Most popular house styles in Houston
As the fourth largest city in the US, the housing market in Houston shows no signs of slowing down. When it comes to house styles, they are vast and varied in H-Town. From the traditional ranch home, bungalow, and current trends in high-rise and loft living, the house styles of Houston offer something for everybody.
Ranch
The Ranch house is almost certainly the most popular home in the Houston area. This house style, known for its long, close to the ground profile and austere decoration on the inside and out, became prevalent in Houston after the Second World War. The style has Texas sensibilities, as it was intended to blend modern ideas and living styles with classic structures of the American West, namely, the ranch.
The Ranch house became extremely popular among post-war middle class in Houston from the 1940s to 1970s. As Houston experienced the population explosion after the war, there was a demand for this type of housing, characterized by an informal and casual living style and most importantly, the relatively low price tag.
Here are some features that are considered to be the key elements of the ranch house:
- One story
- Long, low roofline
- Simple open floor plans
- Attached garage
- Patios accessed by sliding glass doors
- Exteriors often made up of Stucco brick wood or glass
- Vaulted ceilings with exposed beams
In Houston, Ranch houses can be found in almost every neighborhood.
The Bungalow
Bungalow homes are most prevalent in the Houston Heights neighborhood, but can be found throughout the city. They are typically one story and are meant to be comfortable, bright colorful, and cool. This is extremely functional during the hot Houston summers. Houston is known for its colorful and charming bungalows, and they are increasingly becoming one of the more desired types of houses in the Houston real estate market.
Lofts
Lofts in Houston are both trendy and functional. The open space afforded by a loft style apartment is coveted in the rental market. On the whole, Houston loft apartments are available in a range of styles, from historical lofts that have been converted from warehouses to newly constructed lofts. Loft living can be found in in a variety of neighborhoods. Many of the historic lofts are located in the downtown district, and soft-lofts and new constructions can be found throughout Houston. If this style suits your personality, you’re sure to find one that fits your tastes and as well as your budget.
High Rise
Houston area high-rise apartments represent the pinnacle of luxury living. These ultra modern apartments feature high-end amenities such as security and concierge services, fully equipped gyms and pools. High-rise apartments in Houston are mostly located in the perimeter surrounding the downtown area, as well as in the Greenway Plaza, Texas Medical Center, Galleria, and Midtown neighborhoods.
These are just three of the many home styles available to the Houston home buyer. Whether you’re looking for the traditional or the modern, Houston’s house styles offer something for everyone.
