Everyone has their own particular tastes when it comes to housing styles. Many home buyers prefer the practical Split Level or Split Foyer, while others may detest them. For some, its the cute and charming Cape Cods or Bungalows. Colonials are the most popular housing style in Northern Virginia.
For one level living in the Northern Virginia housing market, you can't beat the Rambler.
RAMBLERS
In Northern Virginia, we call them Ramblers. In other parts of the country, these homes are known as Ranch-style houses, American Ranch, California Ranch or Ranchers. Whatever you call it, the style is the same. According to Wikipedia, the Rambler "is noted for its long, low to the ground profile, and minimal use of exterior and interior decoration." Key elements of these homes are:
- single story
- long, low roofline
- assymmetrical rectangular, L-shaped, or U-shaped design
- simple, usually open floor plans
- attached garage
- vaulted ceilings with exposed beams
This uniquely American architectural style was extremely popular from the 1940s through the 1970s. As the population ages, there is an increasing demand for one-level living -- a convenience that is provided by the Rambler style home.
Over 600 Rambler single family homes are on the market as of June 2nd in Northern Virginia (Alexandria, Arlington, Fairfax County, Falls Church), with most of them being spread out throughout Fairfax County. They range in price from slightly under $200,000 to about 20 in the $1M-$1.5M price range, and everywhere in between.
Ramblers are not a style that's being built much anymore. While there are some Ramblers as new as 1992 construction and a couple that date back to the late 1920s, the average Rambler on the market was built in 1958.
The average listing price for all Rambler style homes currently on the market in Northern Virginia is $481,945, significantly below the average April 2007 sales price for all single family detached homes which was $633,650. As a generally smaller and more dated style of home, Ramblers offer a more affordable option for families looking for their first single-family home.
Over 550 Ramblers are on the market in Fairfax County, 36 in Arlington, 13 in Alexandria, and just a smattering in Fairfax City and Falls Church.
Here's some samples of Northern Virginia Rambler style homes that are available for purchase now on the MLS from different brokers in the area. (Click each link to view further details about the home):
UNDER $300,000 (Note: Most of the available Ramblers in this price range are foreclosures or short sales.)
SPRINGFIELD 3 BEDROOM 1 BATH RAMBLER
HERNDON 3 BEDROOM 2 BATH RAMBLER
ALEXANDRIA 3 BEDROOM 1 BATH NEWLY REMODELED RAMBLER
ALEXANDRIA 3 BEDROOM 1.5 BATH RAMBLER
$300,000 to $450,000
SPRINGFIELD 4 BEDROOM 2 BATH RAMBLER
LORTON 3 BEDROOM 1.5 BATH RAMBLER
ANNANDALE 4 BEDROOM 3 BATH RAMBLER
ALEXANDRIA 3 BEDROOM 1.5 BATH RAMBLER
$450,000 to $600,000
FAIRFAX 4 BEDROOM 2 BATH RAMBLER
ALEXANDRIA 4 BEDROOM 2 BATH RAMBLER ON 1/2 ACRE
FALLS CHURCH 3 BEDROOM 2 BATH RAMBLER
ALEXANDRIA 4 BEDROOM 3.5 BATH RAMBLER
$600,000 TO $800,000
SPRINGFIELD 4 BEDROOM 2.5 BATH RAMBLER
MCLEAN 5 BEDROOM 3 BATH RAMBLER
ALEXANDRIA 3 BEDROOM 2 BATH RAMBLER
ANNANDALE 4 BEDROOM 3.5 BATH RAMBLER ON 1/2 ACRE
OVER $800,000
FALLS CHURCH 4 BEDROOM 3.5 BATH RAMBLER AT LAKE BARCROFT
MCLEAN 4 BEDROOM 2.5 BATH RAMBLER ON 1/2 ACRE
MCLEAN 3 BEDROOM 2.5 BATH RAMBLER
MCLEAN 4 BEDROOM 3.5 BATH RAMBLER ON ALMOST 2 ACRES
CLICK HERE TO SEARCH FOR NORTHERN VIRGINIA RAMBLERS OR ANY STYLE HOME
Comments(8)