Contemporary
This style attempts to borrow some of the best features from all the designs that came before it. Although the emphasis is on large glass openings, geometric shapes, and bold lines, if you look closely you may find hints of Tudor, Georgian, Salt Box, or Cape Cod elements. Contemporary interiors cater to the busy lifestyle with many built-in conveniences, open spaces, efficient kitchens, and multipurpose rooms.

Transitional
Transitional homes are very popular in this area right now. Much of the new construction in the subdivisions is transitional. Transitional homes are generally two-story, with cathedral ceilings, large windows, island kitchens, and open floor plans.

Bungalow
Originally borrowed from the Hindu "bangla," or dwelling, the bungalow was designed by the British for use in colonial India, fashioned mainly for warm weather. Modern versions of this style are generally one-and-a-half stories, featuring hipped roofs that provide large attic space and a place for heat to escape the main living quarters.

Windows are grouped together to increase light and ventilation, and overhangs are broad to shade the house from excessive heat. Bungalow is also referred to as Low-country style in some areas of the Southeast, especially coastal towns.

Colonial
This term refers more to the floorplan of a house than its outward appearance. With the main entrance centered in the facade, a Colonial is laid out symmetrically. There are generally the same number of rooms on one side of the center hall as there are on the other. This holds true for both first and second floors. Of course, many newer Colonials also include additions or porches which break the symmetry rule, but the main floorplan is the same. Georgian is one type of Colonial common in the South. Georgians feature the two-story symmetric design of a Colonial, but are highly embellished with a pair of chimneys and intricate wood trims and molding, inside and out. Sometimes a two-sided curved set of steps to the front door, known as the "welcoming arms," is part of the ornamentation on a Georgian-style house. this is most common in Charleston, South Carolina.

Ranch
This is a single-story structure first popularized in the mid-1900's. Ranches generally feature a gable or hip roof and an elongated floorplan with public rooms open to each other and a long hallway from which the bedrooms and bathrooms can be accessed. A Split-Level, or Raised Ranch, is a common variation on the Ranch which gives the appearance of a two-story home. Actually, the ground floor is built partially below ground level, although higher than a full basement, and a second floor is added.

Weather	Taxes	Quality of Life	Seniors
Shopping	Culture	Recreation	Religion