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:
**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...
Character, charm and only 2 years old. One level Ranch home less than 1 mile from vibrant Downtown Graham. Walk or bike and be in the center of the action in a few shor...
Welcome to this 3-bedroom, 2-bath home in Burlington, NC! Sitting on a .37 Acre lot, this property offers plenty of room to enjoy the outdoors. The house provides an open...
WOW! SELLER INCENTIVE — $15,000 Seller is offering up to $15,000 toward buyer closing costs, prepaid expenses, and/or agreed-upon improvements with an acceptable offer. C...
Just minutes from the heart of Downtown Raleigh, this beautifully ranch-style home has been refreshed and is ready for new buyers! Situated on a private lot with no visib...
Well-maintained 2-bedroom, 2-bath home offering 1,360 square feet of comfortable living space tucked away in a private cul-de-sac. Built in 1983, this charming home showc...
Move-in ready three-bedroom, two-bathroom home with a private, fully fenced backyard in the sought-after Ellis Place neighbourhood. This home features an open floor plan...
Don't miss this move-in ready Zebulon home conveniently located on a quiet street near shopping and restaurants and set on a spacious 13,500 square foot lot! This 3-bedro...
This exceptional 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom single-story home is in pristine, move-in ready condition, perfectly combining effortless stairs-free living with premium modern up...
Schedule with ShowingTime. Due to volume, please direct all questions to contracts@offerpad.com. Send offers to contracts@offerpad.com. Please include documents attached ...
COME SEE THIS AMAZING 4 BEDROOM 1 AND 1/2 BATH HOME WITH LARGE FRONT AND BACK YARDS. THE SHY BRICK FRONTAGE UNDERSTATES THE RENOVATED INSIDE THAT HAS NEW FLOORING, ALL NE...
Free buyer short sale consultation with Jackson Law prior to offer acceptance. Conveniently located near HWY 98, downtown Wake Forest, and revitalized downtown Frankl...
Charming 3-bedroom, 2-bath ranch style home, located in a cul-de-sac and nestled in a beautifully established community! You'll feel right at home as you walk through th...
Ranch in the popular 27705 zip code near Duke hospital, highways and shopping. Home has wood floors. 2 fireplaces. Spacious kitchen. Does need work. Currently rented mont...
Do you want to live in the center of convenience and have more than a half acre of what feels like quiet and peaceful country living? Finding a spacious, half-acre proper...
Location! Location! Location! A three bedroom, two bath single story home on a corner lot near downtown Raleigh is now available! A lovely open-concept home with a nice s...
BACK ON MARKET AT NO FAULT TO SELLER! Single-story 2 bed, 2 bath home on a great corner lot just outside the beltline, close to shopping, dining, and schools! Cathedral c...
New Construction beauty in the heart of the blossoming downtown Burlington. All the modern amenities= open floor plan, stainless steel appliances, granite counters, thoug...
Charming and move-in ready, this adorable remodeled ranch offers stylish one-level living with modern updates throughout! Renovated in 2022, the open-concept kitchen flow...
Charming Single-Story Ranch Minutes from Historic Downtown Wendell! A move-in ready 3-bedroom ranch combining single-level living with unbeatable Eastern Wake County con...
Don't miss the opportunity to own this one level, 2 bedroom, 1 bath condo home in Five Points! Charming setting with beautiful green space. Updated bathroom! NEW PAINT...
This move-in-ready three-bedroom, two-bathroom home is in the desirable Amber Ridge neighborhood with no rear neighbors. The heart of the home is the updated kitchen, whi...
Welcome to this beautifully updated ranch home, where modern finishes and timeless style come together to create the perfect place to call home. New engineered wood floor...
Move-in ready three-bedroom, two-bathroom home in the Amber Ridge neighbourhood. This home features an inviting open floorplan, creating a seamless and airy flow througho...
Ranch in the popular 27705 zipcode near Duke hospital, highways and shopping. Home has wood floors. 2 fireplaces. Spacious kitchen. Does need work. Potential to purchase ...
