If living large is part of your American dream, then homeownership needs to come with a lot of space. But every square foot costs more money, and houses over 3,000 square feet are more often found in the luxury property category in North Texas.
But not always. In today’s Splurge vs. Steal, we’ve discovered two Dallas houses with over 3,000 square feet, each listed for under half a million dollars. One is far north, the other deep east. Both offer ample room (after room) to spread out and stretch your legs. Which one is your favorite?
SPLURGE: PRESTONWOOD ESTATES ONE-STORY BRICK HOME ON 1/3 ACRE
Settle in at 7206 Tophill Ln. in Prestonwood Estates near Belt Line and Hillcrest roads. This home has four bedrooms, three bathrooms, and 3,000 square feet on one story, built in 1973 and sitting on a 0.34-acre creek lot.
This one-story brick house is framed by arching shade trees and there are lots of possibilities for the terraced backyard overlooking the creek. Inside, you’ll find hardwood floors throughout and a vaulted, beamed ceiling in the living room, which is anchored by a fireplace. The kitchen offers custom cabinets, quartz countertops, and two walk-in pantries. The master suite has an updated ensuite bathroom with separate vanities and walk-in closets, a contemporary soaker tub, and walk-in shower. The second and third bedrooms share another updated bathroom. The large fourth bedroom on the opposite side of the house could also serve as an additional living room or guest suite. Bonus: this house is in the attendance zone for Spring Creek Elementary School, which earns a 9 out of 10 from greatschools.org.
This home is listed by Alan Hamilton with Dallas City Center Realtors for $479,900.
STEAL: FULLY FURNISHED FORMER MODEL HOME 10 MINUTES FROM DOWNTOWN 
The two gated communities in East Dallas’ Buckner Terrace both offer newer, larger houses than most others in the neighborhood. We’ve found a fully furnished former David Weekley model home at 6809 Prairie Flower Trl. in the Enclave of Wooded Creek, near Samuell Boulevard and North Jim Miller Road. This home has three bedrooms, two full bathrooms, one half bath, three living areas, two dining areas, and 3,254 square feet on two stories, built in 2004.
Located less than a 10-minute drive from downtown Dallas and White Rock Lake, this house offers lots of space. Some of the style aspects feel dated, but most of that is cosmetic and a fresh coat of paint in a neutral palette would go miles toward updating the look. The kitchen features a center island, granite countertops, and stainless steel appliances. All the bedrooms are upstairs, as is the game room, a sitting area, and a wet bar. The master has a tray ceiling, balcony, walk-in closet, and ensuite bath. In back, there is a terraced backyard with landscaping.
This home is listed by Tom Babiar with Keller Williams Frisco Stars for $350,000.
