Red dead redemption for xbox 360 question?

I just got red dead redemption and I'm not to far but i have a house in armadillo and Macfarlanes's Ranch and i bought maps to find other areas like Hennigan's stead and cholla springs but i went there and there's nothing but open area with nothing. are there any other major towns or cities to go to or maybe live in? or do you have to beat more of the game to get new house if you even can. I hate the armadillo house it's small and boring and is there a bigger/nicer house you can buy somewhere?