Below you will find the pros and cons of purchasing a ranch home, as well as some background information on their history in the US. If you're just looking for our list of ranch/one story homes for sale please scroll down to the bottom of this page!
Ranch, rambler, rancher! Whatever name you know it by, it’s impossible to miss the characteristics of these one level homes - long, low roofline, asymmetrical design and open layouts, large windows, natural light, and exposed beams.
These quintessential American homes originated in California in the 1920s, combining Spanish colonial architecture used in the southwestern U.S. with modern design. As the trend moved across the country, different areas put their own regional facelift on the ranch style home.
Above: a one story ranch in Chapel Hill, NC
The exteriors of ranch homes are usually brick, wood, or stucco. They often feature sliding doors leading to a patio. The square footage varies widely, with some featuring expansive rooms and others keeping to a more compact design.
Ranch homes saw the height of their popularity from the 1940s through the 1970s. They were especially dominant post WWII thanks to the simplicity of their one level home design and an increasing preference towards suburbanization. As more traditional styles once again took hold in the 1960s, ranch homes began to decline in popularity.
The boom years of the 1980s led to a trend of having a room for everyone and everything; two-story or multi-level homes dominated the landscape. Recently, though, ranch homes have seen a resurgence in demand, both for existing homes as well as new builds. In the last few years, Trulia released a study showing North Carolina as one of four states where ranch style homes are the most common style.
Here are a few characteristics that can make ranch homes a great choice for the right buyer.
Long-term remodeling flexibility. Due to their original open space design, ranches offer greater flexibility in remodels. Bedrooms originally designated for children and teens can be easily converted to a home office or other flexible spaces for empty nesters.
Price and location. Ranch homes are the most affordable type of home in many markets, making them appealing to young buyers. Due to the age of the homes, many are located in well-established neighborhoods with mature trees. In the Raleigh/Durham area we have a lot of well-priced 1950s and 1960s brick ranchers.
One level convenience. For young families, it’s very handy to have laundry and bedrooms all one one floor. It’s also easier to monitor children on one level rather than two, or more. And ranch homes are great options for aging in place.
Maintenance and safety. No stairs! That traditional safety hazard for both the very young and the elderly doesn’t exist in a one level ranch home. Interior and exterior maintenance are much easier. Cleaning outside windows and painting? Much easier with a single story. And there’s no lugging a vacuum cleaner up the stairs! Finally, from a safety point of view, it’s easier to escape from a one-story home.
Finally, and just for fun, the very popular mid-century modern design style fits perfectly into the interior of many ranch homes.
A unique ranch style home with central patio and fountain located between Durham and Chapel Hill, NC
Lack of privacy. A one-story home means recognizing a potential loss of privacy as your windows are at eye level to the world. Having all the bedrooms on one floor can also lead to a lack of privacy, especially for parents of small children.
Maintenance costs. Sprawling one-story homes can be harder to heat and cool efficiently. And older homes are prone to needing more maintenance than newer ones, and ranches are no exception to that rule.
Smaller yards. Although many ranch homes are designed to have the indoor space flow into an outdoor patio, in general, the larger footprint on the lots for these homes usually means a smaller yard.
If you think a one story ranch home is ideal for you, you’re in luck! In Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill, there are many neighborhoods with ranch-style homes.
In Raleigh, Cameron Village features ranch homes built in the 1940s-1950s. Many have been updated with modern upgrades and features. Cameron Village has easy access to the Village District, a shopping center of more than 100 stores and restaurants.
Other Raleigh neighborhoods with ranch homes include Wilmont, part of the West Raleigh Historic District and immediately adjacent to NC State University; Laurel Hills, which features wooded surroundings and rolling hills, with Crabtree Valley Mall just down the road on Glenwood Avenue; and two midtown Raleigh neighborhoods, Lakemont and Crestview, that are near to a variety of North Hills shopping and dining opportunities.
Hope Valley is one neighborhood in Durham to check out, a mature neighborhood with secluded, tree covered streets, equal distance (15 minutes) from UNC and Duke and 10 minutes from the Streets at Southpoint. Another good choice is Parkwood, which is one of Durham's earliest, larger neighborhoods, located only a few miles from Research Triangle Park.
