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:
Location, location! Beautifully updated second floor condo in the heart of North Raleigh. This home features custom faux wood blinds, granite countertops in the kitchen, ...
Great investor opportunity!! This 3 bedroom 1.5 bath features a large living room, eat-in kitchen, a nice flat backyard with NO HOA! Needs TLC but imagine the possibiliti...
(Update: The initial offer signed on 09/06/23, and a Record of Sale recorded at Clerk's office. If you want to bid during upset bid period, go directly to clerk of court ...
Come and see this beautiful 3 bedroom 2 bathroom double wide 15 minutes from Tanger outlet shopping. This home offers a nice open living room, master bedroom has a new sp...
Great Starter Home or Investment Property! This 3 Bedroom 1 Bath Brick Ranch presents an opportunity to add your creative touch. Take advantage of this opportunity to ad...
Delightful home in amazing location! Over half an acre! Split the lot and build another house! Only 10 minutes from Ninth Street, Downtown Durham & Duke University Campu...
Amazing Opportunity in a Terrific Location! Cute 2 Bedroom and 2 Bathroom Home in the Lebanon Acres Subdivision in Durham! This Home has a Nice Screened Porch and Backs u...
Looking for peace and tranquility?? Right off 421, sitting on over 1.09 acres of land, we present 3 bed 2 bath manufactured home move in ready. All new appliances, hvac a...
Stunning, remodeled home with 10ft ceilings, inviting foyer, stainless appliances and garage. Nice flat lot and total curb appeal. Choose between 3 bedrooms or 2 bedrooms...
Wonderful ranch home conveniently located near downtown Burlington and Elon University. Home has eat-in kitchen with lots of kitchen cabinet space for storage. Included a...
Welcome to this Charming 3BR/2BA Home Nestled in the Well Established Penwyck Estates Community*Enjoy the Split Bedroom Floor Plan, Spacious Kitchen w/ an Island, TWO Liv...
Central Raleigh location, this 1bed/1bath Ranch is waiting for new homeowners. Fresh paint, new carpet and vinyl, brand new bathroom and kitchen, light fixtures, AC and m...
Updated and Move in Ready with your own 40x18 Insulated & Wired Detached Metal Bldg. Freshly Painted Interior and Exterior, New LVP Floors thru out, White Kitchen Cabinet...
This lovely brick ranch home offers the perfect blend of comfort and convenience. With nearly 1,100 square feet of living space, this property features 3 bedrooms, 1 bath...
Country living in a spacious home on 1 acre in Pittsboro. Great location just off HWY 64. Wooded backyard with a newer metal roof. PRIVATE!! Optional Seller Financing.
Amazing New Jewel in Burlington! 2 spacious bedrooms 1 and half bath, no stone unturn for this completely renovated property. Come and see the amazing finishes through th...
Southern Alamance Cul-de-sac property. acres 3 bedroom 2 bath Manufactured home with 4 bedroom perc permit. New roof, new HVAC, new flooring, new washer, and all applianc...
This charming 3 bedroom, 2 bath home, nestled on a peaceful cul-de-sac in Burlington, offers a wonderful opportunity for comfortable living. Built in 1993, this home boas...
This beautiful 3 bedroom 2 bath brick home move in ready located in a neighborhood. Enjoy the carport with an outside storage area. Convenient located close to highway ...
One and half acre level lot; country living, space for garden; horse allowed; new roof and new HVAC in past two years; Kitchen island with sink and NEW dishwasher, glass ...
Handyman special. Priced to Sell! Add your own touches to turn this home into a reflection of you! This 3 bedrooms 2 bath home features a cathedral ceiling in living are...
PRICED TO MOVE!!!!Charming Modular Awaits New Owner!!!!! PRICED TO MOVE!!!! This 3 bedroom, 2 Full Bath Home Nestled on Dearborn Drive has easy access to Downtown Durham...
Nice 3 Bedroom / 2.5 Bath Ranch on Large Corner Lot. This Home has a Nice Open Lot and Living Room, Kitchen w/ Dining Area and Laundry Room. The Large Master Suite has a ...
