Stranger Things: Take the Hawkins property affordability test

A welcome to Hawkins sign covered in a vine from the Upside Down. Red angry sky with the Mindflayer. Netflix's Stranger Things
Image credit Florian Bar. (Netflix's Stranger Things).

So you’re thinking of moving to Hawkins, Indiana. Welcome to Hell – er, we mean the most exciting town in all of Middle America! With local charm, a wide variety of nostalgic properties to choose from, and definitely no demogorgons, there’s something for everyone and every budget in this perfect midwestern slice. 

In fact, the 1980s are an exciting time to buy into property. Yes, interest rates may be high (15% - 18%!), but prices have fallen, giving first home buyers a golden window of opportunity. 

We understand buying a house can be a complicated process, so we’re here to walk you through all Hawkins has to offer, step by step. See something you like? We’ll estimate how much you’ll need for a home loan, too, so you’re ready to make an offer. This is the American Dream, after all! And stranger things have happened…

RELATED: What’s coming to Netflix Australia

Contains spoilers for Netflix’s Stranger Things 4

Max and Eddie’s Trailer Park

Max Mayfield hugs her mother outside their trailer home in Netflix's Stranger Things.
Image credit Netflix.
  • 1-2 bedroom trailers and RV parking spaces
  • Close to local factory for bringing home the big bucks
  • Murder scene discount

Don’t judge a book by its cover! Set just off Kerley, this quaint trailer park bursts with potential and community charm – perfect for house hunters on a budget. Whether you’re looking to rent or buy off-market, there’s plenty of options to choose from. Pick a place by the open field, or perhaps near the picnic benches for some lunch in the sun. 

In the interest of full disclosure, recently, there has been a little bit of a…gruesome murder. But don’t let that put you off! It’s all part of the local colour, and we’re certain it’s a one-off. Besides, nothing like a dead high schooler in your living room to keep prices low and affordable!

Price: US$8,000 - $15,000

Chief Hopper’s Cabin

Chief Jim Hopper's derelict old cabin from Netflix's Stranger Things.
Image credit Netflix.
  • 2 bedroom log cabin with a porch
  • Lovely natural surrounds
  • Great fixer-upper project

The previous owner has died – or left the country? Either way, this charming cabin in the woods is back on the market! Don’t mind the booby traps or the hole in the ceiling: this place is just begging to be flipped.

With a wide gable porch, antique wood, and inviting aspect, this rural cabin is perfect for those seeking a little privacy. Enjoy a hike to Skull Rock or Lovers Lake then return for quiet evenings by the TV, which you can see if you leave the door open at least three inches. 

And the water still works, so you won’t have to start entirely from scratch! 

Price: US$20,000

Byers House

Joyce Byers house on Netflix's Stranger Things.
Image credit Netflix.
  • 1970s ranch style suburban house
  • 1 storey, 3 bedrooms, shed
  • Free Christmas lights

Beyond the wilds of what the local youth call “Mirkwood” rests this darling 1970s ranch style home. The electricity is a little sketchy, but with some new wiring and a good energy provider, you’ll be shining like the lights of Chicago. The owner is looking for someone to move in ASAP as she’s relocating to California with her two boys. But while it may be pre-loved, a fresh coat of paint could have you feeling right at home. 

Price: US$25,000

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Wheeler House

Mike and Nancy Wheelers' house on Netflix's Stranger Things.
Image credit Netflix.
  • Suburban Garrison house
  • 2 storeys with a basement, 4 bedrooms
  • Perfect place to raise a family with 2.5 kids

If you’ve got a cushy job and perfect nuclear family, why not buy a home to match? This 2-storey Garrison house comes with a cosy basement, generous backyard, and magnificent driveway – the perfect place for raising a troop of spirited kids.

Situated in a tranquil neighbourhood, the property is also in the local catchment for Hawkins Middle and Hawkins High School. So close the kids could bike! And who knows: maybe by the time your eldest daughter heads off to college, the house could be worth big-time monies.

Price: US$40,000

Harrington House

Steve Harrington's heated pool from Netflix's Stranger Things.
Image credit Netflix.
  • Suburban Garrison house, 4+ bedrooms, 2 storeys
  • Comes with a heated pool
  • Away from all the action

Could you be a member of the Hawkins elite? Owned by the wealthy Harrington family, this photogenic place boasts 4+ bedrooms and a heated pool complete with diving board, so you can host parties all year round! 