Chapel Hill offers classic ranch homes and transitional modern styles in relatively newer developments (1990s-2000s), Briar Chapel and Governors Park. Briar Chapel offers a 55+ development, Encore at Briar Chapel, which features one level homes with unique designs, premium finishes, open layouts, and customization options galore.
1960s Ranch home in Duke Forest, a popular Durham neighborhood.
1990s Ranch-style home in North Raleigh.
Below you will find the all of the one story / ranch homes for sale in the Triangle. Use our Advanced Search to narrow it down by Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, or other areas. Make sure to select "Ranch" in the Style drop down menu.
For complete lists of ranch homes in each of the following cities, use the below links:
Welcome to this charming 2-bedroom, 1-bathroom Ranch home perfectly situated in a fantastic location! With its practical layout and inviting features, this residence offe...
Prime investment opportunity! Currently generating great rental income with tenants in place, this property offers stability and profitability. Nestled in a highly desira...
Country living with over 2 acres 2 Bedroom w/bonus room.close to shopping, School, and Freeways, short drive to sanford, or Siler City, come and make this your new home.
Welcome to this charming 3-bedroom, 1-bathroom Ranch home nestled in a great location! Boasting a practical layout, this residence offers two bedrooms conveniently situat...
Calling all First Time Home Buyers and Investors. What a cute starter home on a quiet country road with 2 acres of land and NO RESTRICTIONS!! Metal roof in 2015 and vi...
Now offering the CUB at Bengal Towne Centre: 3rd floor studio unit is now ready for you to make this your home away from home. Convenient to elevator and stairs, luxury...
PRICE REDUCED....The home might be an investor's dream or could be a first-time starter home. There is over .5 ac. of flat land near the Amazon Plant and near downtown Ga...
This move-in ready 3 bed/2 bath home in rural Chatham County in Bennett is one you don't want to miss! Huge potential on almost 2 acres is only limited by your dreams. Im...
Well maintained 4 bedroom, 2 bath home suited on a large lot in cul-de-sac. This homes features a split a floor plan with open floor plan concept. Separate living room, e...
Charming Ranch steps to quaint Downtown Garner with a bright floor plan and upgrades galore! Features a beautiful kitchen with shaker cabinets, granite countertops, glass...
Charming 3-bedroom, 2-bath modular home nestled on a spacious one-acre lot in a serene rural setting. Upon entering the home, you step into an open-concept living area th...
Amazing Opportunity To Own Income Producing Rental Properties In Raleigh! 327 Is Situated On A DOT Maintained Road With Ample Frontage, Has A Sprawling Lot with A Huge Fr...
Wonderful one-level, one-bedroom, end-unit condominium in Chapel Hill. Walk to shopping, groceries, fitness centers, medical services, entertainment, public transport ......
Back on the market at no fault of the seller. This beautifully renovated brick ranch sits on a secluded cul-de-sac in the the quiet country of Snow Camp in Alamance Count...
Great Opportunity For Investers Or Home Owners !! Excellent Rental History !! Charming Mid Century Home In The Heart Of Zebulon. Spacious Kitchen With New Flooring Open...
Discover the charm of this inviting 2 bedroom/2 bathroom home in Mebane. Enjoy the open concept of the living room and kitchen, complimented by two well-proportioned bedr...
A rarely available stylish ranch Single Story 2-bedroom townhome where luxury meets convenience in the heart of Raleigh's Triangle Town Plantation Square. This stunning u...
OFFER DEADLINE 3/18. House is being sold ''As Is''. This brick single-level home, situated on a .45-acre lot, presents endless possibilities for the imaginative buyer. F...
This incredible investment opportunity is perfect for seasoned investors or those just starting out. The property is currently vacant, but a tenant is scheduled for April...
Must see to appreciate: Semi-secluded 3/2 on a wooded lot in a quiet, tree-lined neighborhood. Completely remodeled exterior and interior: New Siding and Windows, Luxury ...
Charming ranch style home in a great location in West Burlington. Whether you are just starting out, looking to down size or an investor looking for a home that is ready ...
One story home located 3.5 miles from downtown Raleigh, Walnut Creek Amphitheatre is 2.5 miles away, convenient to I40 and I440. Wood floors in living room and bedrooms,...
