Wondering if a one-level home in Highland is the right fit for your next move? You are not alone. Whether you want easier day-to-day living, less stair climbing, or a layout that feels more practical for the years ahead, Highland offers a range of single-story options across older neighborhoods and newer planned communities. This guide will help you understand where to look, what kinds of homes you may find, and what to keep in mind before you buy. Let’s dive in.
Why single-story living stands out in Highland
Highland is a city with a strong single-family housing base. The city’s adopted housing element reports 13,236 single-family units, including 12,866 detached homes, which makes up most of the local housing stock. That matters because it gives you a broad starting point if your goal is to find a detached, one-level home.
The same housing data shows that many Highland homes were built in the 1980s and 1990s, with another share built in the 2000s. In practical terms, that means your options may include both older established homes and newer suburban floor plans. You are not limited to just one style or era.
Current market activity also shows that single-story homes remain an active part of the local inventory. A recent Redfin snapshot showed 57 single-story homes for sale in Highland, with a median listing price of $585,000. Redfin also reports that the broader Highland market averages 42 days on market and 3 offers on average.
Where to look for single-story homes
Older west Highland areas
Highland’s community design planning creates a helpful east-west contrast. The western part of the city includes older single-family neighborhoods, which can be a strong place to start if you want a legacy one-level home with more established surroundings. These areas may offer homes with longer neighborhood history and a wider mix of original layouts.
The city also identifies East Highland Village as one of Highland’s oldest neighborhoods. In and around older parts of town, you may come across homes with early architectural character, including bungalow-style influences noted in the city’s historic district planning.
Eastern planned communities
The eastern portion of Highland includes planned developments and newer subdivisions. If you want a more modern single-story layout, this side of town may deserve close attention. The city specifically notes East Highlands Ranch as a planned development area with its own standards and guidelines.
This part of Highland often appeals to buyers looking for later-era construction. Many homes in East Highlands were built in the late 1980s and 1990s, and local neighborhood guides also show active single-story examples there.
Cypress, San Andreas, and East Highlands
Local neighborhood guides help fill in the picture. Cypress is described as a mixed area where one-story layouts, Spanish-style homes, and ranch-style homes are common in the single-family market. Listings there also tend to move within about a month, which suggests buyers pay attention when the right home hits the market.
San Andreas is described as a suburban community where many homes are traditional ranch-style, single-story properties with stucco or stone exteriors and open interiors. East Highlands, by contrast, is described as a newer development pattern with many homes from the late 1980s and 1990s, along with newer examples in East Highland Ranch.
What floor plans you may find
One of the biggest advantages of shopping for a single-story home in Highland is variety. Current active examples show that buyers may find:
- 2-bedroom, 1-bath homes
- 3-bedroom, 1-bath homes
- 3-bedroom, 2-bath homes
- 4-bedroom, 2-bath homes
That range matters because it supports several types of moves. You might be looking for a smaller home with simpler upkeep, or you may need extra bedrooms and a larger footprint for guests, hobbies, or everyday flexibility.
Verified active examples also show that some 4-bedroom, 2-bath single-story homes land around 1,500 to 1,800 square feet. That tells you Highland’s one-level inventory is not limited to compact starter homes. It also includes larger ranch-style homes that can give you more elbow room without adding stairs.
Common styles you will see
Ranch-style homes
Ranch and ranch-adjacent homes appear to be the dominant single-story pattern in Highland. This fits both the city’s planning context and local neighborhood descriptions, especially in places like Cypress and San Andreas. If you picture a practical one-level layout with connected living spaces, attached garages, and a backyard, this is likely the style you will see most often.
Many buyers like ranch-style homes because they tend to be easy to navigate and easy to understand. Rooms are usually spread across one floor, which can make furniture planning, daily movement, and future updates feel more straightforward.
Bungalows and early character homes
In older parts of Highland, especially near the historic district context, you may also see homes with early-1900s character. The city highlights Craftsman bungalows and Victorian-inspired architecture in its design element. While not every older home will be a fit for every buyer, these properties can offer distinctive curb appeal and a different feel from later tract construction.