This prime location is situated near Benny’s Burgers – perfect for all your late night snacking needs. Plus, it's far enough from all the downtown commotion that you’ll be safe and sound when the mall catches on fire or government agents storm the building. Talk about peace and quiet!

Price: US$60,000

Creel House

Creel House at sunset on Netflix's Stranger Things.
Image credit Netflix.
  • Old Victorian 3 storey house
  • 5-6 bedrooms AT LEAST
  • Massive attic for satanic rituals 

While this local legend may look like the stuff of nightmares, with a little love and care you could easily turn it into a dream. Opposite a retro playground, this fixer-upper is ideal for raising some precocious and gifted children. Features include an excellent vintage bathtub and free furniture in the attic. Been on the market for thirty years, so the price is open to negotiation – though you should definitely get a property valuation first. Don’t mind the spiders, or the ominous grandfather clock.

Price: Negotiable

The Upside Down

Eddie Munson plays Metallica's Master of Puppets in the Upside Town on Netflix's Stranger Things.
Image credit Netflix.
  • Endless free real estate
  • Exotic wildlife
  • Use snack-size gates to get your essentials 

Live your best Red Dawn aesthetic in this undiscovered realm of darkness. Night owls will fall in love with the quiet atmosphere. Those tired of modern capitalist society can also test their true survival skills as alien hellbeasts try to eat their face. Who doesn’t love a good challenge? Consider it the ultimate cardio workout! 

If you ever need a break, just jump through the designated portals back into Hawkins. Get a free rifle, electric guitar, and welcome basket of Molotov cocktails upon signing the property deed.

Price: Free!

After Stranger Things 4 (spoilers ahead)

Stranger Things characters in a half-decayed meadow from Netflix's Stranger Things 4.
Image credit Netflix.

The world is on fire but property is great!

We at Hawkins Real Estate believe the cosmic cracks in the town's landscape give it a unique character unlike anywhere else in the States. Magnitude 7.4 magnitude earthquake? Nothing America can't handle!

And with people now leaving in droves, Hawkins property prices are set to plummet – which is great news for first home buyers looking to raise six kids with their high school sweetheart. (As long as you don’t mind the gaping hellmouth in your front yard. Turn it into a water feature!)

Before you move to Hawkins, we suggest you invest in some solid home insurance with maximum coverage. This quaint little town is full of surprises, after all, and you don’t want to get caught off guard when more supernatural monsters or Russians come visiting.

Can’t find your dream home? Don’t worry: with so many residents selling damaged or destroyed property, there’s a legion of dirt-cheap fixer uppers to flip, meaning a small investment now could soon turn into your own real estate empire. 

Either way, now’s the best time* to move to Hawkins, Indiana!

*DISCLAIMER: We are not held responsible for any damages caused by supernatural animals, Russians, natural disasters, children with superpowers, drunk cops, or mad scientists. Buy at your own risk. Deposits non-refundable.

Buying your first home? Check out our guide on the whole property purchasing process, step by step. Or if you're ready, compare home loan offers below.

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Last updated 10 December 2024 Important disclosures and comparison rate warning*
What are your home loan needs?

Your loan-to-value ratio (LVR): 50%

Loan amount and LVR will affect interest rates.

  • Promoted

    Offset Home Loan

    • Fixed
    • Owner Occupier
    • Principal & Interest
    • LVR <70%
    Interest rate
    5.69 % p.a.
    Fixed 2 years
    Comparison rate
    6.30 % p.a.
    Initial monthly repayment
    $2,899
    Go to site

    Convenient offset account. No upfront or ongoing fees. Free extra repayments and redraw facility. Option to earn Qantas points. Min 30% deposit required. Borrow up to $10,000,000.

  • Promoted

    Unloan Variable

    • Owner Occupier
    • LVR <80%
    Interest rate
    5.99 % p.a.
    Variable
    Comparison rate
    5.90 % p.a.
    Initial monthly repayment
    $2,995
    Go to site

    Built by CommBank, the Unloan is the first home loan with an increasing discount (conditions apply) for borrowers. No application or banking fees. No monthly account keeping or early exit fees. Apply online in minutes.

