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:
One-level living, a private fenced backyard, and a community with so much to enjoy! This 2-bedroom, 2-full-bath end-unit townhome offers an appealing duet layout, with ju...
Enjoy the convenience of a Raleigh address with the added benefit of no city taxes. This beautifully updated one story home offers 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, and a spacious...
Great Raleigh location with convenient access to I-540, Capital Blvd, shopping, and dining! The home offers a bright, open layout with high ceilings, updated flooring, an...
Super cute one-level bungalow in Downtown Durham convenient to Durham Freeway, H-70, RTP, and I-85. Built in 1918 and renovated in 2017, this 1092 sq ft 2 bed/2 full bath...
102 Jubilee Dr, Chapel Hill NC 27516 is a residence with a functional layout and comfortable living spaces throughout. The kitchen features stainless steel appliances, cr...
Newly renovated home in a desirable location near Downtown Durham! The property's proximity to downtown ensures easy access to amenities, dining, and entertainment, maki...
Fully renovated and move-in ready, this charming 3-bedroom brick ranch offers the perfect blend of modern updates and everyday comfort on a spacious lot in Southeast Rale...
Beautiful one-level living in Durham! This 3-bedroom, 2-bath home offers a bright and open layout with a spacious living area, dining space, and kitchen featuring stainle...
1-0 buy down OR 1% of loan amount in closing costs (up to $5k) w/ use of preferred lender! Welcome to this charming 3-bedroom, 2-bath home in the established Brentwood co...
Welcome to this beautifully maintained 3-bedroom, 2-bath ranch-style home in Stone Hill Estates. Designed for comfortable single-level living, this inviting home features...
Welcome home to this charming ranch-style home in Knightdale! Featuring 3 bedrooms and 2 full bathrooms, this home offers a comfortable and functional layout all on one l...
This charming 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom home at 3472 Mine Creek Rd offers 1,544 square feet of comfortable living space in Burlington, NC. The property sits in a peaceful nei...
Welcome to this charming ranch home in the established Brentwood subdivision, just minutes from Downtown Raleigh! Offering 3 bedrooms and 2 full bathrooms, this home feat...
Welcome home to comfort, charm, and modern efficiency! This beautifully updated 3-bedroom, 2-bath home is move-in ready and waiting for its next owner. Enjoy the spacious...
Beautifully situated in a prime central Raleigh location, this charming ranch offers the perfect blend of convenience and character " SOLD AS IS". If you enjoy creativity...
Light-filled, nature-connected and wonderfully located, this 3-bedroom, 2-full-bath ranch offers a fresh, contemporary feel in an established Chapel Hill setting. Origina...
One-level Brick home situated on a corner lot in Gibsonville offering 4 bedrooms, 2 baths and an attached 2-car Garage.Inside, hardwood floors in main living area while t...
Welcome to 917 Bellewood Gardens Drive in Angier, located in the desirable Bellewood subdivision in Wake County! This charming ranch-style home offers 3 bedrooms and 2 fu...
Beautifully updated and impeccably maintained ranch style home WITH potential galore in the unfinished walk out basement. Open layout common living spaces with a custom d...
Charming brick ranch in a convenient Durham location! 2321 Stroller Ave offers 3 bedrooms, 1 full bath, and 934 square feet of thoughtfully updated living space, all on a...
Great Location. Minutes from I-40/85. Cozy & Inviting. Well Maintained. 3 Bedrooms an 2 Baths. Well Landscaped Front and Rear Yard with a Relaxing Deck.
One story living in Colony Lake, end unit townhome with an open floor plan, hardwood floors in the dining room/family room areas, vaulted ceilings, and a sunroom addition...
Adorable Ranch in Emerald Pointe with a bright floorplan and upgrades galore! Features a custom kitchen with quartz countertops, tile backsplash and stainless steel appli...
3616 Shrewsbury St is a single-story Durham home built in 1979. The kitchen carries wood cabinetry, stainless steel appliances, and stone countertops with a tile backspla...
Welcome to this three-bedroom, two-bath residence in Stone Hill Estates, Durham. Set on a spacious 7,405-square-foot lot, the home offers room for all your outdoor pursui...
