It's Official: Americans Are Obsessed With Ranch Homes

Of all the home styles out there — Victorian, modern, colonial, and more — one type surpasses the rest in popularity and prevalence in the United States, and given its American origins, it might come as no surprise.

According to a new report from Trulia, ranch homes are the most popular kind of home in 34 states across the U.S. The open, single-floor house is once again in demand, especially in the Midwest and on East coast, after soaring in popularity in the '80s and '90s.

These flat, open-floor-plan structures outranked other common styles — like contemporary, cottage, craftsman, and farmhouse — likely for their affordability. Across the country, buyers can find ranch homes listed for much less than their area's median price. In Atlanta, Georgia, the median home goes for $180 per square foot, whereas ranch homes sell for around $92 per square foot. The same goes for Seattle, Washington where average homes sell for around $397 per square foot and ranch homes typically sell for $250 per square foot.

Ranch homes are also one of the most common types of home you'll find in the U.S. Shortly after World War II, they became incredibly popular during the American suburbia boom, according to Apartment Therapy. By the 1950s, ranch style homes made up nine out of 10 houses in America. Nowadays, the style is still common in most states. In just North Carolina and Ohio alone, ranches make up of 81% of the housing market.

While most American homes built today are two-story structures, ranch homes will continue to be popular with nostalgic older generations and younger families who need cheap housing. Experts predict a series of upgraded versions to hit the market in the near future. "In upcoming years, the ranch design will likely continue to improve with modern architecture while maintaining its traditional charm," Elizabeth Baker, an agent at Carolina One Real Estate told Apartment Therapy.