Low priced homes in desirable Montgomery County neighborhoods might sound like a fantasy, but they aren't unicorns.

We researched the listings and found the three cheapest detached, move-in ready, single-family homes for sale in MoCo. Despite some obvious shortcomings, at around $400,000 they offer more than you might expect in a county where the median single family residence price is $791,500.

Our criteria filtered out duplexes or town homes and set a low bar for "move-in ready" -- floors with flooring, walls without holes, and functional appliances. Here's what's on the market.

24600 Woodfield Rd, Damascus: $399,990
4 beds, 1 bath, 1,491 sqft, .39 acres

This pretty little Damascus cape cod is the only livable detached home in the county under $400K. With a striking red metal roof and inviting covered front porch, this 99-year-old home includes a two-car detached garage with office space on a corner lot. Original hardwood flooring and freshly painted. Listing here.

Pros: four bedrooms, a huge garage and an unfinished basement make this home attractive for larger families.
Cons: with 1 full and no half baths, this home is a nightmare for larger families.

26112 Frederick Rd, Clarksburg: $425,000
2 beds, 1.5 baths, 1,080 sqft, 1 acre

This colonial on the historic registry was built in 1860 and has recently updated kitchen appliances, carpet, and HVAC. It features vaulted high ceilings, a beautiful front porch, and backyard patio with fire pit on a one-acre lot backing to woods. Listing here.

Pros: charming with a lot of land.
Cons: pre-civil war on historic registry means repairs extra likely, complicated and costly.

6806 New Hampshire Ave, Takoma Park: $428,280
2 Beds, 2 baths, 1,400 sqft, .25 acres

If Damascus and Clarksburg are too suburban for you, this 1942 Takoma Park cape cod is just a quarter mile from DC and walking distance to shopping centers and metro. Features new hardwood floors and other recent renovations. Unlike the previous two, this one is a short sale so be prepared for a bumpy ride to closing. Listing here.

Pros: a funky neighborhood close to DC.
Cons: nearest neighbors on a busy road are the laundromat across the street and a rundown strip mall next door.

Editor’s Note: After two years of parody and satire, The Montgonion will also be publishing occasional public interest stories, news features and editorials. While they may be sardonic, they will be factual. This is the first.