7 Most Popular Home Styles in North Carolina

Are you planning on moving to North Carolina and want to learn more about the most popular home styles? Don't worry because we have created a list of the seven more popular home styles in North Carolina, including Ranch, Traditional, and Mid-Century Modern.

From the picturesque Great Smoky Mountains to the breathtaking coast, North Carolina has it all and more. No wonder N.C. is the 5th fastest-growing state in the country and has many fantastic cities to discover.

Moving to a new state can bring on much excitement but can be overwhelming for first-time home buyers. You'll have to review the pros and cons; luckily, N.C. has very few cons. While searching for your dream home, there are several factors to consider, home-style being one of the most important. 

Most of North Carolina's residential architecture is heavily influenced by European designs. However, due to its rich history and culture, the state has diverse home styles. The most traditional home styles are Farmhouse, Bungalow, and Modern, but you will see several other styles throughout the state. 

Depending on whether you are moving to a big city for a new job, a small town for some quiet, or anywhere for a fresh start, there will be many things to consider. Make sure you find the perfect house for your lifestyle, preference, and budget, starting with the home style. Check out this list of N.C.'s most popular home styles in no particular order. 

Keep reading to learn all about the seven most popular home styles in North Carolina.

Cape Cod Style

A Cape Cod home is trendy throughout the state and varies in size. You can spot a Cape Cod home from its steeply pitched, side-gabled roofs, dormer windows, central chimney, and clad-in shingles. 

These homes have three categories: a full Cape, a three-quarter Cape, and a half Cape. This depends on how many windows are placed on each side of the central front door. Cape Cod homes can be multiple stories but generally are single-storied, making them perfect for small families or retirees. 

Dating back to the Puritan colonists in the 17th century, Cape Cod homes have a rich history but have experienced many upgrades. These simple yet elegant homes are easy to personalize and inexpensive to build. Their versatility is what makes them so popular. 

The exterior is usually easy to spot on a Cape Cod home, and proportion is essential. Most homes feature unpainted side shingles, low eaves, and the center chimney. This symmetry is critical if you are building this home style. One of the best parts of this home style is its endurance through any weather; the practical design helps the home stand up to challenging weather. This is essential in N.C., as the weather tends to be unpredictable. 

Mid-Century Modern Style

The Mid-Century Modern home style dates back to 1945, during the United States' post-World War II period, and has adapted since. This architectural style features a wide, low footprint with large, open spaces and floor-to-ceiling windows and usually incorporates the outdoors. 

This trendy home style gives homeowners space to design, breathe, and store their belongings. Prices vary greatly, but these homes are typically more expensive to build than other popular home styles, as is seen in more luxury homes. 

The emphasis on space is directly related to the large windows, which allow the outdoors into the home. This home is perfect for anyone who enjoys the outdoors and prefers sunlight throughout the house. 

When most people think of Mid-Century Modern homes, they picture a minimalistic and clean design. While this is true for most homes with this style, you will still be free to personalize as you see fit. You'll know this home style in many celebrities' and millennials' homes. In addition, this home style is the perfect fit for a family or young professional.

Most Mid-Century Modern homes are black, dark grey, white, or navy on the outside and brightly colored on the interior. The minimalist design continues through the interior, but you will find pops of color, organic shapes, and unique furniture. 

Traditional Style 

A Traditional home style is among the most popular in N.C. for families and suburban areas. You'll notice the large, open porches with overhanging beams and a tall, pointed roof with one or more gables. 

These homes typically use brick, wood, plaster, stucco, and stone. Many homes even use a mix of these elements on the exterior to create an even more beautiful look. This is another excellent home style that is easy to personalize while preserving the traditional architectural style. 

As you can tell by the name, these homes are inspired by years of tradition and are known for their mix of characteristics, primarily from the 17th and 18th centuries. As the most popular home style in the U.S., its symmetrical windows, simple rooflines, and modest details make it timeless. 

The exterior is traditionally warm and inviting, with windows of any style and at least one front-facing gable. There are no guidelines on the size and shape of these homes, giving homeowners even more freedom to design how they like it. The interior continues the warm and inviting atmosphere with practical layouts, a foyer, defined living spaces, and sometimes a basement. 

This home style is most seen with families, as the defined living spaces allow owners to create multiple bedrooms, a playroom, an office, or even an at-home gym.  

Georgian-Style

A Georgian-style home dates back to the reign of Britain's King George I. Built with classic symmetry in mind, these were made to be perfectly balanced. Georgian-style homes are typically square or rectangular, featuring side-gabled roofs sloping inwards and upwards on all four sides. 

Most homes have at least two chimneys and even windows on the side of the house. In the middle is the front door, dividing the two halves and creating the "Golden ratio," a nature and fine art mathematical ratio. 

