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  • What It Costs to Buy a House in America’s Iconic Holiday Movie Towns

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    Picture your favorite holiday movie. Maybe it’s a scene from “Home Alone” in Illinois, or one of the dozens of Hallmark films set in small-town New England (even though many are filmed in Canada). You probably remember them for their snow, romance, humor, and festive miracles — they may have even made you want to visit or live in the towns they depict. 

    But what are these places like in real life? If you were to move to one of these places today, could you afford to settle down, or would the price tag break the holiday spell? 

    Let’s explore how affordable some of the most iconic movie towns really are. From timeless classics to contemporary hits, cozy up and take a snow-covered journey that may make you think about things a little differently.

    1. “It’s a Wonderful Life” (1946) – Seneca Falls, New York

    • Median sale price: $260,000
    • Median household income: $54,400

    This holiday classic is set in the fictional town of Bedford Falls, which is commonly thought to be based on Seneca Falls in Upstate NY — a quiet, snowy hamlet full of small-town charm. The real-life town even celebrates its Hollywood connection with a dedicated museum and large annual festival.

    If you saw the movie’s quaint streets, string lights, and old-school charm and thought it would be a nice place to visit or live, you’re in luck. Seneca Falls’ median sale price is nearly half the national rate, similar to nearby cities like Rochester and Syracuse.

    2. “Home Alone” (1990) – Winnetka, Illinois

    • Median sale price: $1,758,000
    • Median household income: $250,000

    You may remember the classic brick homes and snow-covered lawns of the “Home Alone” world, where Kevin fended off two bumbling burglars and learned to outsmart the grown-ups around him. 

    The movie is set in real-life Winnetka, Illinois, and on the surface, it might seem like a great place to live. But most people would have a hard time affording it. Homes regularly sell in the millions in this upscale suburb, and six-figure salaries are the norm. In fact, the real-life home of the fictional McCallister family, dubbed the “Home Alone house,” sold for $5.5 million in early 2025. 

    On the whole, Chicago is relatively affordable, but its suburbs are often wealthy and defined by classic American architecture.

    3. “A Christmas Story” (1983) – Cleveland, Ohio

    • Median sale price: $249,000
    • Median household income: $67,586

    While the movie is set in 1940s Indiana, much of “A Christmas Story” was filmed in Cleveland, giving the city a permanent place in holiday-movie history. The iconic house — now a museum — is tucked into the Tremont neighborhood just minutes from downtown. You can even spend the night and wake up in a pink bunny suit holding a Red Ryder BB gun, just like Ralphie dreamed.

    For those interested in recreating the Christmas magic, Cleveland is a very affordable place to live, regularly ranking as one of the most affordable big cities in the country.

    4. “Elf” (2003) – New York, New York

    • Median sale price: $770,000
    • Median household income: $81,228

    A more modern classic, “Elf” is all about discovering the magic of the Big Apple: towering Christmas trees, sparkling storefronts, and big-city holiday fun. It was filmed on location throughout NYC, giving it a real-world feel. 

    The Hobbs family’s home is located at 55 Central Park West, a landmarked building adjacent to Central Park. It’s a prime location for city living, but would be difficult to afford today — a studio condo costs nearly $800,000. And on the whole, New York is one of the most expensive cities in the nation. 

    Numerous other holiday movies have been set in New York over the years, including “Miracle on 34th Street” (1947), “Scrooged” (1988), and “Home Alone 2: Lost in New York” (1992).

    5. “Romance at Reindeer Lodge” (2017) – Jamaica, Vermont

    • Median sale price: $400,000
    • Median household income: $71,364

    Vermont has played host to plenty of holiday movies, but nearly all of them have been set in fictional places. “Romance at Reindeer Lodge” is one of the rare ones set in a lodge in the real-life town of Jamaica, Vermont — even though it was actually filmed in Connecticut. The movie is full of snowy landscapes and rustic charm. 

    Jamaica is a very rural town in mountainous southwestern Vermont, surrounded by ski resorts, parks, and quaint bed and breakfasts. It’s relatively affordable, but primarily home to part-time residents or remote workers. Buying a house will cost around $400,000, which is just below the national rate.

    6. “Christmas in Conway” (2013) – Wilmington, North Carolina

    • Median sale price: $470,000
    • Median household income: $63,165

    “Christmas in Conway” is a quintessential Hallmark movie: small-town charm, big romantic gestures, and a lovestruck community. It was filmed throughout the Wilmington area, using its landmarks and coastal charm to bring the story to life. 

