Think you need to win the lottery to own a mansion? Think again. Realtor recently published a list of ten US cities where you can bag a mansion – which they’ve defined as a home larger than 5,000 square feet – for a surprisingly low price. Read on to see where’s best to invest, as well as some affordable mansions on the market right now…

Little Rock is situated right on the banks of the Arkansas river, surrounded by lush valleys, plenty of beautiful bike trails and leafy neighbourhoods. Its compact size lends it a friendly feel, and summers are hot and sunny. The average price of a mansion there is $875,000 (around £663k).

Covering a whopping 8,854 square feet, this vast Little Rock mansion has seven bedrooms, six bathrooms, formal and casual living areas and a home cinema. It’s on the market for $899,900 (around £682k).

The master bedroom on the upper level offers expansive views over the tree-filled neighbourhood. We love the opulent four-poster bed, decorated with bedding and cushions in an array of rich patterns and textures. 

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The so-called “capital of the South”, Atlanta is bursting with youthful energy. It’s a cultural hotspot, with museums, theatres and galleries galore, as well as a thriving culinary scene – world-class restaurants rub shoulders with hip bars and coffee shops. And with 36% of the city covered in trees, there are plenty of green spaces, too. We can’t think of many better places to buy a mansion – and with the average price just $850,000 (around $647k), there’s no better time to invest.

This sprawling property in the stylish Atlanta suburb of Buckhead measures 6,629 square feet, and has five bedrooms and six bathrooms, as well as an outdoor pool at the back, a beautiful garden and a three-car garage. It’s on the market for $1,125,000 (around £856k).

Inside, the home features interesting arch-shaped cut-outs in the walls, making the layout feel airy and open, as well as looking stylish and contemporary. In this casual seating area leading off the dining room, a wall lined with mirrors makes the room look bigger and further adds to the feeling of spaciousness.

A wall of huge sash windows allows plenty of light into this living area, where a beautiful exposed brick fireplace adds character. The large rug cleverly anchors the seating zone within this open-plan space.

The open-air heated swimming pool at the back of the mansion has ample space around it for garden furniture or sun loungers – perfect for soaking up that glorious Southern sunshine.

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Love the outdoors? Chattanooga is the city for you – excellent rock climbing, hiking, cycling and water-sports facilities are in abundance. Downtown, you’ll find historic stone and brick buildings, craft breweries and pedestrian bridges crossing the Tennessee River. The Bluff View Art District boasts stunning views over the water, and is home to the Houston Museum of Decorative Arts as well as cosy coffee houses aplenty. Tempted? Us too – and the average cost of a mansion here is just $849,900 (around £647k).

This classic 1920s red-brick mansion is a vision from the outside, with grand columns supporting wide eaves over the front door and characterful shutters on the windows. A winding path leads through the beautiful front garden to the property’s entrance. The 6,252-square-foot, five-bedroom, five-bathroom home is on the market for $769,000 (around £586k).

A marble worktop and splashback look ultra-sophisticated in this kitchen, which is fully fitted with modern appliances and wall-mounted cabinets for plenty of storage space.

This outdoor deck at the back of the house offers beautiful views over the leafy neighbourhood. It’s the perfect space for entertaining or relaxing in summer, whether you want to enjoy a meal at the dining table or relax in one of the comfortable armchairs. 

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The second-largest city in Oklahoma state, Tulsa has plenty to offer. In the Downtown area, there’s plenty of richly detailed Art Deco architecture to admire, while the Brady Arts District is home to a lively entertainment and music scene. You can snap up a mansion in the city for an average cost of $849,900 (around £648k).

This home in Tulsa is perfect for a large family, with five bedrooms and six bathrooms. At 5,368 square feet, and with a private outdoor swimming pool at the back, we can’t believe it’s on the market for just $584,900 (around £448k).

The huge master bedroom opens out directly onto the outdoor pool area via huge sliding glass doors, which also allow light to fill the room. Beautiful vintage-style bedside tables, an array of plump cushions on the bed and a quilted bench add a hint of old-school glamour.

The large outdoor pool at the back of the house features a hot tub and a swim-up bar – perfect for entertaining guests in the summer. As the house is situated in a peaceful residential suburb, you won’t need to worry about privacy.

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The largest city in Kansas, Wichita is a great option when it comes to investing in affordable luxury properties. Its bustling Old Town district offers good nightlife, while the Old Cowtown Museum, with recreates 19th-century life, is a popular tourist attraction. Botanica, The Wichita Gardens provide some green space for a break from the hustle and bustle, and include a wildflower meadow and a Chinese garden. The average cost of a mansion here is $844,000 around (£644k).

With its crisp white-painted brick and blond wood exterior, sloping roof eaves and black window frames, this strikingly modern 5,146-square-foot mansion is a beautiful alternative to a period property. It’s got five bedrooms and seven bathrooms, and is on the market for just $579,900 (around £442k).

This open-plan living area is an interior design lover’s dream, with contemporary furnishings and decor throughout. Rugs in natural materials – sheepskin layered over jute – combine beautifully with the Berber-style rug that anchors the seating area. Minimal open shelving displays a carefully considered collection of objects, while a striking fireplace runs horizontally along the black panelled wall opposite the sofa.

Large windows allow light to stream into this dining area, where houseplants add a splash of greenery. A minimal, mid-century-style glass table and complementary chairs are cleverly pulled together with a brightly coloured Aztec-style rug underneath. Crisp white walls and pale wood floors lend this property an airy feel throughout.