Typically, six identical wooden panels and even paned glass surround the door. Around the door, you can personalize as you want with pilasters, molding, or pediments. Above the door, you'll spot a small window known as the "fanlights," which radiate sunlight into the foyer. 

The symmetry continues on the interior with well-defined rooms, a grand staircase, and high ceilings with crown molding. As a historical home style, Georgian homes are higher maintenance and can be more expensive. However, they are typically worth much more than other homes and can be sold at a higher price. 

This is another home style that is perfect for families and can be found in many areas throughout N.C.

Craftsman Style

Also known as the Arts and Crafts style home, the Craftsman style emerged from the American Craftsman movement at the beginning of the 20th century. Craftsman style features a triangular roof, overhanging eaves with exposed beams, tapered columns, patterned window panes, and a covered porch.

The exterior commonly has cedar shakes, stone, and shiplap sides to emphasize a natural look and harmony with nature. If you enjoy gardening or value your home's curb appeal, this is where your talents can shine. 

Craftsman homes are more expensive to build due to the amount of detail and materials used. But, they are incredibly comfortable living in and ecologically sound with fewer resources and less energy to maintain. 

You can spot Craftsman homes with varying details in many suburbs and neighborhoods. You'll mainly see four types of Craftsman homes: Middsion, Four-square, and bungalow. Each has different features, primarily boats, wide porches, wood pillars, and small interiors. 

Transitional Style

A transitional home is often confused with a traditional one, although they have some distinct differences. A transitional is a combination of modern styles and traditional design. 

Like many other designs, transitional homes value natural light, clean lines, and natural materials like wood and stone. The emphasis on texture and minimal ornamentation leaves much room for personality on both the exterior and interior. 

Typically, these homes boast a well-balanced blend of styles to create a cohesive and inviting space. Transitional homes are most popular with Baby Boomers and Millennials. These are perfect for those in a transitional stage of life and even first-time home buyers who need extra space and appreciate traditional design. 

As a mix of several architectural designs, in order to be a transitional style, homes must maintain specific details. Stick to maintaining proportion, massing, scale, and roof slopes, and then you can add your own personal touch. 

The interior usually features neutral colors, different textures, simple furniture, minimalist decor, and large windows for sunlight. This home style is most seen in newer neighborhoods, updated homes, or new-construction homes. 

Ranch Style

A Ranch-style home is usually built as a single-story home with an open-concept layout and a large patio. You can spot them from their low-pitched roofline and large windows along the front.

The open living space draws in many home buyers, particularly families needing extra space for their kids or entertainment. This is also a long-term choice, as you'll have plenty of room to grow as a family. Many retirees move into ranch-style homes as they are typically single-story. 

Dating back to the 1930s, these homes were named after cattle ranches because of the wide-open spaces and harmony with the outdoors. The large sliding glass doors make it the perfect home to build a patio or courtyard. 

Ranch-style homes can be upgraded, changed, and personalized as much as you'd like. Many have added modern touches, as they are popular fixer-uppers. You can choose from several ranch-style types: California Ranch, Rambler, Raised Ranch, or Storybook Ranch. 

No matter which you choose, you can have the freedom with personalized colors, designs, and decor. This is the perfect opportunity to get creative, whether you want to blend in or stand out. You can do it all with a ranch-style home. 

FAQ - Most Popular Home Styles in N.C.

What are the four basic house styles?

The most basic home styles are one-story or ranch, one-and-one-half-story, the two-story, and the split-level home styles.

What is the traditional architecture of North Carolina?

The most traditional architecture in N.C. includes elegant Colonial, Federal, and Georgian styles. 

What style of house sells the most?

The home style that sells the most varies depending on many factors, but overall, ranch-style housing is the most popular nationwide. 

Where are the most expensive homes in North Carolina?

The most expensive places in North Carolina are Blowing Rock, Salvo, Terrell, New Hill, and Caswell Beach.

What is the name of the most famous house in North Carolina?

The Biltmore House is one of the most famous historic sites in North Carolina and is a must-see if you are in the area. 

Home Styles in N.C. - The Bottom Line

As you search for your next home in N.C., the home style will be one of the most critical factors. Not only will this be essential for you as the homeowner, but it will also significantly impact your home's value. 

Once you have decided on your dream home style, you can look further into areas, sizes, and more. This will likely be your home for an extended period of time, and you'll want to love every part of it. 

As you consider buying your first home, there are many things to consider, from the location to the home style. Raleigh, the capital of N.C., is one of the fastest-growing areas in the country and has many beautiful home styles. You'll have to act fast to buy your dream home in one of Raleigh's best neighborhoods.

As you search for your next home in N.C., don't hesitate to contact one of our helpful Real Estate SPecialists, as they are eager to help you find the perfect home. We know buying a new home can be stressful and overwhelming, so ensure you are well-prepared beforehand.