    Wilmington has actually served as the backdrop of numerous other Hallmark films, including “Christmas in Harmony” (2021) and “USS Christmas” (2020). The historic port city prides itself on its holiday spirit, especially along the Riverwalk, where trees, boats, and buildings are all adorned with thousands of lights and events are held nearly every day.

    If the movie magic gave you the itch to make the move, Wilmington is thankfully a relatively affordable place to buy a house. The median sale price is just above the national average, and household incomes come close to matching the cost. 

    7. “A Biltmore Christmas” (2023) – Asheville, North Carolina

    • Median sale price: $450,000
    • Median household income: $78,996

    Set in the Blue Mountains of North Carolina, “A Biltmore Christmas” follows a screenwriter researching a classic holiday film who magically steps into its world. It was filmed at the famous Biltmore Estate in Asheville, North Carolina.

    The Biltmore Estate is a real-world escape to an age of romance and gilded-age extravagance. It was commissioned by business tycoon George Vanderbilt in the late 19th-century and today is the largest privately-owned home in the U.S., at over 175,000 square feet. You can tour it year-round, and it is highly decorated for the holiday season.

    Buying a house in the area is fairly reasonable, too. Asheville is moderately priced for the region, with home costs and incomes fairly well aligned.

    8. “Christmas at Dollywood” (2019) – Pigeon Forge, Tennessee

    • Median sale price: $555,000
    • Median household income: $53,839

    “Christmas at Dollywood” is a Hallmark classic about new beginnings and unexpected romance. The movie is set and filmed in the namesake Dollywood Parks & Resort, which is located in Pigeon Forge near Tennessee’s Great Smoky Mountains.

    The film mirrors reality in many ways: Dolly Parton plays herself as the park’s owner — she is the real-life part-owner — as the resort gears up for its Smoky Mountains Christmas festival, which is actually a beloved tradition in the region. Plus, it does snow in Pigeon Forge like the movie depicts, although usually just for a day or so. 

    If the movie gave you the itch to move, it may be difficult to buy a house, unfortunately. Pigeon Forge is more expensive than nearby major cities like Knoxville, and the median sale price is about $100,000 above the national average.

    9. “The Polar Express” (2004) – Durango, Colorado

    • Median sale price: $733,000 
    • Median household income: $79,545

    “The Polar Express” is a fantastical film full of childlike curiosity and believing in the impossible, and that split carries into the real world, too: You can actually ride the famous train. Running from mid-November through the New Year, the train leaves from Durango, Colorado and takes passengers on a festive 75-mile journey to the “North Pole” (Silverton, CO). 

    Other “Polar Express” recreations occur throughout the country, from Chicago to St. Louis, but Durango’s is iconic because of its snow, landscape, and magical destination. 

    Buying a house in this winter wonderland may prove difficult, though, as the median sale price of a home is nearly twice the national average. Incomes don’t come close to meeting the affordability threshold, either.

    10. Most Other Holiday Movies – Towns in Connecticut

    • Median sale prices: $278,000 to $2,238,000
    • Median household incomes: $41,972 to $250,000+
    • Statewide median sale price: $460,000
    • Statewide median household income: $91,665

    If there were one state synonymous with modern Christmas movies, it would be Connecticut. Over the years, 22 films have been filmed throughout the state, including “Christmas on Honeysuckle Lane” (2018), “One Royal Holiday” (2020), and “The Noel Diary” (2022). “Christmas in Connecticut” (1945) was arguably the first movie to bring the holiday spirit to the state.

    It’s not hard to see why Hollywood likes the Constitution State. Historic towns like Stamford, Norwich, Hartford, and New London offer perfect backdrops for holiday magic, with storybook architecture and snowy New England charm. You can actually take a tour of all 42 towns and villages in Connecticut where holiday movies have been filmed to fully indulge in the wonder.

    If you fell in love with the region’s colonial charm, you’ll be pleased to know that many areas of Connecticut come at lower costs, like Woodstock and Groton. On the flip side, Darien and Stamford are among the most expensive places, with prices and incomes far above the statewide median.

    Methodology

    Housing market data comes from Redfin as of November 2025. Income data comes from the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates.

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    Jamie Forbes

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  • Day of the Dead Celebration: How to Prepare and Design Your Home for the Occasion

    Day of the Dead Celebration: How to Prepare and Design Your Home for the Occasion

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    Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is a heartfelt celebration that honors the lives of those who have passed. Rooted in ancient Mexican traditions, this holiday blends indigenous customs with Spanish influences, creating a mix of rituals, colors, and meanings. As families come together to remember and celebrate their loved ones, they create ofrendas (altars) adorned with photos, food, and mementos, transforming their homes into sacred spaces of remembrance and joy.

