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:
Great opportunity in a growing area. The home needs a full renovation to be livable, giving you the option to rebuild, tear down, or start fresh with new construction. Th...
Great investment fixer upper ranch property in N. Durham! 2 bedrooms and 1 bath with approximately 915 sqft. Hardwood floors in the living room and bedrooms. 0.26 acre lo...
Calling all investors and rehabbers! This 2001 double-wide manufactured home on a permanent brick foundation sits on a cul-de-sac lot in Wendell and is ready for a comple...
This home is located in an area where new homes are being built on lots where homes similar to this one previously stood. The home is being sold as is where is. Conveni...
Perfect for an investment or homeowner! This 2-bedroom, 2 full bath condo offers a prime location with convenient access to downtown.
2 Bedroom, 1 Bathroom home in Burlington. Convenient location with easy access to Downtown Burlington and major highways.
Affordable Cary living in an unbeatable location! Whether you're a first-time homebuyer looking to stop renting or an investor searching for a strong rental opportunity, ...
Investment Opportunity or Owner Occupancy- Condominium in small, quiet community convenient location . This HOA maintained complex offers low-maintenance ownership with s...
Unique INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITY in EAST BURLINGTON! Sale includes THREE (3) LOTS and FIVE (5) MOBILE HOMES: 1250A & 1250B Elrado St, 1249B Elrado St, 1255 Elrado St, & 725 ...
Come check out this tastefully remodeled home--truly move-in ready with every part of the home touched. Major updates include new HVAC, roof, hot water heater, plumbing, ...
2-bedroom, 1-bath brick ranch home situated on a corner lot. Features a living room with a fireplace, an eat-in kitchen, and a refrigerator that conveys. Heated and coole...
***ATTENTION! Most carpet has been pulled up and brand new LVP placed on top of the original hardwood floors! The hardwood is in good shape just has paint spots all over....
Unlock incredible long-term wealth potential with this outstanding value-add acquisition at 524 Tuliptree Road. Positioned on an expansive, quiet 0.39-acre lot, this 1,02...
Four bedrooms, two bathrooms, and nearly 2,000 square feet of living space — this Snow Camp manufactured home delivers serious square footage at a price point that deman...
The value is in the land, hard to find lot in Wake Forest with city water and sewer. THIS IS Being Sold As Is ,house needs work, Needs extensive work. , its a good loca...
90 Anthony St is a single-story Pittsboro home built in 1940 with three bedrooms, a full bathroom, and a half bathroom. The kitchen has cabinetry, a tile backsplash, and ...
Have you been looking for a condo that is in great condition for under market value? Then look no further because you've found it! With this condo unit in an amazing cent...
Charming one-story end-unit townhome loaded with updates. The renovated kitchen offers crisp white cabinets with quartz counter tops, stainless steel appliances and added...
Scale your portfolio with this outstanding value-add acquisition at 521 Locust Road. Finding a low-maintenance, four-sided brick ranch at this price point in Orange Count...
IMPRESSIVE PRICE IMPROVEMENT + MOTIVATED SELLER Great Opportunity for First-Time Home Buyers or Investors! Discover this charming property at 1847 Lower Hopedale, Burling...
Welcome to this charming 2-bedroom, 1-bath home that offers the perfect blend of peaceful living and everyday convenience. Located just outside the city limits, you'll en...
Opportunity awaits in Durham! This 2-bedroom, 2-bath bungalow, originally built in 1920, is priced at $200,000 and offers plenty of potential for its next owner. Featurin...
3 Bedrooms 1full bath and a half bath. Large rear deck, Great location! Large rear yard with storage bldgs. Property is being sold pursuant to a court ordered sale. Any ...
Welcome home to this charming 2-bedroom, 1-bath gem just minutes from the heart of downtown Gibsonville! Filled with natural light, this cozy home offers a warm and invit...
Remodeled Ranch home just outside of Downtown Raleigh. Easy access to 440 and 40. Short drive to Coastal Credit Union Music Park at Walnut Creek and Wake Med Hospital. Up...
