Popularized in the 1950s, ranch homes gave us "cheap land and sprawling suburbs, with a horizontal footprint that turned its back on the streetscape to focus on backyard living."
There has been an increase in the sale of Staten Island ranch homes and here are some of the reasons why:
- "People who want to have a one-story house are looking for [ranches] and buying, including boomers but also young families who don't want to be running up and down the stairs," said Alan Hess, author of the book "The Ranch House," who said there is a growing market for the homes in the resale market, even though their heyday was in the 1950s and 1960s. (x) Families with young children are drawn more to a one-level home to avoid the extra proofing of child-safety.
- According to a study by the 50+ Housing Council of NAHB and the MetLife Mature Market Institute, about 90% of homeowners 45 and older say they want to age in place in their existing home. By 2020, nearly 45% of households will include someone 55 or older. Young families aren't the only ones who want a one-story Staten Island home. Elderly living in their homes, whether they aged in the same home or are a new homeowner to a Staten Island ranch face the obstacle of climbing the stairs.
- Staten Island ranches are an affordable option for first-time buyers when comparing to a two-story houses. This falls on the less expense for heat and cooling and square footage. First-time buyers are also welcome to the idea of expansion with purchasing a ranch because of its horizontal layout. There is no need to worry about blending styles or supporting another floor - just extend out or up. (x)
Ranch homes can be found throughout Staten Island. Call our office if you're interested in selling or buying (718) 370-3200.