Price: $635,000
Median home price: $159,700
1-year appreciation: 8.3%
5-year appreciation: 24.2%
Median household income: $42,298
Population: 1.4 million
Average commute time: 22 minutes.
This 3,738-square-foot Colonial includes four bedrooms, three and one-half bathrooms, a fireplace, patio and two-car garage. Built in 1991, the home features an open kitchen with an eating area and a formal dining room.

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Nashville, Tenn.

Price: $649,900
Median home price: $263,600
1-year appreciation: 8.0%
5-year appreciation: 56.7%
Median household income: $40,656
Population: 9.3 million
Average commute time: 35 minutes.
This three-bedroom two-bath Georgian is nestled among historic homes in the forest preserve community of old Edgebrook. Built in 1950, the home features an open floor plan, oak floors, wood-burning fireplace, a private yard and more than 2,000 square feet of living space.

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Chicago

Price: $599,900
Median home price: $149,100
1-year appreciation: 5.7%
5-year appreciation: 25.4%
Median household income: $38,125
Population: 5.6 million
Average commute time: 26 minutes.
This five-bedroom home resides in Colleyville, Tex., a mature neighborhood that looks brand new. Built in 1994, the 4,405-square-foot house includes game and exercise rooms. A diving pool with waterfall sparkles in the backyard of the nearly half-acre lot.

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Dallas/Fort Worth

Price: $649,000
Median home price: $237,700
1-year appreciation: 9.0%
5-year appreciation: 55.9%
Median household income: $44,116
Population: 3.1 million
Average commute time: 20 minutes
At more than a century old, this four-bedroom, one-bath home shows plenty of early American charm and includes about 2,618 square feet of living space. Shopping and dining is within walking distance.

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Minneapolis/St. Paul

Price: $599,000
Median home price: $106,300
1-year appreciation: 0.5%
5-year appreciation: 16.3%
Median household income: $38,811
Population: 583,000
Average commute time: 17 minutes
This 16-year-old ranch-style home comes with four bedrooms and four bathrooms, and features a circular driveway, finished basement and three-car garage. Out back, you’ll find a swimming pool and a pool house with a half bath.

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Wichita, Kan.

Price: $649,000
Median home price: $726,900
1-year appreciation: 12.3%
5-year appreciation: 56.2%
Median household income: $60,031
Population: 4.2 million
Average commute time: 29 minutes.
This one-bedroom, one-bath Edwardian style condo was built in 1922 and features period detailing, wainscoting, hardwood floors and high ceilings. Includes a private one-car garage. Located in the Inner Sunset neighborhood, the 957-square-foot home is close to Golden Gate Park, Cole Valley and the University of California at San Francisco.

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San Francisco

Price: $649,000
Median home price: $310,300
1-year appreciation: 19.9%
5-year appreciation: 53.1%
Median household income: $46,650
Population: 3.1 million
Average commute time: 25 minutes
In the heart of the Wallingford community of Seattle, this 1910 home offers four bedrooms and three bathrooms. The home features original fir floors, large tile fireplace, gas stove and retro cabinets. Take in 360-degree views from the rooftop deck, including views of downtown Seattle and Mount Rainier. Major systems have been updated, and the 3,190-square-foot home has been retrofitted for earthquakes.

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Seattle

Price: $647,000
Median home price: $243,400
1-year appreciation: 47.0%
5-year appreciation: 81.1%
Median household income: $41,025
Population: 3.6 million
Average commute time: 23 minutes
Built in 2004, this desert-front contemporary home boasts a mountain view and an outdoor swimming pool. Its 3,100 square feet includes five bedrooms, three bathrooms, a den and covered patio.

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Phoenix, Ariz.