs bedrooms share a “jack-and-jill” style bathroom. The backyard could use a few trees, but this 4 bedroom 2 bath home really comes in at such an amazing price it’s hard to pass up.

$279,900 – Fort Worth, Texas

Everything’s bigger in Texas, and this home and its enormous lot is no exception. Fort Worth is warm and dry year-round, and its western heritage shows through in the multitude of cultural events and historical landmarks scattered throughout the city. Even this city is huge – the 5th largest in Texas!

This 4 bedroom 4 bath home has a big game room and movie theater – perfect the family that loves entertainment. The family room’s soaring ceilings, gas fireplace, and big sunny windows add an air of elegance. The kitchen was recently upgraded with lots of custom cabinets and plenty of counter space. The master suite downstairs has a jetted tub and a walk-in closet. The back deck and backyard is so big you could pass it off as a city park!

$319,900 – Waitsfield, Vermont

Now this one’s a real unique home – a mini horse farm on 3 acres in a quaint northern Vermont town of just 1,600. But this is far from the boondocks – you’re just 30 minutes from the capitol of Montpelier. But this town has some serious history – the town was chartered in 1762! For the winter sports types, its also close to the huge Sugarbush ski resort.

This 3 bedroom, 1 and 3/4 bath home is beautiful in summer and winter. Biking paths to the Mad River are just a short walk down the hill. The log home is packed full of rustic, charming details: beamed ceilings and wide plank firs give the home a unique feel. A wood stove on the main floor adds to the aura. You’ll love the long, breezy farmer’s porch and walkout basement. For coming back after a long day on the slopes, there’s a hot tub out back. There’s even a shed barn and a paddock thats big enough to double as a riding ring.

$339,900 – Indianapolis, Indiana

Indianapolis – home of the Indy 500, the Colts, and good old Hoosier hospitality! The third largest city in the Midwest, Indianapolis always offers plenty of things to do and see.

This 4 bedroom 3 bath has an old-fashioned sensibility. A big, welcoming front porch with square craftsman columns invites you to stay awhile on the rocking chairs and swing. Once you go inside, it’s practically a model home – you could move in this afternoon! The details include gleaming wood floors, french doors, and a brick fireplace in the dining room. The main level has flexible space for entertaining and dining, while the kitchen’s granite countertops are sure to impress. The upstairs loft has wood paneling for a perfect study or office.

$475,000 – Albany, New York

Two and a half hours north of NYC, the state capitol of New York offers its own feel and aura totally different from the bustling metropolis to its south. This home, just steps away from the Capitol building, is located in a beautiful historic neighborhood.

This 4 bedroom 3.5 bath Victorian townhouse looks like it belongs in Brooklyn, but in Albany you can get it for half the price you would in the NYC suburb. Situated on a beautiful park, its exterior hides a massive 4,500 sqft interior. Hardwood floors, decorative mantles and ceiling moldings all create old-world elegance. The second floor family room overlooks the park, and so does the master suite. One of the bedrooms could be easily rented out – enough to pay off a good part of the mortgage.