Austin RanchRanches in Austin, Texas aren’t all Longhorns and chaps. Ranch-style homes were a popular choice in the 1950s,1960s and 1970s in Austin’s suburbs like University Hills. Why are first time homebuyers, young families and baby boomers drawn to ranch-style homes? Let’s take a look.

Common features of the ranch house style made them a big hit back in the day (accounting for 9 out of 10 new homes built in the 1950s), and they are seeing a resurgence in popularity for their versatility:

  • Often single story - easy for families with children and less mobile folk to get around. Baby boomers keen to avoid stairs in their homes can score with a rancher.
  • Open floor plans - a backlash against the compartmentalized homes that preceded the ranch era. Rooms often opened to each other, and that makes them a hit. I would say about 1 in 10 of the buyers I work with ask for a less open floorplan.
  • Attached garage space - this was partly in response to the integration of the automobile into American life after the World War II. Attached garages appeal for additional storage that can be easily accessed.
  • Vaulted ceilings - these often add to a the feeling of space and light.
  • Long low rooves - this makes for easier maintenance - and less ladders. They are also a good target for rainwater barrel installation.
  • Large windows - this allows for more light. Large, single pane windows are a source of heat gain in the Austin summer. Higher utility bills present one possible drawback to ranch-style living, without low-E double pane windows.
  • Sliding glass doors opening to a patio - land was relatively cheap and abundant in the middle of last century, and sliding doors gave easy access to the larger yards, and covered patios.
  • Unpretentious character - I have to admit I’m lost on this one! Ranch-style homes typically had fewer exterior decorative embellishments, and some claim that this makes them more approachable.

If I had to put my finger on it, I’d say that first time home-buyers, young families and baby boomers appreciate the great pricing you can get on an entry level home in somewhere like University Hills.

Garreth Wilcock is an Austin real estate agent who specializes in Central and East Austin homes. You can search homes in University Hills at his website.