This three-bedroom, two-bathroom home is nestled in the desirable Riverview North neighborhood on a humongous 1.14 acre lot! The inviting living room features a cozy fire...
Welcome Home to 1209 Damascus Drive! This beautifully remodeled ranch-style home sits on a sprawling, private 0.57-acre lot in a peaceful Wendell setting, offering the pe...
This spacious layout features four well-appointed bedrooms and two full bathrooms, providing ample space for family and guests. The addition of a dedicated bonus room off...
Back on the Market due to no fault of the Seller! Beautifully renovated and move-in ready! Step into a spacious living room featuring a cozy fireplace, perfect for relaxi...
Welcome to this beautifully maintained ranch-style home situated on approximately 1.13 acres in Durham, offering the perfect combination of comfort, space, and long-term ...
Rare opportunity to own an unrestricted 16-acre farm with NO HOA. Perfect for an equestrian estate or hobby farm! Experience country living at its finest with this rare ...
Welcome home to this impeccably maintained, single-level ranch that perfectly blends comfort and style. From the moment you arrive, the inviting covered front porch. with...
One level three bedroom, two bath ranch with flat, fenced back yard and built in doggy door in newer sliding glass door. Great location with short drives to Lake Michael,...
Welcome to this beautifully maintained 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom home, perfectly situated just minutes from the heart of Durham. Designed with comfort and entertaining in min...
Nestled in the heart of Durham, North Carolina, 3307 Duke Homestead Rd presents a charming brick ranch that combines comfort with an unbeatable location. This property of...
There's just something about a classic brick ranch that feels like home. Welcome to 1004 Aversboro Road, offering 3 bedrooms, 2 full baths, and just under 1,500 square fe...
Single-level living on a quiet cul-de-sac with no HOA dues. This 3 bedroom, 2 bath ranch sits on a .18 acre lot backing to mature hardwoods in Flaherty Farms. It's open a...
Welcome to this charming brick home in the highly sought-after Trinity Park neighborhood! Featuring beautiful hardwood floors, classic moldings, and plenty of character...
Charming ranch-style home offering 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms on a spacious 0.41-acre lot near downtown Mebane. Enjoy the convenience of being within walking distance of ...
This three-bedroom, two-bath single-family residence sits on a spacious half-acre lot in Archer Woods in Durham, NC. The home features a roof replaced in 2021 and a brand...
Rare opportunity to own an end-unit townhome with ALL MAIN-LEVEL LIVING in a coveted Raleigh location close to exceptional shopping, dining & everyday conveniences. This ...
First-time buyers and investors, take a look at this single-story Raleigh home offering three bedrooms, two bathrooms, original hardwood floors, an oversized deck, and co...
Great value for the money. This 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom single-family residence in Fairview Subdivision offers a solid foundation for homeownership. Situated on over half ...
Plant roots in North Durham and find your new digs in the form of this sweet 3 bedroom, 1.5 bath rancher. This home has been lovingly tended from top to bottom so that on...
Welcome to your own private haven! Tucked away perfectly at the end of a quiet, peaceful dead-end street, this exceptional property offers the ultimate blend of tranquili...
Take a peek at this pleasing little package on Pin Oak, and you'll be penning an offer the same day. The basics: one level, 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, garage, and a private, fe...
Welcome to 8812 New Hope Farm Rd! This 3-bedroom, 2-bath ranch sits on 1.75 acres with no HOA; plenty of room and freedom. The wooded property offers space to enjoy the o...
VERY NICE 2 BEDROOM 2 FULL BATH,RANCH HOSE WITH GOLF COURSE ON THE BACK. THERE ARE SPACES IN THE HOUSE THAT CAN TURN INTO ANOTHER BEDROOM IF NEEDED. NICE DECK ON THE BACK...
Welcome to 104 Remington Woods drive in Wake Forest, NC 27587 - A beautifully updated home blending comfort and modern style in a desirable neighborhood.. This charmin...
Don't miss this charming three-bedroom, two-bathroom brick ranch, featuring a cozy family room, an open kitchen, and a bright dining area. The inviting covered patio lead...