Newly Refinished Hardwood floors, New septic from tank to field in 2023 (April), Metal Roof, Mini Split Heat/ Cool. Acreage within 2.5 miles of Pittsboro courthouse. Bric...
Step into this renovated home nestled in the Glenbrook neighborhood of Durham Spread over 984 square feet, this residence comfortably accommodates 3 bedrooms, and 1 full ...
Home in the heart of Pittsboro just off highway 15-501.
PRIME NORTH RALEIGH LOCATION w/EASY ACCESS TO I-540 & DOWNTOWN RALEIGH! This property is being marketed with the intention for possible rezoning and/OR tear down by buye...
Investor Special! Charming Ranch Home. Home being sold as is.
Ranch home convenient to 40/85 for easy access to the Triad or the Triangle. Grocery, shopping and fuel are also just a few minutes away. 3 Bedroom home with 2 full bath...
Wonderful opportunity! Nestled close to downtown Durham you'll find this 1910 home with 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. This home embodies a charming blend of character and p...
Renovated Home in Northern Durham. 3 Bedrooms, 2 Full Baths, Large Private Lot with Pond view on rear lot (no trespassing signage). Quiet Neighborhood - Close to Shopping...
100% USDA FINANCING available!! This brick ranch has been COMPLETELY RENOVATED from head to toe. Home is situated on EXPANSIVE LOT with a large, flat driveway and carport...
Welcome home to a slice of Raleigh's paradise, a rare find in the area UNDER 300k! This enchanting freshly painted ranch-style haven is a short drive from shopping, state...
Updated 1 level Condo offering 2 bedrooms/ 2 full baths near Old Raleigh Village & 15 min to downtown. Fantastic price. Located in a quiet neighborhood w/ nice mature tre...
Back on the market through no fault of the Seller. Charming 3 bed, 2 bath single-story home in Wendell, offering a delightful living experience. The open living room des...
Charming Brick and Vinyl Ranch on a corner lot. Original Hardwood Floors in Living Areas and Bedrooms. Open Kitchen and Dining area. Great opportunity for 1st time home...
Charming Mebane ranch on .25 acres! Single-story living surrounded by hardwoods in the established Forest Ridge Subdivision. This well cared for home features brand new L...
Invest or purchase, this brick ranch with 3 original bdrs, additional Bonus/4th bdr, has 1 original bath and 1 added bath, French doors to the deck, building included, ma...
The sale is subject to court approval and a 10-day upset bid period!! Please see addendum in documents to accompany the offer!! Looking for a property to upgrade a litt...
Welcome to Northern Alamance County. This quiet home is situated on right at 18 acres with a peaceful surrounding. This home has a split floor plan with two living spaces...
One story brick and siding features 3 BRs, 2 Baths A separate den w/woodburning FP plus Formal living & dining areas. New range, microwave, dishwasher, granite counter...
Move in ready 3 bed/2 bath ranch home in a great location between the Triad and Triangle. Great for commuters looking for a good value in a nice community. Cozy living...
Sales includes a transferable, lifetime warranted, foundation by Carolina Basement Systems. Work begins early November, but you can move in right and starting living. Don...
Welcome home to this 3-bedroom, 2-bath ranch nestled just minutes away from downtown Raleigh. Great investment opportunity equipped with a 2021 HVAC system. As you step i...
LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION!!! Investor, Builder or homeowner special located in the heart of Durham and close to everything including transportation, hospitals, unive...
Completely updated. The rocking chair front porch welcomes you to this historic home that has been brought up to the latest building code standards. Open concept living ...
Ranch home on a corner lot with storage shed just minutes from NCCU. Newly painted exterior. This home is a great investment opportunity.
Nestled on a peaceful, one-acre lot, this charming ranch-style home offers a tranquil retreat from the hustle and bustle of city life. With recently updated interiors fea...
This three bedroom two bathroom is loaded with potential. Situated only a couple miles from Duke Regional Hospital and only five minutes from I-85, this homes is centrall...
