As the holiday season approaches, many of us find ourselves cozying up on the couch with our favorite holiday movies. From the charming streets of Bedford Falls in “It’s a Wonderful Life” to the picturesque small town of Bedford Falls in “A Christmas Story,” these iconic movie towns have captured our hearts and imaginations. But have you ever wondered if you could actually afford to live in these idyllic holiday destinations? The answer may surprise you, and could potentially burst your holiday bubble.
According to a recent study by Redfin, a national real estate brokerage, the average cost of a single-family home in the United States is $331,000. But in the towns where our favorite holiday movies are set, the real estate prices vary greatly. From Winnetka, IL to Manchester, VT, let’s take a closer look at what it would cost to buy a home in America’s iconic holiday movie towns.
Winnetka, IL – “Home Alone”
In the classic holiday movie “Home Alone,” young Kevin McCallister defends his home from a pair of bumbling burglars while his family is away on vacation. The McCallister family lives in a beautiful, sprawling home in the affluent Chicago suburb of Winnetka, IL. In real life, the average cost of a single-family home in Winnetka is a whopping $1.4 million, more than four times the national average. So unless you have a trust fund or are a successful business owner like Kevin’s dad, living in this holiday movie town may be out of reach for most of us.
Bedford Falls, NY – “It’s a Wonderful Life”
One of the most beloved holiday movies of all time, “It’s a Wonderful Life” takes place in the charming town of Bedford Falls, NY. In the movie, George Bailey struggles to save his family’s business and discovers the true meaning of Christmas. In real life, the town of Bedford Falls is actually based on Seneca Falls, NY. The average cost of a single-family home in Seneca Falls is $140,000, significantly lower than the national average. This makes it a more realistic option for those dreaming of living in a quaint holiday movie town.
Manchester, VT – “White Christmas”
In the holiday classic “White Christmas,” two army buddies turned entertainers travel to Vermont to put on a show at an inn owned by their former commanding officer. The idyllic town of Manchester, VT serves as the backdrop for this heartwarming story. In real life, the average cost of a single-family home in Manchester is $255,000, slightly higher than the national average but still within reach for many homebuyers. With its charming Main Street and picturesque landscapes, living in Manchester would feel like a holiday movie come to life.
Hohman, IN – “A Christmas Story”
Set in the fictional town of Hohman, IN, “A Christmas Story” follows young Ralphie’s quest for a Red Ryder BB gun. The movie is based on the short stories of author Jean Shepherd, who grew up in Hammond, IN. In real life, the average cost of a single-family home in Hammond is $100,000, significantly lower than the national average. This makes Hohman, IN a more affordable option for those looking to live in a holiday movie town.
Whoville – “How the Grinch Stole Christmas”
While Whoville may not be a real place, the beloved holiday movie “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” has captured the hearts of audiences for decades. The whimsical town, with its colorful buildings and quirky inhabitants, is a symbol of the magic of Christmas. In real life, the closest resemblance to Whoville would be the town of Ojai, CA. The average cost of a single-family home in Ojai is $725,000, significantly higher than the national average. But for those who can afford it, living in a town like Ojai would feel like stepping into a holiday movie every day.
In conclusion, the cost of buying a home in America’s iconic holiday movie towns varies greatly. While some may be out of reach for the average homebuyer, there are still many options available for those looking to live in a charming holiday destination. Whether it’s the bustling streets of Chicago or the quaint small towns of Vermont, each of these holiday movie towns has its own unique charm and character. So as you curl