This house in Prather is for sale at $1,099,000. It features five bedrooms, fourth bathrooms and is 4,074 square feet. The home is roughly a 30-minute drive to downtown Fresno.

This house in Prather is for sale at $1,099,000. It features five bedrooms, fourth bathrooms and is 4,074 square feet. The home is roughly a 30-minute drive to downtown Fresno.

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Once upon a time, a million bucks could buy you a mansion.

But in today’s reality? Not really.

Not with today’s housing prices.

Even in Fresno — where the cost of living is significantly lower compared to California cities along the coast — it’s difficult to find a 5,000-plus-square-foot house (mansion-size minimum) that offers luxury living for $1 million.

And, of course, luxury living can be subjective.

Here are three examples of what $1 million could get you in Fresno. Plus, a $1 million listing just outside of the city limit.

605 E. Home Ave, Fresno, CA 93728

House size: (5 bedroom, 5 bath, 5,001 square feet)

Lot size: 0.34 acres

Asking price: $825,000

Highlights: Located less than a mile from both Fresno City College and Fresno High, this is a corner house at Echo and Home avenues in “Wilson Island.” And it is the only current listing in Fresno that meets the 5,000-square foot minimum to be considered a mansion and still costs less than $1 million. And while this home might not be as extravagant as houses once seen in throwback TV shows such as “Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous” or “MTV Cribs,” there’s plenty of personality in this property. As well as a pool.

The house at 605 E. Home Ave. is on the market for $825,000. The house is 5,001 square feet with five bedrooms and five bathrooms on 0.34 acres. The house at 605 E. Home Ave. is on the market for $825,000. The house is 5,001 square feet with five bedrooms and five bathrooms on 0.34 acres. SCREENSHOT Movoto 4872 N. Arcade Ave., Fresno, CA 93704

House size: (4 bedroom, 2 bath, 3,055 square feet)

Lot size: 0.34 acres

Asking price: $1.1 million

Highlights: Located in the Old Fig Garden Estates and a mere 0.2 miles from Fig Garden Village shopping area, this “Modern California Ranch” home offers a distinct, natural wood look interior from its flooring to ceiling, as well as its walls and cabinetry. Think country-look living but with city convenience at a walking distance. The home also comes with a detached casita complete with a full kitchen and laundry room that could be used for office space or as a rental.

This Old Fig Garden home at 4872 N. Arcade Ave. in Fresno is four bedrooms with two bathrooms and 3,055 square feet. Its asking price is $1.1 million. This Old Fig Garden home at 4872 N. Arcade Ave. in Fresno is four bedrooms with two bathrooms and 3,055 square feet. Its asking price is $1.1 million. SCREENSHOT Movoto 1368 E. Waldon Way, Fresno, CA 93730

House size: (4 bedroom, 3 bath, 3,084 square feet)

Lot size: 0.30 acres

Asking price: $1.1 million

Highlights: This is a custom Gary McDonald home on a large lot on a cul-de-sac street in Country Club at the Fort (a gated neighborhood close by Fort Washington Golf & Country Club). It’s 2,000 square feet less than what would be considered a mansion size. But there’s plenty of fancy details inside and outside with this home — from the crown moulding, french doors, grand fountain and a covered outdoor entertainment structure that features a fireplace.

This home at 1368 E. Waldon Way in Fresno is 3,084 square feet with four bedrooms and three bathrooms. It is located near Fort Washington Golf & Country Club and has an asking price of $1.1 million. This home at 1368 E. Waldon Way in Fresno is 3,084 square feet with four bedrooms and three bathrooms. It is located near Fort Washington Golf & Country Club and has an asking price of $1.1 million. SCREENSHOT Movoto 14505 Blue Drake Lane, Prather, CA 93651

House size: (6 bedroom, 4 bath, 4,074 square feet)

Lot size: 5.05 acres

Asking price: $1.1 million

Highlights: Located about a 35-minute drive from downtown Fresno, this Prather home definitely has the curb appeal, as well as the land, of a $1 million mansion. Though, it still falls roughly 1,000 square feet from reaching that mansion minimum size. “Besides this being a beautiful home, you get some spectacular views from inside this house,” listing sales agent Jeri Kuddes said. You get more for your money coming outside of the city.”

This house in Prather is for sale at $1,099,000. It features five bedrooms, fourth bathrooms and is 4,074 square feet. The home is roughly a 30-minute drive to downtown Fresno. This house in Prather is for sale at $1,099,000. It features five bedrooms, fourth bathrooms and is 4,074 square feet. The home is roughly a 30-minute drive to downtown Fresno. SCREENSHOT Movoto
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Bryant-Jon Anteola

The Fresno Bee

Bryant-Jon Anteola is a multimedia reporter for The Fresno Bee, writing stories and producing videos about sports, news and random topics relatable to those in the Fresno area. He’s won a McClatchy President’s Award and received honorable mention by the Associated Press Sports Editors. He enjoys sports because of the competition, camaraderie and energy, and views sports as a microcosm of society.