In recent years, more than 5 million Americans have moved to a new area as a result of remote work opportunities. With more technology to connect outside the workplace setting and the precedent set by COVID-19, it’s easier than ever to break from office norms and seek new surroundings. According to data from U-Haul, Texas tops the charts for those looking to relocate from cities like New York.
Want to know why New Yorkers are fleeing the Big Apple for places like Big D? As far as bang for your buck, North Texas is one of the absolute best options out there.
Here, we’ll compare two properties that are miles apart in location but the exact same in price.
One is a high-rise Manhattan apartment, the other is a Roanoke, Texas ranchette on five acres. They’ll go head to head over which one wears $2 million better. Let’s get into it.
An Upper West Side Apartment With All-New Conveniences
50 W 79th Street #1CD
- 2 Bedrooms, 2 Bathrooms
- 1,250 Square Feet
- $2 Million
- Price Per Square Foot: $1,600
- State Average: $416.33
With one of the hottest real estate markets in America, New York City is the perfect place to go all-in on our first installment. I scoured all of Manhattan for the perfect apartment at $2 million and found this incredible property.
In terms of design, the home is sleek, sophisticated, and incredibly well-imagined. But it also features two unique elements we often take for granted in the Lone Star State.
“What really makes this apartment unique are things you might not think about in Texas,” said listing agent Loretta Bricchi Lee with Compass. “First, this apartment features central air conditioning, which is uncommon in pre-war buildings like this one. Also, the home boasts an enormous kitchen that’s 16 feet long. In similar buildings, this is not at all common. Mostly, you find galley kitchens in apartments like this.”
Of course, in New York City, location is the key selling point.
“The West 79th Museum Block is the absolute center of the Upper West Side,” Lee said. “With the American Museum of Natural History, proximity to Central Park, and great subway service, this location is so coveted.”
Loretta Bricchi Lee with Compass listed 50 W 79th Street #1CD for $2 million.
A Roanoke Ranchette Right Near The City
14249 Ridgetop Road
- 3 Bedrooms, 4 Bathrooms
- 3,721 Square Feet
- $2 Million
- Price Per Square Foot: $537
- State Average: $189.30
If big city living isn’t your thing, you can stretch your $2 million five whole acres further with this incredible ranchette in the suburban city of Roanoke.
“This is a really unique community and outstanding property,” said listing agent Jessica James Smith with Briggs Freeman Sotheby’s International Realty. “It sits on five acres but is less than 30 minutes from DFW. This makes it perfect for those seeking privacy who still want to enjoy all the amenities of our great cities. Also, each property in this community sits on five acres minimum. Therefore, you’ll never lose that wide-open feel.”
With big windows, warm interiors, and an open layout, the home plays perfectly with its serene surroundings.
“The outdoor appeal of this property is so impressive,” Smith said. “Lush grounds and a canopy of mesquite trees perfectly compliment features like a sprawling saltwater pool and wisteria-adorned pergola. Of course, the three-stall horse barn makes it ideal for real-life ranchers.”
And there’s your market mashup for $2 million. You can purchase a 1,250-square-foot, fifth-floor apartment with an amenity AC and a chef’s kitchen on the Upper West Side of Manhattan, or a 3,721-square-foot luxury ranch home with horse stables and a resort pool on five acres in rural Roanoke. Which is the better deal?