  • Promoted

    Basic Home Loan

    • Fixed
    • Owner Occupier
    • Principal & Interest
    • LVR<70%
    Interest rate
    5.69 % p.a.
    Fixed 2 years
    Comparison rate
    6.08 % p.a.
    Initial monthly repayment
    $2,899
    Go to site

    No upfront or ongoing fees. Free extra repayments and redraw facility. Option to earn Qantas points. Min 30% deposit required. Borrow up to $10,000,000.

  • Promoted

    Basic Home Loan

    • Owner Occupier
    • LVR<60%
    • Principal & Interest
    Interest rate
    6.14 % p.a.
    Variable
    Comparison rate
    6.16 % p.a.
    Initial monthly repayment
    $3,043
    Go to site

    Enjoy a low rate home loan with $0 application fee and $0 ongoing fees. Flexibility to split your loan and set different repayment types. Fee free redraw from your loan using online banking. Flexible ways to repay. 40% Deposit required.

  • Promoted

    Variable Home Loan 90

    • Principal and Interest
    • LVR <90%
    Interest rate
    6.04 % p.a.
    Variable
    Comparison rate
    6.06 % p.a.
    Initial monthly repayment
    $3,011
    Go to site

    Affordable home loan rate for buyers or refinancers. No monthly or ongoing fees. Option to add an offset for 0.10%. Access to savings with unlimited redraws available. Minimum 10% deposit required.

  • Promoted

    Budget Home Loan

    • LVR <80%
    • Owner Occupier
    • Principal & Interest
    Interest rate
    6.04 % p.a.
    Variable
    Comparison rate
    6.07 % p.a.
    Initial monthly repayment
    $3,011
    Go to site

    Enjoy a discounted variable home loan from IMB. Get up to $4,000 cashback (T&Cs apply). Life-of-loan discount off IMB’s standard variable interest rate. Unrestricted additional repayments. Free Internet and Mobile Banking redraws (T&Cs apply). No monthly fees to pay. Up to a 30 year loan term. Split loan available. No offset account.

  • Promoted

    Neat Home Loan

    • Owner Occupier
    • Principal & Interest
    • LVR <60%
    Interest rate
    6.09 % p.a.
    Variable
    Comparison rate
    6.11 % p.a.
    Initial monthly repayment
    $3,027
    Go to site

    Competitively-priced variable rate loan. Ideal for owner occupiers and investors. No service fees to pay. Make free extra repayments and redraws. Flexible repayment schedule available.

  • Optimum Fixed Rate Home Loan

    • Owner Occupier
    • Principal & Interest
    • LVR <80%
    Interest rate
    5.59 % p.a.
    Fixed 3 years
    Comparison rate
    6.31 % p.a.
    Initial monthly repayment
    $2,867
    Go to site

    Lock in a competitive interest rate and enjoy peace of mind for the fixed period. Available for owner occupied new and refinanced home loans with at least 20% deposit. Split option available as well as redraw. No application, ongoing or banking fees. Third Party fees may be applicable - payable within loan repayments. Extra repayments up to $20K per annum permitted. Apply online, 100% member owned credit union.

  • Basic Home Loan

    • Fixed
    • Owner Occupier
    • Principal & Interest
    • LVR<70%
    Interest rate
    5.69 % p.a.
    Fixed 2 years
    Comparison rate
    6.08 % p.a.
    Initial monthly repayment
    $2,899
    Go to site

    No upfront or ongoing fees. Free extra repayments and redraw facility. Option to earn Qantas points. Min 30% deposit required. Borrow up to $10,000,000.

  • Offset Home Loan

    • Fixed
    • Owner Occupier
    • Principal & Interest
    • LVR <70%
    Interest rate
    5.69 % p.a.
    Fixed 2 years
    Comparison rate
    6.30 % p.a.
    Initial monthly repayment
    $2,899
    Go to site

    Convenient offset account. No upfront or ongoing fees. Free extra repayments and redraw facility. Option to earn Qantas points. Min 30% deposit required. Borrow up to $10,000,000.

  • Fixed Home Loan

    • Owner Occupier
    • Principal & Interest
    • LVR <95%
    Interest rate
    5.69 % p.a.
    Fixed 2 years
    Comparison rate
    6.34 % p.a.
    Initial monthly repayment
    $2,899
    Go to site

    Get the security of a competitive fixed rate home loan for 2 years with IMB. Get up to $4,000 cashback (T&Cs apply). Up to 12 months repayments in advance without penalties. Free Internet and Mobile Banking redraws (T&Cs apply). Up to a 30 year loan term. Split loan available. No offset account.

