WHAT $1 MILLION BUYS YOU NOW

Kiplinger.com went in search of homes on the market in the $1 million range. Our findings: Seven figures appear to buy a bit more house in many places compared with prices a year or two ago -- and the drop could continue this year. But there remain pockets of appreciation here and there. Naturally, you still get more for your money in midsize and small cities than you can in large metro areas.

(Editors Note: This slideshow was posted in March 2007.)

With spring just around the corner, the real estate industry is on tenterhooks. Housing prices nationwide have dropped year to year for the first time in a decade.

Kiplinger.com went in search of homes on the market in the $1 million range. Our findings: Seven figures appear to buy a bit more house in many places compared with prices a year or two ago -- and the drop could continue this year. But there remain pockets of appreciation here and there. Naturally, you still get more for your money in midsize and small cities than you can in large metro areas.

Click through our slide show to see how much home $1 million will buy now.

Photo Courtesy Sally Juvenal, Phyillis Browning Company

By Amy M. Pollak