Here’s a new take on “What Can I Afford for $200,000?” In this post I used the MLS to view all the inventory in Tower Grove South between $100,000-300,000 and picked what I thought was the best house in each price range. I looked for properties in $25,000 increments. “Best” is a relative term and in each price range, it means something different. At the most basic level, I was looking for the nicest place, that was move in ready. In my estimation, the house did not have to meet specific criteria, instead I evaluated it next to its competition and chose what I thought would be the most solid house, one that would cause its potential new owners the least amount of worry.
$100-125K
4106 Fairview listed at $116,500 has 2 beds and 1 bath. In this price range there are 5 total active listings in the outlined area. Out of the five, Fairview seems to be the most solid. It has been well-maintained, has newer vinyl windows, beautiful wood floors and a very livable layout. The kitchen has newer appliances but the cabinets seems a little dated. But for 116,5, I don’t think you can beat it. Additionally there’s a little bit of extra space in the basement, a landscaped backyard and off-street parking. Runner up, just for curb appeal was 4252 Conecticut. It’s nicely done, but being a one bedroom puts it at disadvantage. The kitchen is cute and the closet in the bedroom is amazing.
$125-150K
4119 Parker Ave, is priced at $130,000 and has 2 beds/1 bath. It’s a cute little bungalow with a pitched roof. It has wood floors and some stained glass. Seems like it retains a little more charm. The kitchen has been updated as well as some of the bathroom fixtures. The sunroom adds a lot of additional space and some of the systems have been updated including HVAC, electric panel and water heater. There were only four total listings in this price range. 4048 Winnebago had much better curb appeal but didn’t really look like you could move right in. The other two were a lot larger but needed a good amount of work to be livable.
$150-175K
3921 Humphrey is listed at $169,500. It has 3 bedrooms and only 1 bath.The floors in the living room and dining room are gorgeous. The kitchen has been updated but is a little small. The only bathroom is on the second floor which means that if you have people over, they have to go upstairs. It’s nice though. It was completely renovated and has solid surface Swanstone shower surround and all new fixtures. Two of the bedrooms are good size, the third would make a great office. The only other option in this price range is at 3938 Hartford. Supposedly it is move-in ready but with no interior pictures it’s difficult to tell. Regardless Humphrey has much better curb appeal and with the similar square footage and the same number of beds and baths, Humphrey is the better choice, especially since it has a lower price.
$175-200K
3964 Wyoming is on the higher end, but is completely “buttoned up” and ready to move in. It is listed at $199,900 and has 3 bedrooms and 1 bath. Every room has been attended to and there is nothing left for the new owners to do. The new Brazilian cherry floors make the space feel elegant. The kitchen has been updated, has tons of cabinets and is large enough for a table. It has newer windows. There’s a manageable amount of space. All of bedrooms are actual bedrooms. And it has a cute backyard with a 2 car garage. The runner up in this range is 3731 Hartford. The block alone is worth the price of 189K but the interior just doesn’t compare. Hartford, due to location, space and historic quality has the potential of being in a much higher price range. But it would need at least one more bathroom and some elegant finish work.
$200-225K
3828 Fairview is listed at $219,900 and has 3 bedrooms and 2.5 baths. If it were in Tower Grove Heights proper, I think this would be much higher. Overall it has great curb appeal. A solid two story brick home. The finish work here is great. The kitchen is updated and well planned. There’s a center island with drawers. The floor plan is open and has a family room off the kitchen. There’s second floor laundry, speaker’s piped throughout and a one car garage.
$225-250K
Sneaking in at $249,900 3826 Juniata is the best home for the money in this price range. Two and half stories, 4 bedrooms and 1.5 baths this home seems to be what everyone is after. Great first floor for entertaining. Second floor has all the bedrooms and private space you could ask for and the third floor is gorgeous with refinished pine floors. Love the front porch!
$250-275K
3734 Hartford is the jewel of Tower Grove South. In this price range there are five listings. 3734 falls right in the middle of the price range at $268,500. This home is one of the largest on the block and has a very grand feel. The front entry is magnificent and most of the woodwork is unpainted. There are four bedrooms, an informal family room, an office and two full baths. The kitchen has open shelving and could use some updating, but it has a very workable layout and great farmhouse feel. It has lots of original charm and is move-in ready. Out back there is garage and the oversized lot even has a private basketball court. The yard is blooming, literally, and it’s only one block from the park and one block west of grand. COMING SOON!
Visit 3734hartford.com for more information and pictures.
$275-300K
Listed at $280,000: 3811 McDonald is the only house in the neighborhood between 275-300. It’s very very nice, but with only 2 bedrooms and 2.5 baths, I wonder if it has missed the mark?
This Saturday is the 