This updated 3 Bedroom, 2 Bathroom. Brick, Ranch home on a cul-de-sac lot is MOVE IN READY! NEW in 2024; Roof, Gutters, Paint and Flooring. Bathrooms with NEW Sinks, Tub,...
Newly renovated!!! Luxury 1 Level Town-home. Superior Location and Great Investment !!! Near major shopping centers, hospitals, and other prime accommodations right at th...
A true turn key duplex in East Durham Recently remodeled in 2023, this property features new cabinets, granite counter tops, Tile flooring, and brand new stainless steel ...
Amazing Opportunity To Own Income Producing Rental Properties In Raleigh! 325 A /B Is Situated On A DOT Maintained Road With Ample Frontage, Has A Sprawing Lot with A Hug...
Adorable 3 BR 2 B double wide on just under 1 acre in Efland. Enjoy being in a country setting with all the conveniences of the nearby cities. large primary suite with s...
Attention INVESTORS and BUILDERS! Here's a great opportunity to bring your investing creativity. Single Family Home with a FULL Basement ready to be converted (ready to f...
Fully Newly Custom Renovated Ranch Brick Home with two (2) Bedrooms and two(2) Full Bathrooms - New roof - Corner lot - New HVAC system - Waterproof Luxury Vinyl flooring...
Wonderful opportunity in Durham! Come see this 3 bedroom, 2 bath home located less than 5 miles from downtown Durham. Easy access to highways with commute times to RTP ra...
Cute, quiet, country living... R anch style home tucked away on a private 0.72 acre lot. Great home with no HOA! Perfect home for living in place. Sit on the front porch...
Charming three-bedroom, one bath ranch style home, conveniently located near downtown, restaurants, shopping, hospitals and more! Recently updated kitchen, with cabinets ...
Ranch home on almost a half an acre corner lot. Spacious deck and fenced yard with large shed.
Welcome to your new home in an amazing location in Raleigh, NC! Nestled less than 10 minutes away from Downtown Raleigh, this charming brick ranch home is bursting with p...
VERY NICE UPDATED RANCH,3 BEDROOS 2 FULLBATH,GRANITECOUNTERTOP,STAINLESS APPLIANAPPLIANCES, HARDWOOD FLOOR ,TILE BATHROOMS AND KITCHEN,NICE PRIVATE FENCED BACKYARD , 2016...
Attention investors! Great opportunity for the first time or experienced investor looking to add to their investment portfolio, Each unit features two bedrooms and one b...
Welcome to this charming brick ranch nestled on 2.02 acre lot within Western School District. This home offers a perfect blend of comfortable living, potential for custom...
LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION!!! Investor, Builder or homeowner special located in the heart of Durham and close to everything including transportation, hospitals, unive...
Step into the vibrant charm of this brand new ranch home, nestled in the heart of Burlington. Tucked away on a tranquil street yet just a stone's throw from the buzzing d...
3 bedrooms 2 baths ranch in Holly Pointe Subdivision. .61 acre lot w/fence and storage shed. Bright eat-in kitchen w/ appliances. Master bedroom w/ WIC and bath. Large li...
Like new renovated home with 1470+ sqft with 2 bedrooms, 2 baths & bonus room on 2.49 acre lot. Luxury vinyl plank flooring throughout, stainless steel appliances, and gr...
This exquisite, detached home is a beacon of comfort and modernity. This property offers tasteful living with this space of 1562 sq ft. Designed to accommodate your lifes...
Beautiful remodeled home with tons of upgrades! Updated kitchen with new custom cabinets, granite counter tops, tile backsplash and stainless steel appliances. Updated ba...
Check out this 3 Bedroom 2 Bath Updated Home in the heart of Graham. New Kitchen featuring White Cabinets, Granite Countertops, SS Appliances, Great Size Dining Area, Sp...
Traditional ranch style home on a big flat lot within the neighborhood of Biltmore Hills. The exterior is trimmed out well and offers a side entry two car carport. This...
This inviting ranch style house offers a unique blend of comfort and affordability. A perfect home for you to plant your roots and flourish, or a smart investment opportu...
***PROFESSIONAL PHOTOS TO BE UPLOADED MONDAY 3/18*** If you'd like to live a short stroll from charming downtown Wake Forest, with interior comforts AND a privacy fenced ...
Welcome to your new home with fun additions that set this home aside from others in the community. There was a den added on with a stone propane fireplace that would be c...