  • Flex Home Loan

    • Fixed
    • Owner Occupier
    • Principal & Interest
    • LVR <60%
    Interest rate
    5.79 % p.a.
    Fixed 2 years
    Comparison rate
    6.27 % p.a.
    Initial monthly repayment
    $2,931
    Go to site

    Competitive Fixed rate. Multiple offset accounts available. Borrowers can also make extra repayments. Redraw facility available. Simple online application process. 40% deposit required.

  • Unloan Variable

    • Owner Occupier
    • LVR <80%
    Interest rate
    5.99 % p.a.
    Variable
    Comparison rate
    5.90 % p.a.
    Initial monthly repayment
    $2,995
    Go to site

    Built by CommBank, the Unloan is the first home loan with an increasing discount (conditions apply) for borrowers. No application or banking fees. No monthly account keeping or early exit fees. Apply online in minutes.

  • Variable Home Loan 90

    • Principal and Interest
    • LVR <90%
    Interest rate
    6.04 % p.a.
    Variable
    Comparison rate
    6.06 % p.a.
    Initial monthly repayment
    $3,011
    Go to site

    Affordable home loan rate for buyers or refinancers. No monthly or ongoing fees. Option to add an offset for 0.10%. Access to savings with unlimited redraws available. Minimum 10% deposit required.

  • Budget Home Loan

    • LVR <80%
    • Owner Occupier
    • Principal & Interest
    Interest rate
    6.04 % p.a.
    Variable
    Comparison rate
    6.07 % p.a.
    Initial monthly repayment
    $3,011
    Go to site

    Enjoy a discounted variable home loan from IMB. Get up to $4,000 cashback (T&Cs apply). Life-of-loan discount off IMB’s standard variable interest rate. Unrestricted additional repayments. Free Internet and Mobile Banking redraws (T&Cs apply). No monthly fees to pay. Up to a 30 year loan term. Split loan available. No offset account.

  • Neat Home Loan

    • Owner Occupier
    • Principal & Interest
    • LVR <60%
    Interest rate
    6.09 % p.a.
    Variable
    Comparison rate
    6.11 % p.a.
    Initial monthly repayment
    $3,027
    Go to site

    Competitively-priced variable rate loan. Ideal for owner occupiers and investors. No service fees to pay. Make free extra repayments and redraws. Flexible repayment schedule available.

  • Flex Home Loan

    • Owner Occupier
    • Principal & Interest
    • LVR <60%
    Interest rate
    6.09 % p.a.
    Variable
    Comparison rate
    6.33 % p.a.
    Initial monthly repayment
    $3,027
    Go to site

    Competitive variable rate. Multiple offset accounts available. Borrowers can also make extra repayments. Redraw facility available. Simple online application process. 40% deposit required.

  • Basic Home Loan

    • Owner Occupier
    • LVR<60%
    • Principal & Interest
    Interest rate
    6.14 % p.a.
    Variable
    Comparison rate
    6.16 % p.a.
    Initial monthly repayment
    $3,043
    Go to site

    Enjoy a low rate home loan with $0 application fee and $0 ongoing fees. Flexibility to split your loan and set different repayment types. Fee free redraw from your loan using online banking. Flexible ways to repay. 40% Deposit required.

  • Offset Home Loan

    • Owner Occupier
    • LVR<60%
    • Principal & Interest
    Interest rate
    6.14 % p.a.
    Variable
    Comparison rate
    6.39 % p.a.
    Initial monthly repayment
    $3,043
    Go to site

    Ability to open up to 10 offset accounts per loan account. Fast online application. Linked Debit Mastercard® with fee-free access at ATMs across Australia. Package a credit card with your home loan and the annual card fee will be waived (T&Cs apply). 40% deposit required.

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* WARNING: This comparison rate applies only to the example or examples given. Different amounts and terms will result in different comparison rates. Costs such as redraw fees or early repayment fees, and cost savings such as fee waivers, are not included in the comparison rate but may influence the cost of the loan. The comparison rate displayed is for a secured loan with monthly principal and interest repayments for $150,000 over 25 years.

** Initial monthly repayment figures are estimates only, based on the advertised rate. You can change the loan amount and term in the input boxes at the top of this table. Rates, fees and charges and therefore the total cost of the loan may vary depending on your loan amount, loan term, and credit history. Actual repayments will depend on your individual circumstances and interest rate changes.

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