Opportunity is knocking with this 3-bedroom, 3-bathroom ranch-style home ready for its next chapter. Situated on nearly half an acre, this property offers space, flexibil...
**Why Rent When You Can Own for Less?** Welcome home to this charming **3-bedroom, 2-bathroom** home that offers comfort, affordability, and a backyard your whole famil...
Welcome home to 504 Tuliptree Dr - where classic brick durability meets effortless modern style. Tucked away on a spacious, private lot in charming Hillsborough, this ful...
3 Bed | 2 Bath | Move-In Ready Ranch This move-in-ready ranch offers comfortable single-level living with a spacious and functional layout designed for everyday enjoymen...
Don't miss this inviting 1-story home featuring 3 bedrooms and 1 bathroom with a comfortable layout designed for everyday living. The bright living area offers a welcomin...
Welcome to this three-bedroom, one-bathroom single-family residence situated in Durham, NC. Built on a generous lot, this property offers comfortable living space with pr...
Come see this remarkable ranch just minutes from downtown Wake Forest! This cozy 2 bedroom home has major upgrades throughout for you to enjoy! Brand new items include bu...
Welcome to 5500 Fortunes Ridge Drive, Apt 85C, a beautifully situated condo in the heart of South Durham. This inviting residence offers a comfortable and low-maintenance...
Discover the flexibility you've been looking for in this spacious manufactured home offering over 2,000 square feet of living space, all situated on a generous half-acre ...
Welcome to 6710 Banks Rd., where modern updates meet peaceful country living. Situated on a beautiful wooded 1.01-acre lot, this move-in ready home offers the perfect ble...
Brimming with abundant natural light, this one-story townhouse in dynamic Woodcroft offers 2 bedrooms and 2 full baths, open kitchen and dining area with stainless steel ...
BACK ON MARKET DUE TO NO FAULT OF THE SELLER!! Tucked away on a private, wooded lot yet minutes from everything! Whether you're a first-time buyer or savvy investor, th...
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...
Move-in ready 3-bedroom
Welcome to 855 Hanford Landing Drive. A thoughtfully designed corner townhome that offers comfort, functionality, and a seamless flow throughout each home. From the front...
Desirable, established townhome community minutes from downtown and midtown. This home offers single level living with ample room sizes to move around freely. A separate ...
Beautiful New Construction- You're going to love this floor plan! Open floor living to the max with vaulted ceilings in kitchen, living, and dining rooms. Split floor pla...
Check out 1804 Gade Bryant Rd, arranged for everyday practicality and ease of use. This residence includes a comfortable fireplace and an expansive deck for outdoor enjoy...
Welcome to 108 W Dogwood Dr, a residence recently enhanced with all stainless steel appliances in the kitchen and an accent backsplash for visual appeal. A comfortable fi...
Classic brick ranch nestled in the highly desired Siler City Silk Hope area! This well-maintained 3 bedroom, 1.5 bath home offers all your country living dreams. Featurin...
Charming 3-bedroom, 2-bath home in desirable Trawick Downs! This inviting property offers plenty of space to make your own, with a large deck/patio perfect for entertaini...
Experience modern living at Bengal Towne Center in Fuquay Varina with the spacious extended Fuquay plan, perfect for a home office and featuring an open-concept kitchen, ...
Welcome to this charming open floor plan, beautifully maintained single-family home located in the heart of North Burlington. Built in 2016, this modern property offers a...
Tucked into a charming cottage-style community just moments from Five Points, McNeill Street, and some of Raleigh's favorite local shops, restaurants, and gathering spots...
Inside the Beltline brick painted house! This bright, open floor plan presents itself well with gorgeous kitchen of granite countertops, tile back splash, white cabinets...
Beautifully updated end unit townhome! This move in ready townhome features all new flooring throughout, new roof 2025, bright kitchen with new cabinetry, granite counte...
Discover the perfect blend of vintage charm and modern comfort in this adorable bungalow style single family home, ideally located just a few blocks from the heart of dow...