Welcome home to this cozy beautifully remodeled 2-bed, 1-bath Ranch home minutes from Downtown Durham. This home features a new roof, new HVAC, new electrical, new plumbi...
Hello? Are you a first-time home buyer or investor? Come see all that ''The Calloway'' has to offer. Bring your best offer and enjoy next generation downtown living...
Great investment opportunity! Over 3 acres on 501 with rental property already established. Property is surrounded by trees offering a private lot. Easy commute to Durham...
Welcome to this charming 4 bedroom, 2 bathroom single-family home located just minutes away from Tanger Outlets and Alamance Crossing. This spacious home features a cozy...
Welcome to this beautifully renovated 3-bedroom, 1-bathroom home in Mebane, NC! This charming property has undergone a complete transformation, boasting a brand-new roof,...
Welcome to Stone Hill Estates, where this charming ranch-style home awaits! Step onto the inviting front porch and enter into a space adorned with sleek vinyl flooring an...
Beautiful remodeled home with tons of upgrades! Updated kitchen with new custom cabinets, granite counter tops, tile backsplash and stainless steel appliances. Updated ba...
One level living with 3 bedrooms/2 bathrooms with split bedroom floorplan for additional privacy. Cathedral ceilings offers a much larger feel! Kitchen with white cabine...
Discover this charming one-owner ranch townhome nestled in the highly desirable Woodcroft community in Southwest Durham. Boasting 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, and the potenti...
This well kept home has a recently updated kitchen, cozy living in an established neighborhood. Conveniently located between Burlington and Graham and close to the new D...
Brick Ranch home w/1 car garage outside Durham city limits. .45 acre lot. 3 bedrooms, 1.5 bath home. Laminate flooring throughout living area of home. Living room w/firep...
Nestled on a sprawling 4-acre parcel, this newly renovated 2-bed, 2- bath ranch-style house offers a unique blend if modern living and expansive outdoor space. Embrace tr...
GORGEOUS One level living with a bright open floor plan and upgrades galore! Features a beautiful designer kitchen with new cabinets, granite countertops, SS appliances &...
Attention Investors! Get ready to seize an amazing opportunity! This 5-bedroom ranch-style home is located in the heart of Fuquay-Varina and is sure to be a lucrative inv...
Fantastic recently renovated 2Beds, 1Bath home located in the great neighborhood of College Park. This home sits on a corner lot, just minutes from downtown Raleigh. The ...
PRESALE! Gorgeous Brand NEW Ranch! NO HOA! Loaded w/ UPGRADES including Cathedral Ceilings, Laminate Flooring, Large Back Deck and More! OPEN Floor Plan w/ Great Natural ...
This home is conveniently located just minutes to highways, shopping and downtown Raleigh. This ranch style gem features 3 generous bedrooms providing ample space for a g...
Adorable 3-bed, 2-bath home with charming details and a cute open layout. Updated throughout, boasting a spacious yard with a storage building. Your perfect blend of comf...
Excellent Location! One Level Living! This Brick home with rear siding exterior has a 4 Seasons room with Large windows + Separate entrance, (counted as additional sq foo...
HUGE price improvement! Sellers are motivated! All offers welcome! Welcome to this charming all-brick ranch. Situated on a generous 1.14-acre lot, this property prov...
Beautiful, Freshly painted, and move in ready! Tile floors have been installed in bathrooms, Laminate flooring through out. Roof, water heater replaced within the past t...
Open the door and step into your future home. This fully remolded 3 bedroom, 1.5 baths ranch style home is MOVE IN READY. The open floor plan has a new roof, new floor...
Fishing Retreat, Kayakers Delight on the Deep River. Waterfront property has an older manufactured home that has been built onto (livable but needs some updates and cosme...
Welcome to this beautifully remodeled brick ranch, conveniently situated near downtown Raleigh! This charming home seamlessly blends modern updates with classic charm, of...
Sitting on almost half an acre of land, this adorable 3-bedroom Ranch is ready for new owners! Freshly painted throughout, this home features an open living space with ea...
Discover the untapped potential of this charming 4-bedroom ranch, built in 1956, awaiting your personal touch. It boasts 2 full baths, a family room, and a convenient lau...
