Homes in States Top-Ranked
By U.S. Home Buyers

Americans rank North Carolina and Virginia as the top two desirable states in which to live, while foreigners choose Florida and California, according to a poll by Anholt State Brands. Here are homes in the Top 5 states liked by Americans.

PLACE/PRICE: Port Charlotte, Fla./$469,900

TAXES: $5,749

THE PROPERTY: 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, 2,348 square feet

DESCRIPTION: This 1987 single-story home with an exterior of concrete block and stucco, had a new roof put on in 2003. All of the bedrooms have walk-in closets and the master has two. There is new floor tile and fresh paint.

NOTABLE: This home has direct access to the Gulf of Mexico with 132 feet of waterfront, two docks and a 12,000-lb. boat lift. Florida ranked third on the list of most desirable states for an American to live in and it came second among foreigners.

PLACE/PRICE: Southern Pines, N.C. / $839,000

TAXES: $5,928

THE PROPERTY: 4 bedrooms, 3 1/2 baths, 5,010 square feet

DESCRIPTION: This 1986 home with a six-column overhang on the front of the house, has two fireplaces, an in-ground pool, a billiard room, a paneled library and a four-car garage. It is set on 1.45 acres in a country-club community.

NOTABLE: This home with an an outdoor playhouse and workshop, is in the Pine Needles Country Club area where the 2007 U.S. Women's Open will be held. North Carolina ranked first on the list of this study, which looked at the perception Americans and foreigners had of each state.

PLACE/PRICE: Denver / $2.2 million

TAXES: $15,400

THE PROPERTY: 3 bedrooms, 5 baths, 5,645 square feet

DESCRIPTION: This 2006 townhome has two wet bars, including one in the master suite's sitting area. There is a library, a rooftop deck and a walk-out basement. There is also a finished studio above the two-car garage.

NOTABLE: The home is located downtown, three blocks from the Daniel Libeskind-designed addition to the Denver Art Museum. Colorado ranked fourth ahead of Oregon on the list of most-desirable states to live in. About 9,000 Americans were surveyed.

Sources: statebrandsindex.com, martinrealtyfla.com, mcdevittsir.com, escapehomes.com, sothebysrealty.com

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