Remember These Christmas Movie Houses? Their Prices Today Will Shock You
Christmas movies are timeless favorites. From Home Alone to Miracle on 34th Street, these beloved films feature now-iconic homes where families gather and holiday magic unfolds. We’ve all imagined living in these houses; but could the average American afford to buy one today?
Home Alone (1990)
Address: 671 Lincoln Avenue, Winnetka, IL
“Home Alone” follows the misadventures of 8-year-old Kevin McCallister, whose family accidentally left him behind after heading to Paris to visit family. Initially reveling in his newfound freedom, Kevin soon faces a pair of bumbling burglars and devises elaborate traps to protect his home. Filled with comedy, heartwarming moments, and Kevin’s ingenious schemes, the holiday classic showcases the power of resourcefulness and the importance of family.
All parts of the movie, including the famous airport scene, were filmed in Illinois, and the Georgian home on a half-acre lot was sold in January of this year for $5.5 million. The home is currently off-market and has an estimated value of $5.7 million.
Although Winnetka is home to a few billionaires and has a median income of $250,100, the estimated monthly payments of $32,708 are unaffordable for the average American.
The Family Stone (2005)
Address: 144 Riverside Ave, Riverside, CT
“The Family Stone” portrays the Stone family’s eventful holiday reunion. The eldest son, Everett, brings his girlfriend, Meredith, home to meet his eccentric, tight-knit family. However, Meredith’s attempt to fit in with the Stones causes numerous challenges, leading to humorous and touching moments as family dynamics unravel.
The Connecticut home currently has an estimated value of $5.1 million; slightly higher than its 2008 sale price of $4.1 million; while the median household income in Riverside is $250,000. In the movie, however, Everett Stone works on Wall Street. Meredith is a successful businessperson. Between their dual incomes, they could afford to buy this lavish home.
A Christmas Story (1983)
Address: 3159 W. 11th Street, Cleveland, OH
“A Christmas Story” is the nostalgic and humorous tale of young Ralphie Parker’s quest for the ultimate Christmas gift; a Red Ryder BB gun, despite warnings about its potential danger.
Set in 1940s Indiana, the film follows Ralphie as he navigates school, family dynamics, and his persistent campaign to secure the coveted present. With a blend of humor and heartwarming moments, the movie captures the essence of childhood dreams and the joys and challenges of the holiday season.
Although the movie takes place in Indiana, the iconic home is in Cleveland, Ohio, where the median income is $37,351. Although the home is off the market, its current estimated price of $252,000 is unaffordable for most residents in the county.
It’s a Wonderful Life (1946)
Address: 4587 Viro Rd, La Cañada Flintridge, CA
“It’s a Wonderful Life” tells the story of George Bailey, a compassionate, dedicated banker who manages Bailey Building and Loan in the small town of Bedford Falls. On Christmas Eve, facing financial ruin and disillusionment, George contemplates taking his life. However, a guardian angel intervenes, revealing George’s profound impact on his community. Through a heartfelt journey of self-discovery and redemption, the film celebrates the significance of kindness, love, and the effect of one’s life on others.
Although Flintridge, California, has a higher household income of $210,625 per the United States Census Bureau data, the home featured in the movie has an estimated value of $2.19 million, making it unaffordable.
Miracle on 34th Street (1947)
Address: 24 Derby Road, Port Washington, Long Island, NY
“Miracle on 34th Street” tells the heartwarming story of Susan Walker, a skeptical young girl who encounters Kriss Kringle, a man claiming to be Santa Claus, at Macy’s department store during Christmas. As Susan’s disbelief in Santa Claus is challenged, her wish for a house and a father figure becomes entwined with Kringle’s mission to restore her belief in the holiday spirit.
Homes like those on Susan’s wish list are barely affordable for Long Island residents, listed at around $1.1 million.
National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (1989)
Address: 727 West Kenneth Road, Glendale, CA
“National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” chronicles the misadventures of the Griswold family as they eagerly prepare for an extravagant Christmas celebration. Patriarch Clark Griswold anxiously anticipates his holiday bonus from his boss, Frank Shirley, hoping to install a swimming pool for his family. However, chaos ensues when Frank unexpectedly suspends bonuses, thwarting Clark’s perfect holiday plans and leading to a series of hilarious and chaotic mishaps.
Although most of the movie was filmed at the Warner Bros. Studio set, Frank’s home is in Glendale, California. Based on the current estimated purchase price of $4 million, its owners would pay $13,678 monthly. Although the movie does not mention specific details of Frank’s high-level executive position, the home would be unaffordable today based on the average income.
Were Christmas Movie Houses Always a Hollywood Fantasy?
Were some of these famous Christmas movie homes ever affordable; even when the movies first came out? Take Home Alone, for example. Kevin McCallister’s parents were raising five kids in a massive Chicago-area home on what appeared to be fairly ordinary careers. Or look at National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, where Clark Griswold’s suburban house somehow supported elaborate holiday displays and a stay-at-home spouse on a single income. Even Miracle on 34th Street presents a level of comfort that raises questions about how easily those lifestyles could have been maintained at the time.
Fast-forward to today, and the affordability gap is impossible to ignore. Home prices have soared far beyond the pace of wage growth, and higher mortgage interest rates have only made buying a home more difficult for middle-class families. While homes aren’t liquid assets, they represent the biggest source of wealth for most Americans; making rising costs especially hard to overcome.
So were these Christmas movie houses always a bit of Hollywood fantasy? Or were they once within reach and only feel impossible now?
Many of these cozy, nostalgic homes remain just that; nostalgic symbols of a lifestyle that feels increasingly out of reach, sparking plenty of debate about whether movie magic ever truly matched real-life finances.
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Three years on from the groundbreaking SECURE Act, which revolutionized America’s retirement landscape for the first time in a decade, the SECURE Act 2.0 sequel legislation aims to widen the gateway to retirement plans and benefits, introducing pivotal changes like automatic enrollment in select workplace pensions, increased catch-up contributions for the seasoned workforce, and extended retirement saving opportunities for part-time employees. Moreover, it promises to bolster individuals’ ability to set aside emergency funds, ensuring swift access in times of need, marking another significant stride toward securing a more financially stable future for all. Here are some of the key provisions.
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John Dealbreuin came from a third world country to the US with only $1,000 not knowing anyone; guided by an immigrant dream. In 12 years, he achieved his retirement number.
He started Financial Freedom Countdown to help everyone think differently about their financial challenges and live their best lives. John resides in the San Francisco Bay Area enjoying nature trails and weight training.
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