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Most Popular Home Styles in Raleigh
What are the most popular home styles in Raleigh, NC? Here is what you need to know about the top home styles in Raleigh if you are moving to the Triangle.
Raleigh, North Carolina's capital city, offers homebuyers an impressive array of architectural styles reflecting its rich history and modern growth. From stately Colonial Revival homes in historic neighborhoods to sleek mid-century modern gems, the City of Oaks provides housing options to suit every taste and lifestyle.
Each home style is unique, and North Carolina is known for its mix of stunning mountains, breathtaking beaches, and adorable towns. No matter where you decide to plant roots, a diverse mix of home styles will be available.
European designs influence the majority of North Carolina's residential home styles. These traditional homes have a deep history and are considered timeless. However, several other home styles have emerged around the state.
Whether you're relocating from across the country or moving within the Triangle, understanding these popular home styles will help you make an informed decision about your next home purchase.
Check out these seven most popular home styles found in Raleigh
1. Colonial Style Homes
Colonial architecture represents one of Raleigh's most enduring and sought-after home styles, particularly prevalent in the city's established neighborhoods. These homes typically feature symmetrical facades, multi-pane windows, and distinctive center-hall floor plans that have remained popular for centuries.
The Colonial Revival style, dating back to the early 18th century, is based on the Federal and Georgian architecture of America's founding period. Its symmetrical design features more classic details.
This home style is usually square, with the highest point in the center. The typical features include a gabled roof, wood/brick/modern vinyl siding, a four-square layout, a central fireplace, and hardwood floors.
On the exterior, the door is usually in the center, surrounded by multi-pane windows, furthering the symmetrical design. Once you walk in the front doors, you will notice the large central staircase with rooms on both sides. The interior features high ceilings and beautiful crown molding.
It is easy to spot this home style from the symmetry and grand entrance. The entrance is usually surrounded by a porch supported by columns or pillars. The Colonial style has been reinvented since its origin in the Colonial period in America.
There are several different Colonial styles, including Early American Colonial, Georgian Colonial, French Colonial, Dutch Colonial, and Colonial Revival. You can't go wrong with this picturesque home style, one of the most popular in Raleigh and the rest of the country.
The building costs are usually affordable, and the multi-story design makes it perfect for first-time homeowners or large families.
Colonial-style homes are abundant in historic neighborhoods like Hayes Barton, where grand Colonial Revival homes showcase elegance. The Five Points area also features beautiful examples, with houses built during the early-to-mid 20th-century boom. Many of these properties sit on tree-lined streets that enhance their stately appearance.
Key Features:
- Two or three stories with balanced, rectangular design
- Front door centered with equal numbers of windows on each side
- Gabled roofs with dormers and chimneys
- Traditional materials like brick, wood siding, or stone
- Formal interior layouts with separate living and dining rooms
2. Craftsman Style Homes
The Craftsman home style emerged from the American Arts and Crafts movement at the beginning of the 20th century. These homes emphasize handcrafted details and natural materials and are particularly cherished for warmth and character.
The exterior usually features cedar shakes, stone, and shiplap siding. The natural look emphasizes harmony with the surrounding nature. If you value your home's curb appeal, this might be the perfect style for you.
This home type is perfect for buyers who value handcrafted details, cozy living spaces, and homes with authentic character. These properties often feature unique built-ins and original hardwood floors that add to their charm.
Key Features:
- Low-pitched roofs with wide, overhanging eaves
- Exposed wooden beams and decorative brackets
- Large front porches with thick square or round columns
- Built-in furniture and extensive woodwork
- Mixed exterior materials including wood, stone, and brick
3. Traditional Style Homes
Traditional homes in Raleigh encompass a broad category that includes various classical American architectural elements, often blending features from different historical periods. Due to their timeless appeal and functional layouts, these homes are the most popular choice for many buyers and are found in many new-construction homes.
The exterior is primarily brick but can be integrated with stone or vinyl. You'll notice the simple overhanging eaves, porches, and varied roof lines. One of the best parts of a traditional home style is the freedom to build. They don't have to be a specific size or shape; they can be expansive or simple. It all depends on your preferences.
The interior is usually practical, starting with a spacious foyer. This home design is perfect for families, as there could be as many as four bedrooms. The living and dining rooms are typically spacious, and the bedrooms are on the second floor. You'll also have the freedom to feature an attached garage or not.
Areas like North Hills, Brier Creek, and many of the city's newer subdivisions feature contemporary interpretations of traditional styles that offer modern amenities within classic frameworks.
Key Features:
- Balanced proportions and classic lines
- Pitched roofs with standard angles
- Multi-pane windows, often with shutters
- Brick, wood, or combination exteriors
- Flexible floor plans that accommodate modern living
4. Ranch Style House
Ranch homes gained tremendous popularity in Raleigh during the post-World War II building boom and remain a favorite among buyers seeking single-story living and practical layouts. These homes represent the epitome of mid-20th-century American suburban living.
Most people are drawn to the ranch house style because of its open living space, perfect for families or entertainment purposes. Ranch houses are also great for retirees and long-term practicality since they are usually single-story.
The only possible downside of this home style is the price, as the roof and foundation can require expensive features. A single-story home also requires a considerable amount of land. However, you will have a lot of room for personalization, as the asymmetrical shapes allow you to design the exterior however you want.
