When looking for a home, we all have a plan of how we want the house to look. This is usually in terms of size, style, and location. If you are looking for a house in Arizona, there are numerous house styles to choose from, meaning that you have a high chance of finding your perfect home.
The diversity ranges from Bungalows to modern buildings, and some of them are not what you will normally find in other states. While most of them are different, some common features include swimming pools, warm color schemes, and no basements.
The common styles you will find include:
Pueblo Revival
This house style goes as far as the 750 A.D used by the Pueblo Indians in Arizona and New Mexico. While it may have been outdated for some time, it regained its popularity in the 20th century. Some of its outstanding features include:
- A flat roof
- Thick walls made using stucco or adobe
- Rounded exteriors
- Heavy doors
- Exposed wooden beams
- Square windows
While you might be worried about drainage from the flat roof, they usually have canals for better drainage. These houses are mostly built around courtyards, encouraging indoor and outdoor living.
If you are looking for this house style, they are usually for sale mostly in Coronado Historic District and Arcadia Historic neighborhoods.
Pros
- It is eco-friendly because it uses earthly materials
Cons
- Earthly materials are more vulnerable to cracks and leaks
Contemporary
If you don’t like the clutter in traditional-style houses, this is the house style for you. Many houses under this style use modern materials and colors. Some of the materials used include steel, glass, and flat-panel wood.
The design usually focuses on style, meaning they are not necessarily comfortable. Some of the features include:
- Kitchens with white countertops and cabinets
- Spacious living rooms
- Clean stuck lines plus neutral colors
- Minimalistic interior
- Large windows
- Hardwood floors in all rooms
While most of these houses have small bathrooms and bedrooms, you can find one with a spacious bedroom and bathroom. It all depends on your needs.
Pros
- Many storage options
- Spacious living rooms
- Modern design
Cons
- Small kitchen, bathroom, and bedroom
Ranch
Popular for their classic and open L- or U-shape, they are inspired by ranches built in the American Western period. They are designed for fashion and encourage residents to live an informal, relaxed lifestyle.
They are more spacious than contemporary homes, making them perfect if you love having guests. The exterior of most of these houses is usually brown, black, or gray, while the interiors are mostly neutral colors like white, tan, cream, and taupe.
Many of the homes for sale in Scottsdale offer Ranch-style architecture. Nestled in tight-knit communities with great nearby schools, it’s hard to go wrong with a Ranch-style home in Scottsdale or the surrounding suburbs!
Some other key features include:
- Extensive landscaping
- Sunken living rooms
- Different roof styles
Many people go for this style in new construction these style homes are usually for sale in the Wilo Historic District, Rancho Paloma, and Dahila Pointe.
Pros
- Easy movement because they don’t have stairs
- Big airy layout
- Easily-accessible roof for maintenance
Cons
- Many don’t look as good or feel as big as two-story homes
- It needs a lot of maintenance
Mid-Century Modern
Inspired by the European architecture done in the 1940s and 1950s, these houses are usually high-tech-looking. Most of these houses have white wood floors and walls. Modern versions of these homes usually have glass facets, allowing residents to enjoy more natural light. They, however, reduce privacy.
Some other features include:
- Clean lines and curved shapes
- Valuated ceilings
These houses also have solid construction standards and are among the most durable house style. You can find them mostly in Phoenix.
Pros
- Energy efficient
- Modern design
- Durability
Cons
- More expensive
Spanish Mission
This style was popular between 1890 and 1950, and it got its inspiration from the California Mission. One of the main features is the baroque pitches on the exterior arches and roof. Some other features include:
- Enclosed courtyard
- Adobe brick walls
- Thick arches
- Wide eaves on the clay-tilted roofs
These houses are usually found away from town centers, making them more private. This gives you and your family a time to enjoy nature, silence, and calm.
To ensure maximum heat loss during winter, their entrance usually faces east. You can find these houses mainly in older areas of Phoenix or North Scottsdale.
Pros
- Lots of privacy
- High ceilings
- They are more homey and warm than other styles
Cons
- No backyard
- Small garages
Mediterranean Revival
This is the most common architectural style around Phoenix. It is inspired by Italian Renaissance, Spanish Colonial, and Beaux-Arts trends. It originated in seaside villas, later becoming popular along the Florida and California coasts around the 1920s.
Some of its popular features include:
- Circular or arched windows
- Red-tiled roofs
- Wrought-iron balconies
Many people associate this house style with elegance, romance, and exotic taste. Many of these homes have four baths and two bedrooms, but you can find some with up to six rooms. Some of the neighborhoods where you are likely to find these houses include Mayfair, Colorado, and Estrella Mountain Ranch.
Pros
- Elegant architecture
- Big living spaces
- Easy cleaning
Cons
- Not the best if you have small children
Tudor Revival
If you are looking for whimsical and storybook-like vibes, this is your style. Inspired by the English Royal architectural style popular in the Middle Ages, these houses focus on indoor living and have a cozy appeal.
Some common features include:
- Half-timbered exterior
- Dark wood paneling
- Stone hearths
- Luminous stained-glass windows
- Exposed timber
- Eye-catching entryways
- High-pitched roofs
- Large chimneys
When comparing them to modern-style houses, many people associate these houses with old English country estates. Some of the areas around Arizona to find them are in Historic Phoenix neighborhoods.
Pros
- Can be a vacation rental
- Easy to maintain
Cons
- Hard to heat
- Small room sizes
Hacienda-Style
Also known as the Spanish Revisal, these houses were first built in Spain during the 19th century. They were primarily made to be summer homes because Spain’s climate made it challenging for people to have year-round homes.
These are some of the houses with the most unique features, including:
- Flat roofs with rafters and exposed beams
- Wooden shuttered windows and doors
- Arches windows with wood grates
You can find these houses mostly in the Phoenix metro cities of Buckeye, Florence, Cave Creek, Paradise Valley, and Fountain Hills.
Pros
- Ideal for outdoor living
- Convenient storage areas
- Low maintenance
Cons
- Needs more landscaping efforts
Territorial Style
This style came from Native Americans, and it looks like the pioneer house, but these don’t have a chimney. They are built around central courtyards and made mostly of logs and stone. Some of the common features include:
- Pond or fountain
- Brick exteriors
To add to the house’s beauty, you can add an outdoor patio. In Arizona, you will find this home style in Scottsdale, mainly North Scottsdale.
Pros
- Great if you have pets or want to start a garden
- Natural lighting
- Privacy
Cons
- No fireplace
Conclusion
Before looking for a home, ensure you research the styles, advantages, and disadvantages. You should also look if they are available for sale in the location you want to buy.