Enjoy The Convenience Of City Living Without Paying City Taxes! NO HOA, NO Dues, NO Restrictive Covenants!! Great Home In Raleigh, CLOSE TO 3 COLLEGES and the perfect I...
Completely renovated and move-in ready! This beautifully updated 2-bedroom, 1-bath home offers modern style with high-end finishes throughout. The stunning kitchen featur...
Incredible opportunity in a prime location! This rare lot sits just off the new 540 extension and is only minutes from downtown Holly Springs. With direct access across t...
Nestled in a residential area, 314 N Briggs Ave features a lot with a flat terrain. The exterior consists of wood siding and a composition roof. A deck provides an elevat...
Extremely convenient three-bedroom, two full bath condo with minimal stairs! open concept living and dining areas that open to patio through large sliding glass doors. Sp...
Welcome home to this beautifully maintained one-story residence in the heart of Garner! This move-in-ready home features granite kitchen countertops, custom cabinetry, an...
3BR House in Biltmore Hills on large lot. Lots of potential! This is a Court Ordered Sale and is subject to 10 day upset bid period once offer is accepted and submitted...
Welcome home to this beautifully reimagined, fully renovated 2-bedroom, 1-bathroom gem nestled on a spacious quarter-acre lot in Graham, NC. Every inch of this residence ...
DUPLEX,Investment Opportunity in Downtown Mebane! Bring your vision to this diamond in the rough! Located in a premier Mebane location--steps from the public library and...
Don't miss this charming home featuring 3 bedrooms and 1 bathroom with a comfortable layout designed for everyday living. The functional floor plan offers inviting living...
4 Shirley Caesar Ct is a one-story Durham home with white cabinetry and a full appliance package in the kitchen, including a range and refrigerator for daily meal prepara...
Welcome home to this beautiful 1-bedroom, 1-bath condo in the desirable Mill Ridge community. Offering 576 square feet of thoughtfully designed living space, this afforda...
Terrific starter home or investment opportunity, priced to sell! This charming all-brick ranch features 2 bedrooms and 1 full bath and is conveniently located just a 12-m...
Cute bungalow with a beautifully done renovation in 2020 that has been meticulously maintained! Situated on almost half an acre, this home offers stylish luxury vinyl pla...
Welcome to your dream home! This cozy single-story residence offers 3 spacious bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, providing the perfect blend of comfort and style. A like new roof...
Let me guess... You are someone who enjoys their privacy and prefers no HOA. Your search stops here!!! This beautiful starter home or investment property was renovated in...
Charming and full of character, this adorable 2-bedroom, 1-bath vinyl-sided home with large wrap around porch is a hidden gem! Featuring beautiful hardwood and vinyl floo...
Looking for a home with charm, convenience, and a great location? Welcome to 215 W Parker Street! This well-maintained 2-bedroom, 1-bath home offers 1,245 square feet of ...
Welcome to 717 Scott Court in Burlington! This ranch-style home offers 3 bedrooms and 1.5 baths on a landscaped .43-acre lot inside the city limits. Built in 2012, the ho...
SELLER NOW OFFERING UP TO $3000 TOWARDS CLOSING COST WITH ACCEPTABLE OFFER! Welcome home to this beautifully updated 3-bedroom, 1.5-bath property in Burlington! Featuring...
Nestled on a spacious 0.72-acre lot, this adorable 2-bedroom, 1-bathroom home offers the perfect blend of comfort and tranquility. Step inside to discover a warm, invi...
Welcome to this beautifully renovated home in a prime Graham location--offering incredible value under $250,000! Whether you're a first-time buyer ready to stop renting o...
Welcome to this three-bedroom, two-bathroom residence located in Burlington, situated just minutes from downtown Burlington, the Burlington Arboretum and Burlington City ...
Cozy 2bd/1ba ranch just minutes from Duke, NCCU, and Downtown Durham. Convenient to RTP, UNC, and major highways. Large Yard, Carport, and Covered Front Porch. Spaciou...
112 E Franklin St offers a great opportunity to own a well-located home with comfort, functionality, and long-term value. The property features a practical layout with in...