MOVE-IN READY! Wonderfully UPDATED/remodeled RANCH with 4 Bedrooms & 2 full Bathrooms. NEW Kitchen for the chef of the house with Granite countertops, new cabinetry & app...
This lovely fully professional renovated 3 bedroom 2 bath ranch home features new paint & luxury vinyl flooring throughout. Spacious family room with modern ceiling fan. ...
Have you been looking for a nice, quiet place to call home that comes with some land? If so, you found it! With a large front and backyard, this home sits on 3+ acres of ...
BACK ON THE MARKET, with high appraisal value confirmed! This beautifully renovated 3-bed, 1-bath ranch style residence is the perfect blend of modern elegance and timele...
Renovated Cottage on over 1/2 an acre. City meets Country, just 4 miles or 10 minutes from Downtown Durham. Southern & Western exposures make for great light in the OPEN...
Charming updated one level ranch that has a lot to offer! Beautiful flooring throughout, fireplace in cozy living room, updated windows, galley kitchen w/separate dining ...
Newly renovated ranch to call it home. Hardwoods throughout living room and bedrooms. Well laid out kitchen with an abundance of light. Gracious additional storage in st...
Exciting opportunity to own over 4 acres in the City of Graham less than 2 miles from Court Square! Beautiful sprawling lot with mature trees and paved driveway. One le...
Fully renovated 1,505 sqft all brick single-family with 4 bedrooms, 1 and 1/2 baths sitting on almost half an acre in a very quiet family-friendly neighborhood that is a ...
Investor's Special! 2bd/2ba ranch style home close to NCCU. Just minutes from Downtown Durham and less than 5 miles from Duke. Cute and cozy, this home was updated in ...
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...
Welcome home to 1516 Greenwood Terrace! Nestled on a generously-sized corner lot in W. Burlington, this property boasts an array of exceptional features that will make it...
Great investment opportunity or starter home in Garner, super close to White Oak, shopping, dining, downtown Raleigh, I-40, and much more! Ranch living, with 3 bedrooms &...
Stunning brick ranch, recently renovated to perfection. New roof (May 2023) and HVAC system (May 2023). The kitchen has been tastefully updated. This remarkable home boas...
One story living in the heart of downtown Wake Forest! This adorable ranch has an inviting front porch for your morning coffee, and a generous eat-in kitchen with gas ran...
Home w/Great Possibilities!! The Seller has gotten you started with new flooring in the main living areas. Come in and add your own touches; make it your own. Home being ...
Peaceful living in a quiet neighborhood just minutes away from the hustle and bustle of the growing downtown area of Fuquay Varina! With restaurants, shopping, and parks ...
Beautiful 3 bedroom 2 bath home located on over an acre corner lot. Open concept, large, bright living room open to kitchen w/plenty of counter space, white cabinets, all...
Recently updated ranch on half acre in the heart of Wake Forest is close to shopping, restaurants and is minutes from Joyner Park. Enter through the front door to see the...
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 Garner. The well is...
Nestled on a quiet street this home boasts 3 bedrooms, 2 full baths, cozy porch for morning coffee, and expansive 2nd story deck overlooking the treetops. over 1,000 sf o...
BACK ON MARKET, BUYER FINANCING FELL THROUGH! Calling All Investors!! Fully leased spacious 4 bedroom and 4 bathroom condo on bus lines. Each bedroom has its own private ...
Beautifully renovated ranch in the heart of Durham near Downtown and right off of I-85. Updated inside and out! Exterior brick has been painted. Walk inside and enjoy the...
Location location location! Convenient to Durham AND Raleigh with a quick left turn out to Hwy 70! This recently remodeled ranch is perfect for a starter home or investme...
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, Spa...
Diamond in the Rough with lots of Sparkle down the road from Wilkinson Creek in a quiet neighborhood between Carrboro and Pittsboro /Chapel Hill address but Chatham Co ta...
LOCATION! LOCATION! THIS CUTE COUNTRY HOUSE IS LOCATED IN THE HISTORICAL TOWN OF BAHAMA! MINUTES FROM DURHAM, CHAPEL HILL, & HILLSBOROUGH!! With so much potential! 3 BR...