    Colores Mexicanos’ Co-owner Gabriel Neely-Streit states, “Dia de Muertos has exploded in popularity in Chicago and across the U.S. in recent years. Besides being a beautiful tradition, we think it is a healthy way to celebrate life, process death and grief, and remember our loved ones. We love to see families of all backgrounds joining in, especially Latinx people who have grown up in the U.S. and want to reconnect to these traditions!

    The altar is our offering to our deceased loved ones, welcoming them back to the fiesta we throw for them every year! It commonly has three levels, representing the journey to Mictlán: the Land of the Dead.” 

    Whether you’re looking to create a simple altar or a fully immersive environment for your apartment in Chicago, new home in Portland, or a rental home in Los Angeles, in this Redfin article, we will delve into the fascinating history of the Día de los Muertos celebration, exploring its origins and significance. We’ll also provide practical tips on how to enjoy this meaningful occasion, including ways to design your home to reflect the spirit of the holiday. 

    Courtesy of San Angelo Hispanic Heritage Museum

    Embracing death: Historical insights into the holiday

    When exploring the traditions of Día de los Muertos, it’s essential to consider how different cultures interpret the concept of death. As Dane Strom from The Lakes Guide observes, “For people used to the orderly system of life and death north of the border, the holiday can strike outsiders as a macabre celebration of death. Its nighttime graveyard vigil and many images of the dead could first appear as a grim way to remember the ancestors.

    But for Mexicans, the Day of the Dead celebration makes the past come alive: honoring family and friends who have transcended to the other side while preserving ancestral and cultural heritage. And like all holidays (especially in Mexico) it’s a chance to celebrate, not just to remember, so the tone is often festive instead of somber.”

    Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, origins can be traced back thousands of years to the ancient Mesoamerican civilizations, such as the Aztecs and the Maya, who held a profound reverence for death and the afterlife. For these cultures, death was not seen as an end, but as a continuation of the journey of the soul.

    The Aztecs, in particular, believed that the dead existed in a parallel world and that the spirits of deceased ancestors would return to the living during specific times of the year. This belief laid the groundwork for the rituals and celebrations that would evolve into Día de los Muertos. Families would create offerings, or ofrendas, to invite the spirits back, providing them with food, drink, and items they enjoyed in life.

    With the arrival of Spanish colonizers in the 16th century, many indigenous practices were influenced by Catholicism. The timing of the Día de los Muertos celebration was adapted to coincide with the Catholic observances of All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day on November 1st and 2nd. This fusion of traditions created a unique tradition that honors both the deceased and the cultural heritage of Mexico.

    Today, Día de los Muertos is celebrated not only in Mexico but also in various parts of the world, where communities honor their loved ones with beautiful altars, colorful decorations, and festive gatherings. Through music, dance, food, and heartfelt remembrance, Día de los Muertos continues to be a powerful expression of love, memory, and the enduring connection between the living and the dead.

    Dia de los muertos ofrenda
    Courtesy of No Maps or Foot Tracks

    Honoring memories, how to create a meaningful ofrenda

    Ofrendas, or altars, are the heart of Día de los Muertos celebrations, serving as a sacred space where families can honor their deceased loved ones. These displays are not just decorative; they are deeply personal tributes that reflect the unique memories and characteristics of those being celebrated.

    As Kristina & Eduardo from Fiesta Connect share, “At the heart of Dia de los Muertos, the ofrenda is the focal point of the celebration. An ofrenda, which means “offering” in Spanish, is a meticulously crafted altar or display that is dedicated to a departed loved one. These ofrendas are striking in their intricacy, adorned with an array of colorful elements and meaningful objects. The significance of ofrendas lies in their ability to serve as a bridge between the living and the deceased. Families and communities construct these altars to create a physical space where they can remember and honor their ancestors.

    These ofrendas are not just offerings; they are a tangible connection to the past, a way to maintain a sense of closeness and remembrance. They enable people to share stories and memories of the departed, creating a bridge between generations and reaffirming the belief that the spirits of the deceased continue to exist in the hearts and minds of the living.” 

