If you are searching the market for single-family homes, ranch houses are worth a look. Popular in the 1950s and 1960s, one-story housing styles are making a comeback among everyone from young parents to retirees. Here’s why you might want to scour the real estate listings for single-story homes.

Reasons to Buy a One-Story, Single-Family Home

1. Safe for Young & Elderly Residents

A classic ranch-style house is built on a level slab, and everything is on one floor. Active kids, older adults, and people with mobility challenges have less risk of tripping and falling because there are no stairs to climb. 

2. Versatile Open Floor Plan

Ranches often offer open floor plans, which let in light, simplify traffic flow, and offer versatility. Installing dividers, partitions, or kitchen islands can create a more cozy environment, if you prefer.

3. Easy Exits in Emergencies

In case of a fire or another emergency, everyone can exit quickly through front or rear doors without the delay of navigating stairs. When necessary, escaping through a first-floor window is a safer alternative than jumping from a second-story one.

4. Convenient Heating & Cooling

One-story, single-family homes are often less expensive to heat and cool than houses with two or more levels. You don’t need dual HVAC systems that many two-story homes require to keep all the areas warm or cool evenly.

5. Practical Design for Expansion

If you want more living space, the L, U, and rectangular shapes of ranches make them practical structures for expanding out instead of up. These single-family homes lend themselves to adding rooms because there are no stairwells or second stories to complicate your plans.

When you’re in the market for single-family homes, look to Hensley Realty Co. Russell native Dale Hensley leads a team of experienced, licensed real estate agents familiar with properties in Greenup, Boyd, and Carter counties, KY, and Lawrence and Scioto counties, OH. These Realtors will help you negotiate a contract, get an appraisal, arrange home inspections, and guide you through the closing process. Check out their real estate listings online, and call (606) 836-9770 about their range of services.