Welcome to this cute as a button ranch-style home! Situated on a quiet cul-de-sac with an attached two-car garage. The thoughtful split-bedroom layout offers added privac...
Stunning Ranch with Sunroom on .26 acre lot and no HOA! Features a bright, open floor plan with cathedral ceilings, skylights and fireplace. The custom kitchen, perfect f...
Beautifully renovated 3-bedroom 2 bath, all brick ranch home on a large lot with a spacious backyard in a well-located Durham location. Conveniently located near I-85 for...
Listing Promo: Seller paid 3/2/1 mortgage rate buy-down! East Durham is hopping with new businesses and old favorites seemingly at every corner! For real. Have you ever h...
Beautiful Ranch on 1.5 acres with NO HOA! Features a stunning custom kitchen with shaker cabinets, quartz countertops, stainless steel appliances and blue tile backsplash...
Priced to Sell - Best Value in Durham! Opportunity knocks! This home is being sold as-is! This 3-bedroom, 2-bath home offers incredible potential in a desirable Durham lo...
Welcome to this charming three-bedroom, one-bathroom single-family residence nestled in the Pleasant Hills community of Chapel Hill, NC. Situated on a generous .72 acre l...
Fantastic curb appeal, beautiful landscaping and a wooded setting welcome you to this beautifully maintained and updated home. With no neighboring home directly to the ri...
Welcome to 240 Silverlake Drive, a well-maintained 3-bedroom, 2-bath ranch offering comfortable single-level living in Burlington. Inside, you'll find an inviting layout ...
Welcome home to this beautifully updated, move in ready property! NO HOA! Enjoy easy access to the entire Triangle area via the I-540 interchange just minutes away. It i...
Welcome to 7408 Ray Rd in the charming neighborhood of Hampton Oaks! This ranch-style home combines comfort and convenience in one inviting package. With 3 spacious bedr...
Welcome to this open modern, top-floor condo designed with contemporary style and convenience in mind. This 2 bedroom/2 bath unit boasts expansive windows that flood the ...
You've been waiting for this gem! Hurry! 3 bed / 2 bath / one story ranch end unit townhome in favorite and much sought-after Sweetbay Circle, 3 minutes from I-40/Alamanc...
Comfort and convenience come together in this newly priced end-unit townhome that offers the feel of a single-family home, all just minutes from shopping and dining. Tuc...
NOW ACTIVE!! Cute ranch style home with tons of potential and fantastic location. Just minutes away from everything Garner, Raleigh, and the Triangle has to offer. This 3...
Vaulted ceilings, a huge deck, and a laundry room that isn't an afterthought! The living room does the heavy lifting here. Vaulted ceiling, wood floors, fireplace, and en...
Discover 1004 Clifford Dr, a residence arranged for everyday practicality, emphasizing ease of use and functionality. The kitchen is fully equipped with all stainless ste...
Charming Patio-Style Villa with Main-Level Primary Suite in Angier! Welcome home to 8009 Crookneck Drive, a low level maintenance patio home designed for effortless, comf...
Tucked away on a quiet cul-de-sac, 1513 Solunar Court offers the ease of one level living in a location that puts the best of Wake Forest close at hand. Just minutes from...
Come take a look at this charming 3-bedroom, 2-bath home offering comfortable living space. The large living room gives everyone plenty of room to gather, while the quali...
A covered front porch, a big back deck and an acre in Mebane—there's plenty to get excited about here! This updated 3-bedroom, 2-bath ranch sits back from the road on 1.0...
A quiet country setting on a little less than an acre FLAT lot, peaceful pastoral views right out the living room windows, NO HOA, a home that has been thoughtfully trans...
Enjoy true one-level living in this charming ranch home featuring a custom designer kitchen with shaker cabinets, granite countertops, glass-tile backsplash, stainless-st...
Brick Home on a .96 Acre Corner Lot! City Water & Septic. Large Rooms, A Full In Law Suite! Hardwood Floors, Gas Heat & Central Air. In law suite has Space Heater & Windo...
Welcome to 2504 Lane Street in Durham! Originally built in 1959, this charming bungalow has been thoughtfully remodeled with fresh, modern updates. The kitchen offers a c...
