If you’re considering buying a home in Arizona, you’ll have plenty of choices to make, including deciding on the size of the house and any key features that are important to you. You will also want to consider the style of home that you want.
Home styles are about more than just aesthetics and home size. Style can affect how you live in a home, maintenance and cleaning needs, price, and more. Opting for one of the most popular house styles in Arizona means that you’ll have lots of houses to choose from as you shop.
Common Types Of House Styles In Arizona
As you shop for a home in Arizona, you’ll have your choice of a wide range of styles. These seven most popular types of house styles vary significantly, so whether you’re looking for cozy classic charm or a large, sprawling home with modern accents, chances are you’ll find a home style that’s the perfect fit.
1. Pueblo revival
Pueblo revival-style homes reflect traditional Pueblo structures that date back as far as 750 A.D. These modern homes were developed in the early 20th century and feature a distinctive look that honors Arizona’s history.
While some homes are made of sun-dried mud, others are built with mortar or concrete. They feature eye-catching wood elements, like ceiling beams and large wooden doors. The exteriors are rounded, and the homes have distinctive square windows and flat roofs.
Pueblo revival-style homes have thick walls that offer excellent insulation. Since small courtyards are often incorporated, the homes provide a sheltered outdoor space to avoid the heat.
2. Contemporary style
Contemporary homes are stylish homes full of modern touches that are popular during construction. As a result, you’ll find contemporary homes available in a wide variety of styles, including everything from condos to single-family homes and more.
These homes often feature open-concept layouts, modern fixtures and luxury accents. They are built to minimize maintenance requirements and are usually eco-friendly, often including features like solar panels. Contemporary homes are characterized by elements like strong lines, striking angles, and a clean and bright appearance.
Since contemporary homes are trendy and newer, they often cost more than similar-sized homes of a less popular or older style. However, these homes could save you maintenance and upgrade costs, making them appealing options.
3. Ranch style
Ranch-style homes are popular because of the convenience of single-floor living. These one-story homes became popular in the 1950s. Ranch homes tend to be smaller than other home layouts and often follow an L- or U-shaped floor plan.
There are distinct advantages to that smaller size. Ranch homes are easier to maintain than larger houses. Since there is no second story, it’s easier and more affordable to maintain the temperature of a ranch. No living space is sacrificed to a staircase. With everything on one level, ranches are easier to clean and safer to navigate, especially for aging homeowners or those with young children.
Ranches have some disadvantages, too. With the bedrooms and living spaces on one floor, sound can carry easily into the bedrooms. Ranches have less privacy than two-story homes with the bedrooms on the second floor. Ranches require a larger footprint, so homes on smaller lots will also have smaller yards.
4. Mediterranean style
Mediterranean-style homes carry cultural influences from Spain, Italy, and Portugal. These homes feature courtyards, stucco finishes, balconies and porticos. Known for their ornamental details, it’s common to find ornate carvings or colored tiles and patterns on these homes. Arches are another common element; Mediterranean homes also feature distinctive red tile roofs.
While visually appealing, these elements carry practical advantages, too. These homes are designed to withstand the demands of hot and dry climates, making them ideal choices in Arizona. Roofs made of clay pots and bricks create air pockets that help to keep the home cool even in hot weather. Stucco finishes also help to shield the home from hot temperatures and the sun.
5. Tudor revival
Tudor-style homes have existed for hundreds of years, but in the United States, they became trendy in the early 20th century. Inspired by medieval homes, Tudor revival style homes feature specific vital characteristics. They have a white stucco or red brick exterior and a pitched roof. Double-hung windows and dark brown wooden accents also give the Tudor home its distinctive appearance. These homes are always at least two stories, and their layouts are often asymmetrical.
These homes offer several appealing advantages. They have a beautiful, historic style. Their brown and black colors pair well with many other shades, making adding your own touch to the homes easy. Tudor-style homes are often located on large lots, ideal if you enjoy outdoor entertaining.
6. Bungalows
Bungalow homes are typically one-story single-family homes. They often have a central living area, with the other rooms attached to that space. Bungalows originated in Asia but offer several advantages that make them appealing to homebuyers today.
Since all rooms are on the same floor, bungalows offer easy mobility for seniors, people with disabilities, and families with small kids. That design makes housekeeping and maintenance, like window cleaning, more accessible.
Many bungalows are built on larger lots, so you can renovate and expand a smaller house to create more space. Since many bungalows are older, they may require updates and renovation, allowing you to make the home your own.
7. Santa Fe
Santa Fe style homes, also called Spanish Colonial homes, reflect the style of house that emerged during the 16th century when Spain colonized parts of America. Today, these homes feature clay or stucco walls, which are durable and low-maintenance. While original homes had few windows, today’s homes have larger, more numerous windows and distinctive iron bars instead of glass panes. Red clay roof tiles and wooden beams are other common accents.
Santa Fe style homes also have courtyards which helped the original homes with temperature control. Today’s homes feature courtyards that are designed mainly for entertainment.
These homes are ideal for dry, warm climates. Combining the classic elements of Spanish Colonial homes with modern accents like air conditioning make this style of home a popular and practical choice.
Learn More About Arizona Homebuying
As you shop for a new home, deciding on a home style can help focus your search. The above seven styles are all trendy in Arizona, each with slightly different pros and cons. Considering factors like maintenance requirements, home size, price, renovation needs, and the home’s overall aesthetic can help you to decide which home style is best for you.
Are you ready to look for home loan options? Check out our mortgage options page for a range of products and services that fit your financial situations and homebuying goals. For more information, contact a mortgage specialist.
