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The Arizona real estate market is booming. There are plenty of options for those looking to invest in this hot market, including fixer-uppers and new construction that has yet to be occupied. The big question is which type of home to buy. The best option is likely to be the latest homes in this area.
These are often built alongside other new homes and construction projects, meaning the supply of quality, newly constructed homes is at an all-time high.
Whether you are looking for a place to live now or plan on buying later, these new builds offer terrific value and ample options that will last even through the next downturn. This article discusses different types of homes you can buy in Arizona, providing the pros and cons of each, including the Phoenix metro cities.
Contemporary
The contemporary home is the newest type of house in Arizona. They are generally built to be sustainable and ecologically friendly, using energy-efficient components such as low-flow toilets and low-energy heating and cooling systems.
This type of house is often indistinguishable from a new construction home, which means you will get plenty of square footage for your money, not to mention a high resale value, should you decide to sell the property down the line.
The cons to this type of home are few and far between, but you will want to make sure you thoroughly look at the neighborhood before moving in. The good news is that an old home can easily be outfitted with today’s systems, so if you choose the right area and design, your older home will maintain its value and can still offer you great living space.
Midcentury modern
Midcentury modern homes first became popular in the 1950s. They were designed to be sleek, contemporary, and forward-thinking. The style often featured open floor plans with plenty of natural light, great for entertaining and offering an inside/outside living experience.
This type of home is iconic for Phoenix, southern California, and Florida. The cons to these homes are that they may not suit everyone’s style or tastes. They can be expensive to maintain and costly to heat due to the lack of walls, which may not fit your needs if you consider moving to Arizona as a retiree.
If you find a fixer-upper of this vintage, it will likely need a great deal of work before you move in. However, if you have an eye for design, these homes can be attractive and stylish.
Spanish mission
Spanish-style homes have been a symbol of Arizona since the native Indians first built those hundreds of years ago. They are commonly found in the area southwest of Phoenix and are among the most beautiful and unique homes in the entire state.
These homes often feature stone walls, red tile roofs, and plenty of tile work for an authentic Spanish feel. The cons to these homes are that they often lack much insulation or insulation upgrades, so you will want to make sure your Arizona climate won’t get too hot or too cold for your comfort.
These homes can also be expensive to buy and maintain, so you will want to know that you can afford the maintenance costs while making sure you are installing energy-efficient upgrades.
Mediterranean revival
The Mediterranean Revival-style caught on in the 1920s and was a trend that is still popular today. These homes are most commonly found in the Phoenix metro area, Scottsdale, and nearby towns.
They are designed with solid stucco walls, clay tile roofs, arches, and open floor plans, traditionally featuring courtyards where one can relax outside in the shade of a palm tree.
The cons to these homes are that they are often more expensive to buy than other houses, so you will want to make sure you can afford the price tag. They also use a lot of water, which means they may not be suitable for desert climates or those who cannot afford to run them.
Ranch style
Ranch homes are popular in the Phoenix area because they offer classic, comfortable living without all the excess. The houses are sometimes called the “McMansion of the ’50s” because they provide a great deal of space for the money without a lot of extra amenities.
These homes are still common throughout Arizona and have been tweaked over time to include more modern amenities but remain simple and classic in design. The cons to these homes are that they may not appeal to everyone’s taste, as they can be designed in an old-fashioned manner.
Ranch homes are also not known for their resale value, which can be a downside if you consider moving to Arizona.
Many Ranch-Style homes have pools, and you can find a great home with a pool in a variety of Arizona cities. Homes with pools are an excellent investment because they range in price from $300,000 to $500,000, and Goodyear was also named the fourth best city in Arizona to live in.
Hacienda style (aka Spanish revival)
Hacienda-style homes are elegant and beautiful with distinct Spanish architecture. They feature stucco walls and clay-tile roofs, and large front porches that welcome you home every evening. These homes can look similar to ranch-style homes but are often more ornate and designed to be visually appealing.
These homes typically lack insulation, which can lead to hot or cold drafts if you live in a desert climate area that gets a great deal of heat in the summer or cold in the winter. These homes also tend not to be cheap to buy, and you will want to make sure you can afford their expense.
Pueblo revival
Pueblo-style homes are modernized versions of traditional Native American architecture, which is why they are commonly referred to as Pueblos. These homes feature stucco walls, large front porches, arches, and solid wood beams.
They can also feature copper roofing and arches reminiscent of the Spanish missions and pueblos. The cons to these homes are that they tend to be expensive, which is a downside if you think of moving there.
They also lack insulation and use a great deal of energy, so you will want to make sure you install modern energy-efficient upgrades.
Tudor revival
Tudor Revival homes first became popular in the 1950s and were designed to capture the beauty of olden times. They are often found in areas near downtown Phoenix and West Phoenix, with their curved roofs and mullioned windows making a perfect backdrop for modern living.
The cons to these homes are that they tend to be expensive and not as energy efficient as other houses. They are also not known for their resale value, which could be an issue if you are buying a home to resell at a later date.
Santa fe style (aka Phoenix territorial)
The Santa Fe style of Arizona is reminiscent of the old Western frontier, with its adobe walls and copper roofs. These homes are commonly found in the Phoenix metro area and areas near Flagstaff and other towns in the north part of the state.
They feature arches, great living rooms, and marble columns, giving them a distinct southwestern look. The demerits of these homes are that they are expensive to buy and maintain, which means you will want to know you can afford the cost of maintenance before moving in.
They also lack insulation and utilize a great deal of energy, so you will want to make sure you have a moderate climate in Arizona.
Territorial style
The Territorial style is unique and unlike any other type of house in the state, with its distinctive red tile roof and cactus-like walls. It is usually found in the Phoenix metro area, including East Phoenix and Scottsdale.
The homes feature arches, clay-tile roofs, and lots of trim work around windows and doors and are designed to give you a feeling that you are living on a ranch or joining the Old West.
The demerits of these homes are that they are expensive and lack insulation, so you will want to make sure you can afford the cost of maintenance. They also don’t typically have a lot of natural sunlight, which could lead to problems with mold and mildew in the home.
Tuscan style
Tuscan homes are elegant, sophisticated, and full of craftsmanship. These homes, designed by Thomas Wright between the 1930s and 1950s, feature clay tile roofs and stucco walls, and single or double arches in the front of the home.
They can also have large front doors that allow you to walk through with a grand entrance easily. The cons to these homes are that they tend to be expensive and are not known for their energy efficiency.
They are also not known for their resale value, so you will want to make sure you can afford the cost before moving into one. The Goodyear, AZ home for sale is one of the safest places you can purchase a home in the United States.
The state has strong safety laws for every homeowner and property owner, and local fire departments and police officers are trained to ensure everyone is safe. Many support systems help protect homeowners, such as the Homeowners Association Law, which is designed to ensure everyone is protected in their neighborhood against illegal and potentially damaging activity on the property.
Summary
Arizona will be one of the most popular destinations for people looking to move there in the coming years. There is a lot to offer regarding natural beauty, energy efficiency, new construction, and affordability. However, you also need to make sure you know the cons that could affect your housing options, like home maintenance and resale value.
