California’s housing market offers a fascinating glimpse into the diversity of luxury and lifestyle across the state. With $5 million, you can discover everything from modern architectural gems perched above breathtaking coastlines to sprawling estates with rich historical charm. Whether you’re drawn to panoramic ocean views in Long Beach, Spanish-style elegance in Santa Barbara, or gated privacy in Anaheim’s prestigious neighborhoods, California’s real estate delivers unique features tailored to its iconic locales. Think homes with expansive outdoor living spaces, gourmet kitchens, guest casitas, and high-end finishes that seamlessly blend style and comfort. Join us as we explore what $1 million can unlock in one of the most dynamic housing markets in the country.
10. Encino, CA – $5,199,000
This property in Encino is priced at $5,199,000. This 6,370-square-foot single-family home, built in 1965, features six bedrooms and seven bathrooms. Situated on an 11,129-square-foot lot, the property includes an open floor plan with a dining area, family room with a stone fireplace, and large pocket sliding doors for indoor-outdoor living. The chef’s kitchen includes marble countertops, an oversized island, a butler’s kitchen, and a breakfast nook. Outdoor features include a covered patio deck, an outdoor kitchen, a spa, and a rooftop deck with views. The primary suite offers a fireplace, a walk-in closet, a spa-like bathroom, and a private balcony.
Listing Agent: George Ouzounian @ The Agency Via Coldwell Banker Realty
9. Los Angeles, CA – $5,480,000
Here’s what you get in Los Angeles for $5,480,000. This 4,374-square-foot single-family home, built in 2021, includes five bedrooms and five bathrooms. The property features an open floor plan with sleek finishes and abundant natural light. The kitchen is a gourmet space designed for functionality, while the living area opens to a patio suited for outdoor use. Additional amenities include a two-car garage and modern systems for comfort and convenience. The home is located near dining options and schools in the Westwood and Beverly Hills areas of Los Angeles.
Listing Agent: May Arroyo @ Premier Properties Realty Prof Via Coldwell Banker Realty
8. San Francisco, CA – $5,350,000
All this in San Francisco for $5,350,000. This 3,898-square-foot single-family home, built in 2014, features five bedrooms and five bathrooms across two legally defined units. The main house includes four bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms, a family room, a professional kitchen with a Heath Ceramics tile backsplash, and a living/dining area with floor-to-ceiling windows offering dramatic views. The lower unit contains one bedroom, one bathroom, a spacious entertaining area, and a patio, suitable for use as a guest suite or home office/gym. The top floor houses the primary suite with a large patio, a custom walk-in closet, and a spa-like bathroom. The property also includes two one-car garages and is wrapped in reclaimed redwood siding sourced from Moffett Field’s Hangar One.
Listing Agent: Frank A Nolan @ Vanguard Properties Via Coldwell Banker Realty
7. Sacramento, CA – $5,200,000
Here’s an example of a $5,200,000 in Sacramento. This 9,015-square-foot single-family home, built in 2001, is located on a private 1.5-acre gated estate in Sierra Oaks Vista. The property features six bedrooms, nine bathrooms, and a separate 1,000-square-foot spa building with a jacuzzi, steam shower, and fitness center. Outdoor amenities include a solar-heated pool, a full-size lighted tennis court with a courtside bar cabana, an outdoor fireplace cabana, and a custom BBQ kitchen. The main residence, designed by architect Seiss Wagner, includes custom stone, tile, and marble imported from Italy and Greece, three fireplaces, and a grand living room with 40-foot ceilings. Additional features include all en-suite bedrooms with private balconies, a primary suite on the ground floor, and an elevator for access to the second floor.
Listing Agents: Anthony Estigoy & Tatiana Bedoya @ Nick Sadek Sotheby’S International Realty Via Coldwell Banker Realty
6. Carmel Valley, CA – $5,175,000
All this for $5,175,000 in Carmel Valley. This 5,986-square-foot single-family home, built in 2003, includes six en-suite bedrooms with walk-in closets and 7.5 bathrooms, including one for the pool. The property features a private backyard with a pool, rock slide, jacuzzi, fountains, a firepit, BBQ area with island seating, and a covered veranda with lighting and fans. The interior includes high ceilings, a foyer and family room with 30-foot ceilings, a gourmet kitchen with a walk-in pantry, Viking appliances, and a great room with a fireplace and bar. Additional features include a primary suite with two walk-in closets, a spa tub, and a built-in safe, as well as a guest room with a private balcony. The home has a three-car garage, a circular driveway accommodating four vehicles, and is located near the Grand Del Mar and golf course.
