For many first-time homebuyers in the DMV, it’s the price that drives everything, rather than a particular home style or neighborhood. Depending on where they work or where they want their kids to attend school, they may be willing to look at homes in D.C., Maryland and Virginia as long as the price is right.
Buying a home priced at $500,000, which is below what Bright MLS says is the median sales price of $610,000 in the D.C. region, requires a minimum income of about $150,000 to $160,000. However, you need to talk to a lender who can help you estimate how much you can borrow based on your other debt, the size of your down payment and associated costs such as a homeowner or condo association fee, in addition to taxes and insurance. We found two townhouses and a condo priced between $499,000 and $600,000 to consider.
Which would you choose? Or, have a comparison you’d like to see in an upcoming column? Let us know at metro@washingtonsun.com.
D.C.
Trending
The listing: 1638 Kramer St. NE
The price: $565,000
The specifics: This 960-square-foot townhouse, built in 1900 and renovated in 2022 and 2025, has two bedrooms and 1.5 bathrooms.
The vibe: Updated city living.
What makes it special: While this rowhouse is a bit above $500,000, it doesn’t have an HOA fee that would increase your monthly costs. Located in the Kingman Park neighborhood not far from H Street Northeast, the two-level townhouse has a fireplace flanked by built-in bookcases in the living room, French doors leading to a fully fenced yard with a deck, an updated kitchen, a powder room and a separate dining room. The two bedrooms are upstairs, along with a renovated full bathroom, a stacked washer and dryer and multiple closets. The roof was resealed and a skylight installed in 2025, while the heating, air conditioning and water heater were upgraded in 2022.
Agent: Andre Margutti, Redfin
Maryland
The listing: 232 Urban Ave. #232, Gaithersburg
The price: $499,000
The specifics: This 1,868-square-foot townhouse, built in 2011, has three bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms. Monthly HOA and condo/co-op fees: $378
The vibe: Amenity-rich community.
What makes it special: Located in the Parklands at Watkins Mill, walkable to a MARC train station and shops, this community has a pool, tennis, playgrounds and a gym. It’s also a short drive to the Kentlands and Downtown Crown for more shops and restaurants. The main level of the house has an open floor plan kitchen, living area and dining area, hardwood floors, big windows, a powder room and access to the one-car garage. Upstairs, the primary suite has two walk-in closets and a private bathroom, plus there are two additional bedrooms (one with a balcony), another full bathroom and a laundry room.
Agent: Meaghan Miller, TTR Sotheby’s International Realty
Virginia
The listing: 1570 Spring Gate Drive, Unit 7408, McLean
The price: $499,000
The specifics: This two-bedroom, two-bathroom condo, which includes a garage parking space, was built in 1997. It’s the largest floor plan at the Gates of McLean, with 1,169 square feet. Monthly condo fee: $720.
The vibe: Walkable condo with amenities.
What makes it special: This top-floor unit in an elevator building has a balcony accessible from the living room and one of the bedrooms, and a gas fireplace. The floor plan includes a separate kitchen with an adjacent laundry room, and an open living and dining room with bedrooms on either side for privacy. The primary suite has a walk-in closet, a second closet and a private full bathroom. The kitchen and bathrooms have been renovated. Community amenities include a pool, clubhouse, fitness center, business center and playgrounds. Shops and the McLean Metro station are within 10 minutes’ walk.
Agent: Tim Hursen Jr., RLAH @Properties