Welcome to this beautifully updated, move-in-ready 3-bedroom, 1-bathroom home! The freshly upgraded interior highlights a modernized kitchen complete with white cabinets ...
Welcome home to this beautifully maintained brick ranch situated on a spacious, level 0.57-acre lot in desirable Alamance County, offering the benefit of no city taxes. T...
Charming Craftsman-inspired cottage with modern farmhouse touches, situated on a beautiful .92-acre lot just over a mile from Downtown Wendell! With no HOA or restriction...
Peaceful Ranch Retreat on Over an Acre! Trade the hustle and bustle for wide-open sky and total tranquility! This well-maintained, all-brick ranch offers timeless durabil...
Welcome to this well-maintained, move-in ready, one-level home! With low maintenance and great value, this home is perfect for first time buyers as well as those looking ...
Tucked onto a full acre just minutes from Duke University and the 15-501 corridor, this charming small home offers the rare combination of peaceful, rural surroundings wi...
Enjoy peaceful country living just minutes from Saxapahaw in this lovely home on over an acre with no HOA! The property offers plenty of room to garden, add an accessory ...
This newly renovated Durham home perfectly balances modern comfort and classic charm. Spanning nearly a half-acre lot, it features a private backyard retreat. The home pr...
Like-New Hillsborough Home | $279K | 0.36 Acres | NO HOA | Minutes to Downtown *****USDA Loan eligible home!*** Stop renting and start building equity! This move-in-rea...
Welcome to this peaceful property offering the freedom of no HOA and no city limits! Enjoy warm-weather days by the backyard pool, relax on the patio, and take advantage ...
This CUTE, well-maintained, single-story, 3 bedroom/2 bath home awaits you on a charming cul-de-sac in Durham's Greysons Green! With all the seller has replaced- roof, HV...
This beautifully updated ranch home sits on a spacious 1-acre lot and offers modern finishes throughout. The kitchen features new cabinets, quartz countertops, a stylish ...
Beautiful 3 bedrooms; 2 bathrooms; 1 story home. This home welcomes you with a rocking chair front porch. It is spacious and open on the main floor; featuring an open kit...
Motivated Seller! Bring all offers! Eligible buyers may qualify for up to $15,000 in NCHFA down payment assistance! Seller is also offering $5,000 in seller concessions p...
Discover the ease of single-story living in the heart of Zebulon! This exceptional 3-bedroom, 2-bath home welcomes you with beautiful flooring throughout its spacious in...
Discover this unique investment opportunity in Zebulon, NC. Situated on a generous lot with ample outdoor space, this single-family residence offers excellent future pote...
Investment opportunity in a well-positioned Durham location. Situated on a spacious corner lot, 4919 Mandel Road offers a one-level floor plan, brick fireplace, screened ...
This charming home offers a perfect blend of comfort and convenience. Featuring three bedrooms and one and a half bathrooms, the layout is functional and inviting. You'l...
Stunningly beautiful 1960's fully updated brick ranch. This is the best use of 1087 sq ft I have seen! Featuring a brand new kitchen (down to the studs and permitted!),...
Updated & Move-In Ready! Welcome home to this beautifully remodeled gem, perfectly situated on a desirable corner lot in a quiet Knightdale neighborhood. From the moment...
Quaint and Quintessential detached home with all the updates! You cannot beat this location. Minutes from DT Raleigh, access to ALL major highways, a greenway access arou...
Charming Cul-de-sac Ranch home ready for it's new owner! Features a bright open floor plan with custom kitchen including shaker cabinets, quartz countertops, tile backsp...
Welcome to this charming two-bedroom, one-bathroom single-family residence. This standalone home sits on a generous 5,227 square-foot lot, offering plenty of outdoor spac...
Walk into this wonderfully renovated Ranch style home in downtown Knightdale! As you walk up to this home notice the beautiful wood beams on the renovated front deck. T...