Welcome to this thoughtfully designed two-bedroom, two-bathroom end unit townhome located in the Stonewall Village community. This residence offers practical living space...
Don't miss out on this End Unit Ranch in the serene, established neighborhood and fantastic location of Oak Park West in W. Raleigh. Perfect location to enjoy shopping & ...
DEADLINE SUBMIT ALL OFFERS BY SATURDAY AUGUST 15th, 2026 @ 8:00pm 2110 Dallas St shines with fresh interior paint, newly updated cabinets, and sleek luxury vinyl floori...
Move-in ready and priced to sell in the heart of Fuquay-Varina. This 3-bedroom, 2 bath ranch built in 2003. No-HOA with a private driveway and a welcoming covered porch. ...
Price Improvement! Welcome to the perfect remodeled ranch just east of downtown Durham. The roof was replaced in 2022 and the HVAC system was replaced in 2023! Gleaming f...
Welcome to 264 Dixon Road—an inviting 3-bedroom, 1-bath home offering comfortable one-level living in a convenient Graham location. Situated just outside the city limits ...
This is a luxurious 2nd floor condo, featuring the Fuquay plan with 1 bedroom and 1 bathroom. Natural light through the large windows, a modern kitchen with modern applia...
Welcome to this 3-bedroom, 1.5-bathroom single-family residence located in Durham, NC. Situated on a generously proportioned lot spanning 9,148 square feet, this home off...
Welcome to this 3-bedroom, 2-bath brick ranch situated on a generous 0.44-acre lot in Burlington. Offering over 1,500 square feet of single-level living space, this home ...
Private backyard retreat with an in-ground pool! This charming 2-bedroom, 1-bath home offers an inviting combination of comfortable living space and exceptional outdoor ...
Welcome to this charming three-bedroom, two-bathroom home that has been fully renovated with beautiful features such as a custom tiled shower, new vanities, granite throu...
Live in the center of the Triangle—just 4 minutes from Fenton, 10 minutes from RDU, and minutes from Raleigh, Cary, NC State, Duke, and UNC. Welcome to this charming 2-b...
Inside the Beltline. $240K. Go ahead and read that again. This end unit is a rare address. Moments from Five Points, The Village District, Glenwood South, and North Hills...
Great investment property waiting for your special touches, this three-bedroom, one-bathroom single-family residence located in Pearson Park, Durham, NC. Situated on a g...
Located in the heart of Raleigh, this home offers a convenient layout with easy access to everything the city and surrounding areas have to offer. Thoughtful updates have...
New price makes this an Unbeatable Value! You will not find a better interior. Ideally located between White Oak Park and the American Tobacco Trail, this completely tran...
Charming 3-bedroom, 1 bath home conveniently located just minutes from Downtown Durham! This move-in-ready property features brand-new LVP flooring throughout, creating a...
BACK ON MARKET DUE TO DELAY IN BUYER FINANCING ... RALEIGH DUPLEX OPPORTUNITY_ LISTED BELOW TAX VALUE!! NO HOA - NO DUES - NO COVENANTS - NO DEED RESTRICTIONS! A N...
Offering a spacious and functional floor plan, this home features inviting living spaces designed for both everyday comfort and entertaining. The main living area flows s...
Welcome to this move-in-ready 2-bedroom, in South Raleigh — with NO HOA to worry about! Set on a generous 0.25-acre lot (10,890 sq ft), this 1,073 sq ft home offers comfo...
Welcome to 107 Central Avenue in Siler City! This charming home offers a great combination of character and important updates. A new roof installed in 2024 and updated pl...
Move-in ready and exceptionally well maintained, this charming ranch home offers the perfect combination of thoughtful updates and everyday comfort. The bright, open kitc...
Extensively remodeled inside and out, this 2-bedroom, 1-bath home with a versatile bonus room offers a peaceful rural setting on 1.06 acres along a private maintained roa...
Welcome to this 3 bedroom home in Hertford Village, featuring hardwood floors, built in shelving, a decorative fireplace, and a fenced backyard perfect for pets or play. ...
This classic ranch-style home, built in 1971, offers 3 bedrooms, 1 bath, and sits on a spacious 0.92-acre lot with no HOA. Full of character and potential, the home could...