Wonderful opportunity . Come and see this 4 bedroom, 1.5 bath house in Garner tucked away in a cul-de-sac. Located between Garner and Raleigh with easy access to highway...
Better than new ALL BRICK ranch located in the City Limits of Durham! This home offer tons of natural lighting throughout! Granite Kitchen with Stainless Steel Applianc...
Charming 3 bedroom 2 bath ranch home offers Southern charm with large kitchen and family rooms. Beautiful fireplaces in family room and office . Gorgeous built ins in the...
Welcome to your cozy retreat just 10 minutes from Downtown Raleigh! This 3-bedroom, 1.5-bath ranch house has everything you need for comfort and convenience. Inside, t...
Beautiful remodeled home with a private wooded backyard and tons of upgrades! Updated kitchen with new granite counter tops, tile backsplash and stainless steel appliance...
This stunning 1450 sq. ft. 3BR 2BA property is coming soon to Burlington. Beautiful floor plan and custom finishings ensure that this home will be classic, comfortable a...
Well-situated split-level Ranch home in North Durham's River Forest Neighborhood. 4 Bedrooms, 2 Bathrooms. A mix of red oak hardwood widths on the middle &upper floors. G...
Cute ranch style home freshly painted. New appliances in the kitchen. New vinyl plank flooring. Great starter home. Just waiting for your finishing touches.
Beautiful 3BR/2bath home nestled almost .5 acre on serene lot with waterveiw in cul de sac. If peace and quiet are what you are looking for, look no further. This home ...
Brick 1 Story Home with a Fabulous Backyard & Unfinished Basement. Enter into a Living Room w/Gas Log Fireplace, Galley Style Kitchen, Owner Suite w/Attached Bathroom, 2 ...
Charming rocking chair front porch which is very inviting in a very quiet neighborhood! Vaulted ceilings make this home have an extremely open feeling. Imagine, snuggli...
Easy one floor living in this well-maintained ranch on almost 3/4 acre homesite w/peach, pear & pecan trees! Newer roof only 1 yr old! Wooden beams add charm & character ...
Welcome home to this beautifully renovated gem in Durham within the Forest View Heights subdivision. Step inside and prepare to be wowed with a perfect blend of modern el...
You think you need 2 bedrooms? Think again! Let me introduce you to the JUDD plan. This unit is facing courtyard with all the niceties of luxury at a modest price. T...
Separate .37 Acre Lot included in Asking Price. You have just found your next home. 117 Forest Dr offers 1627 SF 3 Bedroom & 2 Baths, Large Living Room w/FP, Family Room...
Ready to move in Ranch with many upgrades! Hardwood Floors in Family Room and Bedrooms, Updated Bathroom, Stainless Steel Appliances in Kitchen (includes the Fridge), Hug...
New construction in the low 300's! The Rosewood floorplan offers one level living! This beautiful and affordable ranch includes granite and stainless steel appliances & b...
Welcome Home! This ranch style home awaits. Close to downtown, hospitals, shopping and more! The property offers three bedrooms and one and a half baths, open concept, st...
Alluring UPDATED 1-story ranch, boasting a massive front porch that invites you into a world of charm. Formerly utilized as an Airbnb, it presents an ideal opportunity fo...
This charming ranch-style home offers the convenience of single-level living and boasts a cozy rocking chair front porch, perfect for enjoying lazy afternoons. Inside, yo...
One or more photo(s)may have been virtually staged. Recently Renovated Ranch Home in Hillsborough on Almost Half Acre! Beautiful New Solid Surface Quartz Countertop...
Charming in-town home located in Zebulon. All new features include new roof, new waterproof laminate flooring, new HVAC system, new appliances. Extremely well-done remode...
At no fault to the seller this Spacious 3 bedroom manufactured home featuring a split floorplan boasting 11+ private acres is back on the market. Home offers a den and li...
Come check out the charming custom updates in convenient Five Oaks! Honey-toned engineered wood floors add warmth throughout this one-story home. Vaulted ceilings and rec...
A Ranch in a Cornet Lot. Great location close to schools and shopping! Excellent for Investment property. No washer & Dryer. First time home buyers opportunity
Brick Ranch with a fenced back yard and large front yard. Back yard has a concrete patio. Den is open to the eat in kitchen. There is a separate dining room that adds to ...
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