House hunting: What can $1 million get you?

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- A million dollar home conjures up an image of a sprawling mansion, but real estate has always been about three things: location, location, location.

Action News wanted to find out how to get the biggest bang for your buck, and how Fresno stacks up to San Francisco, New York, and some of the most desirable places to live across the country.

To soak in those iconic San Francisco views, you must pay big bucks to live by the bay. A home in the city's twin peaks neighborhood offers an ocean breeze.

"It's on the market for $999,000, just about a million dollars. Four bedrooms, two baths, excellent location," said John Kirkpatrick with Coldwell Banker.

Something closer to AT&T Park like a two-bedroom condo costs about the same but you only get 960 square feet of living space.

"You almost have to have a trust account to buy in these areas," said Anthony Gamber with Realty Concepts.

Gamber, a Fresno realtor, showed Action News a 4,297-square-foot, four-bedroom home. It sells for $975,000 and comes with your own putting green. A million bucks gets you much more in the Valley.

"They have high-quality appliances that are usually commercial grade. They want nice cabinetry, granite. They're looking at high ceilings, lots of woodwork," said Gamber.

In Chicago, you can move into a three-bedroom, 1,750-square-foot luxury apartment.

"What's really nice about the unit is it has these unobstructed views of Millenium Park and the lakefront. Obviously, you're right downtown," said Chicago realtor Matt Farrell.

Or you can opt for a gated community near Fort Washington Country Club; $999,000 will get you a 5,036-square-foot home with five bedrooms and a stunning dining area.

"When you walk in, it has a massive family room and 20-foot-tall box beam ceilings, gas fireplace, two-story windows," said Fresno realtor Naomi Veasey.

Blackout blinds and a 120-inch screen drop down in the home theater room to allow you to enjoy movie night.

Houston, Action News had no problem with your Texas-sized million dollar homes. You can find a brand-new 5,500-square-foot, five-bedroom home if you live in the suburbs outside the city.

"What you get in the master plan community are amenties such as swimming pools, tennis courts, hiking, biking trails, sportsplex. Some even have equestrian centers," said Jennifer Hamp with Hamp Team Realty.

The next stop was New York City for a Gramercy Park apartment.

"It's lovely, it's quiet, and it is super sunny. And a big, beautiful, brand-new bathroom with top-of-the-line finishes," said Lisa Maysonet with Sotheby's International Realty.

It does have a nice rooftop area with a great view.

"This lovely two-bedroom, two-bath home is listed at an astonishing price of $975,000," said Maysonet.

But if size matters, you can't beat a 7,600-square-foot estate at Brighton Crest.

"Clients when they come in there is that wow factor. From the minute they drive up, come through the double doors with the spiral staircase," said realtor Cathy Freeman.

The massive game room has a pool table and a wet bar. All six bedrooms have their own bathrooms, including the guest quarters. The master bath has his and her steam showers.

"It's a very large master suite with a balcony overlooking the pool, the golf course and the foothills here," said Freeman.

The $1,097,000 home also has a cherry wood office. The pool area features a shaded outdoor patio. All in all, a nice place to park your six cars.