    To create your own ofrenda they suggest: 

    1. “Select a sturdy table or surface to serve as the foundation for your ofrenda. The size can vary depending on your available space and the scale of your tribute.
    2. Use a photograph of a deceased loved one, it should be a clear image of the person you’re honoring. Place it prominently at the center of the ofrenda.
    3. Include marigold flowers (Cempasúchil). These bright orange or yellow flowers are symbolic of the fragility of life. You can use fresh marigolds or artificial ones to create garlands, wreaths, or other decorations.
    4. The use of candles are essential to guide the spirits of the deceased. Select bright, colorful candles to add a vibrant touch to your ofrenda.
    5. Papel picado is intricately cut tissue paper that is often used to decorate the ofrenda. It symbolizes the wind and the fragility of existence. You can find pre-cut papel picado or make your own.
    6. Offer the favorite foods and beverages of the deceased as a way to nourish their spirits during their visit. This can include traditional Mexican dishes, fruits, sweets, and beverages like water, tequila, or atole.
    7. Gather personal items and memorabilia that represent the loved one’s interests, hobbies, and personality. This can include cherished possessions, artwork, or any objects that hold sentimental value.”

    Amber Dunlap of No Maps or Foot Tracks reiterates the use of items by stating, “To create the most authentic and effective ofrenda in your home, be sure to include not only some photos of your deceased loved one, but a nice collection of their favorite things. Did they like a particular brand of soda? Did they smoke? What was their favorite dish? Add it all to the altar. The purpose of an ofrenda is as much to memorialize the dead as to help them find their way back home. That’s why you’ll see candles and traditional Day of the Dead flowers like marigolds gracing the altar-scape too, and usually a glass of water to quench their thirst after the long journey. It’s all about the sensory signposts and their personal preferences when it comes to crafting an ofrenda.” 

    Dani Lee from The Catrina Shop adds, “A traditional ofrenda is typically made with three tiers, symbolizing the profound connection between heaven, earth, and the underworld; keep in mind that you can make it as elaborate or as simple as you want. Your personal touch is what truly matters, making it a unique and meaningful tribute to your loved ones. You are in control of this beautiful and personal process.

    Some key elements you will need include photos of the deceased to remind us of their enduring presence. Cempasúchil (marigold) flowers guide spirits back to the world of the living with their sweet aroma. Sugar skulls symbolize life’s sweetness and death’s inevitability, and candles light the way for souls to complete their spiritual journey.

    To complete the ofrenda, include traditional foods like pan de muerto and your loved one’s favorite dishes. Include a small dish with salt and a glass of water to cleanse and purify your loved one’s journey, copal, or incense to clear the path between the physical and spiritual world. Include papel picado to represent the wind and give color to your ofrenda. Lastly, add personal items and cherished mementos that serve as powerful reminders of our loved ones.”

    Travel blogger Shelley Marmor of Travel Mexico Solo sums it up by stating, “As a personal ritual to honor your deceased loved ones, there’s technically no right or wrong way to build your ofrenda. However, there are some common items you’ll often find on Day of the Dead altars.

    These include photos of those being honored, their favorite foods and drinks, items that were important to them, pan de muerto (bread of the dead), Day of the Dead flowers (especially cempasúchil/marigold and cresta de gallo/coxcomb), incense (usually copal), sugar skulls, and papel picado (colorful, perforated paper).” 

    Remembering your deceased loved ones doesn’t have to stop at your home. Several places such as the San Angelo Hispanic Heritage Museum invite people to celebrate with them. The San Angelo Hispanic Heritage Museum says, “We proudly create the largest ofrenda in Texas, adorned with over 1,500 balloons and marquee “Día de los Muertos” letters on the steps of the San Angelo Museum of Fine Arts.

    On opening night, the community is invited to place photos at the altar while enjoying folkloric dancing and live music. We believe that the best way to keep the spirit of remembrance alive is to celebrate together as a community, creating shared moments that honor our loved ones and enrich our cultural heritage.”

    The Day of the Dead serves as a powerful reminder of our connection to those who have passed, honoring their memory through altars and cherished traditions. As we create our own altars at home, we participate in a cultural legacy that transcends borders and time. As Sandra Perez-Ramirez from Mamá Noticias, a Spanish language blog says, “The Day of the Dead is a significant time for many of us, as it is the date on which we remember loved ones who have passed away. The celebration takes place in Mexico on November 1 and 2, but to the surprise and joy of many, this beautiful tradition is also celebrated worldwide.

    In Mexico, death is considered part of the cycle of life and has therefore been celebrated since pre-Hispanic times. For example, in Aztec mythology, the deceased had to go through a long journey before reaching Mictlán, the region of the dead. This tradition has been transmitted to new generations, teaching them the importance of their cultural heritage, which now is admired and celebrated worldwide.”

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    Pablo Alvarez

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