Key Features:
- Single-story design with extended, low profile
- Open floor plans with minimal hallways
- Large windows and sliding glass doors
- Attached garages (often the first to feature this)
- Emphasis on indoor-outdoor living
5. Victorian Style Homes
Victorian architecture brings ornate elegance and historical grandeur to Raleigh's housing market. These homes, built during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, showcase the elaborate decorative elements that defined the Victorian era.
Victorian homes are among the most recognizable around the Raleigh area. They are usually two or three stories tall, with steeply pitched roofs and a dominant front-facing gable. The exterior features beautiful architecture, with complex roof lines, towers, turrets, and stunning designs.
This home style is considered one of the more luxurious, which means it can be a bit more expensive than other home styles. Gothic styles and intricately designed woodwork heavily influence these homes. You'll notice the stunning wraparound front porches, perfect for a space to relax or entertain.
The interior design is just as detailed as the exterior. Originating from the Victorian era, these types of homes usually have many patterns, tall ceilings and windows, tiled floors, florals, large fireplaces, carpets, rugs, and heavy curtains. Here is where you can add your personal touch, with as much detail as you desire.
The sheer design and detail set this home style apart from the rest. You'll find this design in many of the historical sites across Raleigh. Not only are these homes beautiful, but they are perfect for a family looking for a home for the rest of their lives, and there is no better place to live than Raleigh.
Historic Oakwood is Raleigh's premier Victorian neighborhood, featuring hundreds of homes in various 19th-century architectural styles. The area is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and represents the city's first local Historic District. Boylan Heights also features several Victorian gems among its diverse architectural mix.
Key Features:
- Ornate trim and decorative woodwork (often called "gingerbread")
- Bay windows and turrets
- Steep rooflines with complex shapes
- Vibrant paint schemes highlighting architectural details
- Wraparound porches and intricate brackets
6. Tudor Style Homes
Tudor Revival architecture brings Old World charm to Raleigh's neighborhoods. Its distinctive half-timbered look and medieval-inspired details create some of the city's most romantic and unique homes.
This home style stands out with its pitched gable roofs, elegant stonework, and wooden beams. Mainly inspired by a mix of early and medieval English buildings, the style has changed over the years to encompass a more transitional appearance.
Many people compare the Tudor style to Victorian homes, although they do have some distinctive differences. Victorian homes have detailed designs, whereas Tudor home styles are traditionally simpler and elegant. Both are excellent choices if you are interested in a luxury home.
Key Features:
- Decorative half-timbering with stucco or brick infill
- Steeply pitched roofs with cross gables
- Tall, narrow windows are often arranged in groups
- Prominent chimneys, sometimes with decorative tops
- Arched doorways and casement windows
7. Mid-Century Modern Homes
Mid-century modern homes are becoming one of the most popular home styles. These homes emphasize clean lines, open spaces, and integration with the natural environment, making them increasingly popular with today's buyers.
Space is emphasized, as open floor plans are incredibly relevant in this home style. In addition to large windows, many of these homes feature large glass doors.
Stemming from the mid-1900s, this design is categorized as minimalistic and clean. This is perfect, as minimalistic design trends are becoming more popular today. You'll see this design in newer areas, especially around Raleigh, as the city has grown tremendously in recent years.
This home style is becoming very prominent as Millennials start buying homes. It is excellent for buyers who appreciate clean, uncluttered design, love natural light, and want homes that feel connected to their surroundings.
Key Features:
- Flat or low-pitched roofs with broad overhangs
- Extensive use of glass and natural light
- Open floor plans with minimal interior walls
- Integration of indoor and outdoor spaces
- Use of modern materials like steel, glass, and concrete
Methodology
Data was sourced from the National Association of Realtors and Better Homes and Gardens to determine Raleigh, NC's most popular home styles.
FAQs
What style of house sells the most?
Ranch-style houses are the most popular style in many states due to their affordability and accessibility. This classic build offers plenty of space and is usually one story. Its popularity grew in the mid-twentieth century and has remained among the most popular.
What house styles are popular right now?
Craftsman, ranch, colonial, contemporary, and Victorian are some of the most popular home styles.
What kind of houses are in North Carolina?
North Carolina homes are mostly colonial, federal, and Georgian styles, although farmhouse, bungalow, modern, and contemporary styles are becoming more popular around the state.
How do I choose the style of my house?
There are many ways to choose the style of your house; you could look at home design inspiration, draw inspiration from your current home, or even hire a custom home designer.
Home Styles in Raleigh - The Bottom Line
Raleigh's architectural diversity means there's truly something for everyone, whether you're drawn to the formal elegance of Colonial homes, the handcrafted charm of Craftsman bungalows, or the clean lines of mid-century modern design. Each style offers unique benefits and considerations.
As you search for your new home, one of the first things you should do is consider the home style. Not only is the home style essential for you, but it will also significantly impact your home's value.
As you search for your next home in the Triangle, don't hesitate to contact one of our helpful Real Estate Specialists, as they are eager to help you find the perfect home. Our knowledge of local neighborhoods, architectural styles, and market trends will ensure you make an informed decision you'll love for years.
