The very word “mansion” drips with subtext: Wealth, luxury, success.
Mansions, of course, have long played a special role in the American psyche—from Gilded Age monuments to egregious affluence in New York, from futuristic edifices for the West Coast tech elite to the larger-then-life residences of comic book titans Richie Rich, Scrooge McDuck, and Batman.
For most Americans, the idea of living in a mansion falls squarely in the realm of the daydream—one perhaps indulged while watching “The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills,” or for those old enough to still hear the unmistakable enunciation of Robin Leach ringing in their ears during an episode of “Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous.”
But here’s the reality: Even in today’s fraught, price-squeezed housing market, you don’t actually need to be rich or famous to afford a sprawling home. You just need to know where to look. For those ready to make their reveries a reality, Realtor.com®’s data team has scoured the country to pinpoint where buyers can find the best deals on oversized abodes.
A reality check: The lower price tags on many of these homes are due to their age and condition. Some are in desperate need of a little TLC. So if you’re on the prowl for truly affordable mansions, get ready to roll up your sleeves.