Adorable & affordable plus $3500 in seller paid closing costs! Gotta see this beautiful one level ranch with a NEW roof in 2022! 3 spacious bedrooms, 2 full baths, separa...
Remember when neighborhoods were spread out and all the houses enjoyed large lots with extra space for activities and privacy? Eden Lakes in N. Durham is that place. In a...
Wow! Newly and beautifully renovated 3brm home, minutes to Downtown Mebane, has been transformed from top to bottom, including new floorplan configuration to create an ve...
Nice quiet neighborhood. Great starter home with 3 bedrooms 2 bathrooms and an office space. Kitchen has lots of cabinets with views of the dining room and the sunken liv...
Beautiful home on a peaceful street right off Lebanon Road. This beautiful home has three bedrooms and two baths along with a utility room with washer/driver. Sitting on ...
THIS BRIGHT AND SUNNY MOVE-IN READY HOME IS WAITING FOR ITS NEW OWNER! INSIDE YOU WILL FIND NEW FLOORS, FRESH PAINT ON THE WALLS AND KITCHEN CABINETS, UPDATED BATHROOMS,...
*Attention! Exceptional Single-Story, Zero-entry home w/Accessibility, Convenience, & Unbeatable Location! Act Now!* Featuring a spacious layout, this 3 BR/2 BA home offe...
Just 19 minutes from downtown Raleigh on almost a 1/2 acre, this ranch home has MANY updates. Well-maintained with 24’ pool, wired 10x12 work shed, and fenced in backyard...
Elevate your lifestyle with this 1,065 sq-ft Ranch home on W. Cornwallis Rd. The home has all new Finishes, Fixtures, Kitchen, Bathroom, Roof, etc. Fantastic light! The ...
HUGE OPPORTUNITY to renovate this property into your primary home. This could be a great first time home once renovated to restore this 4 bedroom ranch or add it to your ...
Beautiful new construction available now! Covered front and back porches. One level living. LVP throughout with tile in bathrooms. No carpet! Eat-in kitchen with island, ...
Beautiful new construction available now! Covered front and back porches. One level living. LVP throughout with tile in bathrooms. No carpet! Eat-in kitchen with island, ...
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...
Don't miss this FABULOUS FIND near the Village of SAXAPAHAW! Nestled on 2.36 ACRES, this custom built home has 2 BED/2 BTH and almost 1400 SQ FT. Open LIVING, DINING and ...
Welcome to the "Peak of Good Living." This Adorable Apex ranch won't last long! Located on a dead-end street with No HOA!! It is cozy, well-maintained, and has tons of up...
Check out this newly renovated with modern flair 3 bedroom 2 bath home! The curb appeal and new front door invite you write on it! Updated kitchen w quartz counter tops,...
Investor's Dream Opportunity! This property boasts an exceptional location right on the Cary/Raleigh border, offering a convenient commute to I-40, downtown Raleigh, SAS,...
Stunning ITB Ranch with all the upgrades! Bright open floor plan features custom kitchen with new shaker cabinets, granite countertops, glass tile backsplash and stainles...
Looking for a home that has almost everything but worries about the price? Don't miss out and look no further!! Great price for a beautiful, neat, and maintained 3 bedroo...
Location!! 3BR 1.5BA Ranch conveniently located in the heart of Cary!! Spacious living room complete with fireplace and skylights. Fantastic for entertaining. Large co...
One-story living! Brick front, open floor plan ranch home with 2 bedrooms, 2 full baths PLUS a fenced yard and 1-car garage. Oversized primary bedroom with walk-in close...
This 3 bedroom, 2 bath ranch home located just minutes from I40, Downtown Raleigh and Coastal Credit Union Music Park (the old Walnut Creek), features a large entry foyer...
This home is so cute, and the possibilities are endless. Primary residence, short/long term renting, AIRBNB and the list goes on. You have it all here, The Charm, The Loc...
With a little TLC this 3-bedroom, 3-full bath brick ranch represents the ideal combination of comfort, freedom, and versatility. With no restrictive covenants, a half-acr...
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