How much would you pay for a ZIP Code?
The ZIP code 90210 gained fame with the launch of the 90s drama, but have you ever heard of 98004?
Bellevue, Washington, just east of Seattle, is known as a super-affluent center minutes away from some of the nation’s highest-paying jobs.
Just a few miles away lives one of the world’s richest men and Microsoft founder Bill Gates.
It’s no surprise, then, that a mid-century home built in the style of yesteryear commands such a steep price.
But, just ten miles southeast, a newer 5,000-square-foot masterpiece can be had for the same budget.
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Property 1: Bellevue, 98004
The price tags in the 98004 ZIP Code are no joke.
A look on real estate site Redfin reveals that the highest-priced property for sale in the ZIP at the time of this writing was $45 million.
So it’s no wonder that this relative steal goes for “just” $2 million. For that price, you get a home built in the 1950s with older-style architecture.
The home is essentially a one-story with a basement. Fully updated, it sits on half an acre and boasts 3 beds, 3 baths, and around 3,500 square feet.
The home is nothing special. But the location? That’s what you’re paying for.
The property is a few blocks away from downtown Bellevue, an affluent sub-metro of Seattle. Formerly a bedroom community of Seattle, Bellevue is now a major city in its own right, with tens of thousands of jobs, high rises, and suburbs of its own.
Just a few minutes away is Microsoft’s worldwide HQ in Redmond.
The world’s richest folks live in Bellevue, too.
Jeff Bezos of Amazon, currently the world’s richest human, has a home here. Microsoft’s Bill Gates and Steve Ballmer are just down the street.
Neighbors like that don’t come cheap.
Property 2: A 5,000-square-foot modern luxury estate
If you want square footage, modern architecture, killer views, and a full outdoor kitchen, you may want to go about 10 miles southeast of the ultra-posh 98004 ZIP Code.
There, you get a home that approaches “mansion” status. Five bedrooms, 5 baths, a media room, a magnificent master bedroom, bonus room, and too many amenities to list will make guests say “wow!” when they walk in the front door.
No expense was spared and no detail overlooked putting this home together.
It’s hard to imagine a residence more suited for the upper-middle-class family or avid entertainer.
But, traffic in this area can be a bear. Commuting to Bellevue, or worse, Seattle, could take 30-60 minutes. That home though!
Which home would you choose?
Let us know in the above survey which home you would buy with a $2 million budget.