*Back on the market at no fault of the seller.* Thoughtfully updated and move-in ready, this stylish 3-bedroom, 1.5-bath ranch features modern finishes, light-filled li...
Welcome to 207 W Holt Street - a 1925 charmer fully reborn for modern living! This 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom home has been taken down to the studs and completely renovated in...
Welcome to 5314 Hadrian Drive! This charming 3-bedroom, 2-bath ranch offers comfortable single-level living in an established Durham neighborhood. Featuring a functional ...
This is a great chance to bring a home back to life with your own vision. Located just minutes from Raleigh's vibrant downtown this 3 bed 2 bath ranch is situated between...
Step into move-in ready charm with this fully renovated, 3 Bedroom 1 Bath all-brick ranch located in the heart of Durham's desirable Hyde Park area. Meticulously updated ...
Quaint cottage on a spacious city lot in a fantastic location! This charming home offers the perfect blend of character and thoughtful updates. Recent improvements includ...
Your chance to own this Hillsborough gem! Charming & Spacious Living Just Minutes from Downtown Hillsborough! This home offers a fantastic blend of space, comfort, and c...
Welcome home to one of Holly Springs' best-kept secrets! This charming two-bedroom bungalow puts you right in the heart of it all, just moments from the energy of downtow...
Welcome to this charming brick home situated on a spacious corner lot in the peaceful country setting of Bennett. The large, open yard provides plenty of room for gardeni...
Charming Midcentury Brick house offering 3BR / 1.5BA and one car garage. The home is loaded with character and hard-to-find built-ins! It offers 1,510 heated sq ft, wit...
A charming, well-maintained property offering both comfort and convenience. This inviting home features a thoughtfully designed layout with abundant natural light, creati...
Updated ranch style home in a great cul de sac location. Convenient to restaurants, shopping and downtown Raleigh. Recent updates include kitchen cabinets, granite counte...
Introducing 1024 Laurel Leaf Rd, a residence arranged for comfortable and practical daily living. The primary bathroom features functional double sinks. A versatile deck ...
Gorgeous property in a high appreciated neighborhood, the property is ready to move. It is a manufactured home on permanent foundation and declaration for real property a...
Discover one of the best values currently available in Raleigh! Situated on a desirable corner lot, this 3-bedroom, 2-bath ranch offers the convenience of one-level livin...
This property is currently in foreclosure and presents an excellent opportunity for buyers seeking value and potential. If you've been dreaming of a place where you can s...
Cozy, Clean & Completely Move-In Ready - Just Minutes from Downtown Durham! Welcome to this beautifully renovated 3-bedroom, 1-bath home, perfectly situated on a spaciou...
Raw potential meets unbeatable value on John Lewis Road. This 2-bedroom, 1-bathroom fixer upper invites buyers and investors to transform a diamond in the rough into some...
Welcome home to this charming 3-bedroom, 2- bath ranch located in the well-established Amber Ridge subdivision. The spacious living room features soaring cathedral ceilin...
NEW FLOORING, APPLIANCES, FRESH PAINT October 2025. NEW ROOF installed May 2025. April 2026 NEW WATER HEATER and insulation in walk-in crawl space. Charming 1955 Brick R...
Beautiful 2 bedrooms; 2 bathrooms; 1 story home. This home has an open floor plan with a kitchen opening into a breakfast area on one side and into the great room on the ...
Charming 3-bedroom home that blends classic character with thoughtful updates in a convenient location. Original hardwood floors, an arched doorway, and a formal dining r...
Great location! Well maintained, one level charmer! Walk to Downtown Mebane, Elementary School, Library and minutes drive to Tanger Outlets & shopping. 3 Bed, 1.5 Bath...
Welcome home to 614 Locust Road! This beautifully updated 3-bedroom home offers the perfect, stress-free opportunity for first-time homebuyers or savvy portfolio builders...
**Up to $3,100 lender incentive available with preferred lender. Contact listing agent for details.**Welcome home to this beautiful 3-bedroom, 2-bath home in the highly s...
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