By H.M. Cauley

For the Journal-Constitution

When it comes to home styles, Atlanta has a reputation for being a traditional two-story town. Buyers have long been fond of those “five-four-and-a-door” designs —- houses with five windows on the second floor and two sets on either side of the front door.

But buyers in a range of prices —- and ages —- are rediscovering the design that for years has been considered the favorite of only older buyers. Ranch styles, with one main floor of living and sleeping space, are gaining back some popularity across age lines for the convenience of living on one level.

Builders at Willoughby Cove in Gwinnett County decided the market for ranch homes was strong enough to build an entire 54-home community with one-level plans. The three- to five-bedroom layouts have about 2,000 to 2,800 square feet; two-car garages; and a finished bonus area with a bath.

“I’ve worked for a lot of builders and most of them only have one or two ranch plans in their neighborhoods,” said Willoughby agent Georgeanne Pardini. “But in this community, it’s all ranches. And the buyers aren’t just baby boomers; there are a lot of younger people who want to be on one floor. I’ve got a really diverse clientele of families, single women, retired people and working couples. They find us because they’re out looking for ranch homes.”

Young buyers are opting for ranch designs at Meadow Glen at Heron Bay, a Henry County community that’s a mix of one- and two-story floor plans. Prices for the three- and four-bedroom homes range from $200,000 to the $270,000.

“The seniors insist on it, but we’re also seeing young couples who don’t have children want everything to be at arm’s length —- the master, the family room, the keeping room, the kitchen,” said saleswoman Donna Martin. “They’re looking for convenience, comfort and function. But they also like a basement or finished bonus room for additional space.”

The 121 new homes being built at the Park at Heritage Ridge in Coweta County included two ranch designs, priced from the low $150,000s. The price range and the one-level floor plans are drawing older, move-down buyers who are scaling back and don’t want staircases. But they’re also appealing to many first-time buyers as well, said sales director Vanessa Lohr.

“Our young buyers see the three-bedroom ranches as a good first investment,” she said. “They also like the open floor plan of our ranches that are great for entertaining. It’s a good starter home.”