Listing Agents: Brett Dickinson & Ross Clark @ Compass Via Coldwell Banker Realty
5. San Jose, CA – $4,995,000
In San Jose, this is an example of what you can buy for $4,995,000. This 5,712-square-foot single-family home, built in 1923, includes six bedrooms and five bathrooms. Located on a 50,300-square-foot lot in the Rose Garden neighborhood, it is one of the largest properties in the area. The home features a large dining room with floor-to-ceiling windows facing southeast for ample natural light. The opulent foyer and spacious interior provide a historical scale uncommon in the Bay Area. The property includes a sizable backyard suitable for outdoor gatherings.
Listing Agent: Raymond Lee @ Clarity Capital Group Via Coldwell Banker Realty
4. Long Beach, CA – $4,900,000
For $4,900,000, here’s what you get in Long Beach. This 3,387-square-foot single-family home, built in 1956 and designed by Edward Killingsworth, FAIA, features four bedrooms and four bathrooms. Situated on a 40-foot corner lot, the home offers panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean, Catalina Island, the Palos Verdes Peninsula, and Downtown Long Beach. The second floor features an open-plan design with ocean views from nearly every room, a living room with bifolding Nano Walls, a Catalina rock fireplace, and vaulted ceilings. The lower level includes two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a laundry room, and an entertaining space with a wood-burning fireplace and large picture windows. Additional features include an elevator, a two-car garage, an enclosed carport, and outdoor spaces such as a central terrace and atrium.
Listing Agent: Blake Nicolai @ RE/MAX R. E. Specialists Via Coldwell Banker Realty
3. Santa Barbara, CA – $5,495,000
This spacious home in Santa Barbara is all yours for $5,495,000. This 5,339-square-foot single-family home, built in 1977, is located in the Upper Riviera neighborhood of Santa Barbara and includes four bedrooms and 3.5 bathrooms. The property features panoramic views of the city skyline, coastline, ocean, harbor, and islands from most rooms. Outdoor amenities include multiple patios and terraces totaling approximately 2,400 square feet, an outdoor kitchen with a pizza oven, and several seating areas. Inside, the home includes a private office and a discreet elevator providing access to much of the house. The estate combines Spanish-style architecture with upscale finishes and design elements for functionality and comfort.
Listing Agent: Stephen Epstein @ Keller Williams Realty Santa Barbara Via Coldwell Banker Realty
2. Anaheim, CA – $5,249,900
In Anaheim, $5,249,900 will get you this property. This 8,936-square-foot single-family home, built in 1960, is located in the Peralta Hills enclave of Anaheim and features eight bedrooms and seven bathrooms. The property includes dual staircases, six fireplaces, and a chef’s kitchen with stone countertops, mahogany cabinetry, and a large center island. The top floor is dedicated to the primary suite, which includes a private ensuite bathroom, a walk-in closet, and scenic views. Additional features include a library with custom Honduran mahogany bookshelves, multiple formal dining and living spaces, and a separate guest house. Outdoor amenities consist of a pool, spa, and private north/south tennis court, all situated on a one-acre gated lot.
Listing Agent: Lara Tooma @ First Team Real Estate Via Coldwell Banker Realty
1. Palm Springs, CA – $4,995,000
I’d say you get the most modest home for $4,995,000 in Palm Springs. This 5,746-square-foot single-family home, set for completion in 2024, will feature four bedrooms, six bathrooms, and a five-car attached garage on a 27,000+ square-foot lot in South Palm Springs. The property will include a one-bedroom casita with a living room, kitchen, and bathroom. Outdoor amenities will consist of a large swimming pool, a pool cabana with a full bathroom, an island, a BBQ, and a changing/massage room. The home will also include a separate pool cabana for additional convenience. All plans and renderings are subject to modification by the owner or buyer, including interior finishes.
Listing Agent: William Taylor @ Desert Elite Properties, Inc. Via Coldwell Banker Realty