In the ultra-modern kitchen, an L-shaped island topped with gleaming white marble interlocks with a long breakfast bar, where contemporary dining chairs neatly slot underneath. Brass-topped pendant lighting adds a touch of glamour, while sliding glass doors allow the space to be opened up to the outdoors.

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One of America’s oldest cities, Hartford, Connecticut is beautiful in spring and summer, with leafy green trees and crisp blue skies. It’s also home to the Mark Twain Museum – the renowned writer lived in Hartford for some time. The average cost of a mansion here is $799,900 (around £610k).

Built in 1895, this Colonial-style mansion has been fully renovated, yet still retains its charm and character. Located in a leafy suburb of the city, it offers a 5,079 square feet of floor space, seven bedrooms and five bathrooms – and all for just $549,900 (around £420k).

Sparkling chandeliers hanging above the grand staircase near the home’s entrance and in the deep red-painted dining room add an air of opulence. Hardwood floors run throughout the property, covered here with characterful Persian-style rugs. The dining room has its own fireplace, and opens out onto the rear patio through French doors.

We love this bright green sunroom, with large windows on all sides and a skylight in the ceiling. An abundance of lush houseplants, hanging from the ceiling and placed on tables and plant stands, bring nature indoors. Wicker furniture further adds to the room’s indoor-garden feel, making it the perfect place to relax on a bright day.

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With both New York and Philadelphia close enough for day trips, up-and-coming Allentown, Pennsylvania, is a great place to get on the luxury property ladder – the average cost of a mansion there is $768,820 (around £587k).

On the market at just $675,000 (around £518k), this Allentown mansion is a steal – we love its grand facade, with columns at the entrance and a sloping roof. Measuring 6,506 square feet, the property boasts five bedrooms and five bathrooms. 

The large kitchen has smart granite worktops and a peninsula-style breakfast bar, for informal eating or just hanging out while someone cooks. There's a walk-in pantry hidden from view and it is fitted with stainless steel GE Profile appliances.

Upstairs there's a master bedroom with a decorative ceiling, walk-in closets and a whirlpool bath as well as four other bedrooms, some with ensuite bathrooms and plenty of closet space. The house also comes with three parking spaces, a finished basement and a lovely in-ground heated pool and waterfall. What could be better? 

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Quintessential Southern charm mingles with a hip, artsy vibe in Louisville. With plenty of sporting attractions – it’s home to the Kentucky Derby, and the birthplace of Muhammad Ali – great museums and a thriving food scene, it’s one of the South’s under-the-radar gems. Amazingly, you can snap up a mansion there for an average price of $765,000 (around £584k).

This sprawling 8,323-square-foot property in the upmarket neighbourhood of Beech Spring Farm could be yours for $995,000 (around £759k). With six bedrooms, seven bathrooms, several open-plan living and dining areas and outdoor deck, it’s incredible value for money.

Near the home’s entrance, light streams into this grand, airy reception area with its high ceilings. The ornate gold-framed mirror hanging above the fireplace cleverly mirrors the grids and panels on the huge sash windows. Mismatched furniture and a patterned rug lend the space an opulently eccentric feel.

Painted in a beautiful duck-egg blue, the cabinet fronts in the kitchen feature intricate carved patterns. An island with a gleaming stone worktop and bar stools provides the perfect place to eat breakfast, or just to relax with a coffee. The open-plan space flows seamlessly into a family dining area.

The light-filled living room, painted in a sophisticated grey hue, features a cosy fireplace and plush velvet sofas. We love the ornate spiral-patterned balustrade, seen here along the grand staircase and the edge of the upper mezzanine level.

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Bustling Indianapolis boasts a wonderful walking and biking trail, as well as a fantastic art museum and the historic Indianapolis Motor Speedway. It’s also not too far from the shores of the Great Lakes – ideal for dreamy day trips. The average price of a mansion here is $679,000 (around £519k).

For just $639,999 (around £489k), you could snap up this stunning 5,606-square-foot Indianapolis mansion, with six bedrooms and five bathrooms. At the back, there’s an open-air swimming pool, as well as a stand-alone pool house with its own bathroom.

The property boasts soaring ceilings and huge arched sash windows throughout, allowing light to stream into the interior. This living area sits at the foot of the staircase on the ground floor, and features minimal, contemporary furnishings and decoration. Plush grey carpet adds a touch of warmth and cosiness.

The kitchen, complete with brand-new appliances and natural granite worktops, forms part of an open-plan layout – it seamlessly flows into another living area, as well as a dining nook in front of the large bay window.

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This English manor-style home in Dayton, on the market for $399,900 (around £305k), boasts five bedrooms and six bathrooms, and covers 5,825 square feet. It’s located in the friendly, peaceful suburb of Butler Township.

Inside, glossy wood flooring runs throughout the property. This charming curved staircase at the entryway is a striking focal point, with its intricate swirling details carved below the railings. Crisp white walls lend this home a bright, airy feel.

The stunning L-shaped kitchen island has a wine rack cleverly built into one side. Gleaming stone worktops, sleek stainless-steel appliances and a mixture of natural timber and white-painted cabinet fronts make for a sophisticated space.

Also on the first floor, this dreamy study – complete with a fireplace – offers plenty of space for your book collection. It’s the perfect spot for working from home or just shutting yourself away with a good novel.

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