Great house and very clean remolding, it has second floor bounce room, has some of the martials, we can offer full kitchen and bathroom remodeling with great price. We ca...
Desirable ranch-style end-unit townhome in a wonderful Apex location! This inviting home features 2 bedrooms and 2 full baths with an open, comfortable floor plan. The sp...
Thoughtfully renovated from top to bottom, 2107 Dandridge pairs serious behind-the-scenes improvements with exceptionally well-finished interiors in a quiet pocket of Bil...
Welcome to 2819 Independence Avenue, nestled in highly sought-after Durham, NC! This charming ranch-style beauty offers the perfect blend of comfort, convenience, and pri...
Welcome to 6201 Lilly Stream Court, a charming 3-bedroom, 2-bath ranch home offering that comfortable one-level living in a peaceful Willow Spring setting and situated on...
Welcome to Popes Crossing! This freshly painted, attractive 3-bedroom, 2-bath single-story home offers easy, single-level living in an established Durham community. The ...
Rare Chapel Hill Opportunity! Enjoy privacy and peaceful living on over 1 acre, yet be just 10 minutes from Chapel Hill via Hwy 54. Lovingly owned and meticulously cared ...
Updated 1960s Ranch Home 10 Minutes from Iron Works with No HOA! Move-in ready and beautifully refreshed, this updated 3-bedroom, 1.5-bath ranch home offers classic 1960...
City-close living without giving up an incredible entertaining backyard! Less than 2 miles from Downtown Raleigh, this fully updated painted-brick ranch blends original c...
Welcome to 828 Alderleaf Dr in Fuquay- Varina! This beautiful refreshed home offers comfortable living space with thoughtful updated. The living area and hallway feature...
Spacious home on unrestricted land offering four bedrooms and large living area and recently updated flooring. Ideally located with convenient access to US-1 and Highway ...
Charming 4-bedroom, 2-bath ranch situated on a spacious and private 0.45-acre lot with no HOA! This home is full of character and offers plenty of outdoor space along wit...
407 Lamesa Dr is a one-story Raleigh brick ranch home with a comfortable single-level layout. The kitchen features wood cabinetry, granite countertops, and stainless stee...
Fully renovated and move-in ready Inside the Beltline! This 3-bedroom, 2-bath Raleigh home combines an extensive interior transformation with a location and features that...
NEW CONSTRUCTION 78 UNIT CONDO COMPLEX This is a luxurious 3rd floor condo, featuring the Depot plan with 2 bedroom and 2 bathroom. It features a corner unit w large wind...
Thoughtfully updated and move-in ready, this 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath home offers stylish finishes, major system improvements, and a functional layout designed for comfortable...
Welcome home! From the moment you walk in, you'll feel the care and attention that went into making this house a home. This beautifully renovated 3-bed, 2-bath home is tr...
This solidly built mid-century (1968) brick ranch features a new roof, new LVP flooring and carpeted bedrooms, new appliances, window treatments and new paint throughout...
Adorable, COMPLETELY RENOVATED ranch on .59 acres just minutes to DOWNTOWN!! Home features NEW LVP flooring, NEW Windows, NEW Doors, NEW HVAC, NEW Roof, 2024 Water Heater...
NO HOA, NO CITY TAXES, and move-in ready! This beautifully refreshed 3-bedroom, 2-bath ranch in Fuquay-Varina offers the updates buyers want with the freedom and savings ...
Welcome to this completely renovated 4-bedroom Raleigh home offering a modern style with extensive updates throughout. This property has been thoughtfully upgraded from t...
I'm your beautifully refreshed 3BR/2BA + bonus room 1,475 SF home near Downtown Raleigh where convenience meets comfort. Step inside and you'll immediately notice my new ...
Fresh paint, brand-new carpet, and a spacious lot near Brier Creek in Durham! Tucked away on a cul-de-sac, this home offers comfortable one-level living with a functional...
More space. More flexibility. Nearly an acre to make your own. This updated North Durham brick ranch combines easy single-level living with modern finishes, versatile spa...
Welcome to this inviting 3-bedroom, 2 full bath home located in the heart of Cary! The living room features a cozy fireplace, perfect for relaxing or entertaining. A vers...
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