If character matters to you, older one-story homes may be worth a closer look. Just keep in mind that age, lot layout, and renovation history can vary from one property to the next.
Benefits of single-story living
For many buyers, the appeal of one-level living is simple: daily life can feel easier. Without stairs in your main living space, you may find it more comfortable to move between bedrooms, bathrooms, the kitchen, and shared living areas.
Single-story homes can also support long-term planning. Guidance cited in the research shows that aging in place often involves improving safety and independence at home, and HUD notes that features like entry steps, narrow doorways, and poorly placed controls can create barriers. A one-level layout does not solve every issue, but it can remove one major challenge from the start.
This can be helpful if you are buying with the future in mind. You may want a home that works well now and still feels manageable later, whether that means easier movement, simpler routines, or fewer concerns about stair use over time.
What to check before you buy
Single-story living can be practical, but not every property will offer the same flexibility. If you think you may want to make changes later, it is smart to look closely at the home’s layout, entry points, hallway widths, and bathroom configuration.
Highland’s housing planning also shows that the city is already treating accessibility as part of the broader housing conversation. The housing element says the city will provide website resources related to accessibility and home retrofit guidance. That local context may be useful if you expect to explore updates over time.
You should also verify any neighborhood or district-specific design rules before planning exterior changes or additions. Highland’s design element discusses design guidelines for the historic district and possible special zoning for East Highland Village. If you are buying in one of those areas, understanding the rules early can save time and stress later.
What single-story demand may mean for resale
If resale matters to you, Highland’s current market conditions are worth noting. With 57 active single-story listings, 42 average days on market, and 3 offers on average in the broader market, well-positioned one-level homes can attract solid attention.
Highland also has a 64.1% owner-occupied rate, according to Census QuickFacts, and a median owner-occupied home value of $485,600. In a city where detached housing makes up such a large share of the stock, single-story homes can appeal to a wide set of buyers looking for comfort, practicality, and long-term usability.
That does not mean every one-story home will perform the same way. Price, condition, location, updates, and presentation still matter. But if you choose carefully, a single-story home can offer both day-to-day convenience and broad future appeal.
How to narrow your search
If you are serious about buying a single-story home in Highland, a focused plan can help you move faster when the right property appears. Inventory exists, but the best-fit homes may still draw quick interest.
Start by thinking through the trade-offs that matter most to you:
- Older neighborhood character versus newer subdivision design
- Smaller footprint versus larger one-level layout
- Historic charm versus updated floor plan
- Immediate move-in condition versus future improvement potential
- Location convenience versus lot size or neighborhood feel
Once you know your priorities, it becomes much easier to sort through listings and avoid wasting time on homes that do not match your goals. This is especially true in a market where one-story options range from compact older homes to larger suburban ranch layouts.
If you are weighing your next move in Highland and want help comparing neighborhoods, floor plans, and current opportunities, Casey Garduno offers the kind of local, hands-on guidance that can make the process feel much more manageable.
FAQs
What types of single-story homes are available in Highland?
- Highland single-story inventory includes smaller 2-bedroom and 3-bedroom homes, along with larger 4-bedroom, 2-bath layouts, including some around 1,500 to 1,800 square feet.
Where should you look for older single-story homes in Highland?
- Older west Highland neighborhoods and areas tied to East Highland Village are often the best places to look for long-established one-level homes and early architectural character.
Where can you find newer single-story homes in Highland?
- Eastern Highland, including planned communities such as East Highlands Ranch, is a strong place to look for newer single-story tract-style homes built in the late 1980s, 1990s, and beyond.
Why do buyers choose single-story living in Highland?
- Many buyers like single-story homes because they can make daily movement easier, reduce stair use, and support longer-term comfort and accessibility goals.
What should you verify before modifying a single-story home in Highland?
- You should confirm local design guidelines or zoning considerations, especially if the property is in Highland’s historic district context or near East Highland Village, before planning exterior changes or additions.
How competitive is the Highland single-story home market?
- A recent market snapshot showed 57 single-story homes for sale in Highland, while the broader market averaged 42 days on market and 3 offers on average, which points to steady buyer interest.