MAKE AN OFFER on this charming brick ranch WITH 1271sqft of basement space in West Burlington! Tucked away on a desirable cul-de-sac in a small neighborhood, this home of...
Charming Ranch on a Cul-de-Sac Lot! This move-in-ready home offers comfortable one-level living with an open floor plan that's perfect for first-time homebuyers, investor...
SELLER OFFERING 5K CC CREDIT!! Enjoy one-level living in this charming ranch home in Raleigh. Conveniently situated just minutes from shopping, dining, this home offers t...
This one-level brick home offers the updates you want and outdoor space you can enjoy from day one. Inside, you'll find an updated kitchen with new painted cabinets, mode...
Beautiful 7.27-acre mini farm offering a peaceful country setting with convenient access to town. A welcoming circle driveway leads to this charming one-level home, featu...
GORGEOUS, Move-in ready and packed with updates, this charming 3-bedroom ranch in Gaylee Village offers incredible value for $285,000! Situated on a quiet street with a l...
BUYERS AGENTS WELCOME. This sleek, updated kitchen and bathroom 2-bedroom, 1-bathroom single-family residence in the Hertford community of Raleigh offers a solid foun...
Charming Move-In Ready Brick Ranch Filled with Warmth & Character! Hardwood Floors Throughout the Home, Creating a Timeless and Inviting Feel. Step outside to your own Pr...
This great priced home is so close to Elon campus! One level living at its most convenient location within 5 minutes of Elon, shopping and restaurants. Home features 3 be...
Charming ranch home in the historic Rochester Heights neighborhood, offering both character and convenience. Ideally located just 2 miles from the heart of downtown and e...
Welcome to this charming 3-bedroom, 2-bath single-family home nestled in a cul-de-sac of an established Knightdale neighborhood. Offering a functional single-level layout...
QUALIFIES FOR UP TO $12,500 IN DOWN PAYMENT ASSISTANCE! AFFORDABLE NEW CONSTRUCTION IN THE CITY OF SAVANNAH. CONVENIENTLY LOCATED NEAR SHOPPING, DINING, HOSPITALS, AND GA...
Brick ranch with a bright walk-out basement, oversized attached two-car garage, and peaceful creek setting in an established Burlington neighborhood. This 3BR/2BA home b...
Adorable updated brick ranch just minutes from downtown Raleigh, with a $3,500 credit offered. The oversized primary suite features long, open-vaulted ceilings, a decorat...
*NEW PRICE + NEW HVAC!* Take another look at this 3-bedroom, 2-bath home offering convenient one-level living and a functional 1,416-square-foot layout. The home feature...
Sleek, Refined, & Turn-Key: Modern One-Level Living. Nestled at the end of a serene, tree-lined cul-de-sac, this beautifully modernized ranch seamlessly blends effortless...
Charming Ranch in North Durham with No HOA! Features a bright open floor plan and upgrades galore including granite countertops, stainless appliances and tile backsplash....
Enjoy peaceful, country-style living just minutes from the interstate in this move-in-ready 3-bedroom, 2-bath home on nearly 1.5 acres. Step inside to a spacious living r...
One level living nestled in a beautiful park like setting. Just one step to enter the home and no steps inside. Outstanding N Raleigh location only a short stroll to groc...
Charming brick ranch situated on 1.75 acres in the Southern Alamance School District. This 3-bedroom, 1-bath home offers comfortable one-level living in a peaceful settin...
Wendell is located less than 30 minutes from downtown Raleigh and has an abundance of amenities, dining, and shopping opportunities, with even more growth expected. Imagi...
2109 Sheffield Rd is a one-story Raleigh single-family home built in 1950 with two bedrooms and one bathroom across 740 square feet on a 9,148 square foot lot. The kitche...
***Sellers are thrilled with the interest in their home and in an effort to allow all offers to be submitted, have set an offer deadline of 08/18 by 5pm.*** Welcome to 1...
Charming brick ranch situated on a spacious .46-acre lot in Durham! This 3-bedroom, 1-bath home offers 1,384 square feet of living space with classic character and endles...
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