For many families relocating to Maine from states across the South, one of the first surprises during the home search isn't the weather—it's the number of stairs.
Across much of the South, single-level living has long been the preferred home design. Ranch-style homes and sprawling one-story floor plans dominate many suburban developments, offering convenience, accessibility, and larger footprints on wider lots.
But in Maine and much of the Northeast, the housing landscape tells a different story.
New England Continues to Build Up Instead of Out
New housing data shows that New England continues to see a growing share of taller homes.
Looking specifically at newly constructed homes with three or more stories, the percentage has nearly doubled over the past eight years. In New England, these homes increased from 7.2% of new construction to 14.1%, reflecting one of the largest regional shifts in the country.
The trend illustrates how builders in the Northeast are increasingly designing homes vertically rather than expanding outward.
Why More Homes Have Multiple Stories
Several factors contribute to Maine's prevalence of two- and three-story homes:
- Smaller lot sizes in many established communities
- Higher land costs in desirable coastal and village locations
- Historic architectural traditions throughout New England
- A desire to maximize living space while preserving yard space
- Building on sloped terrain common throughout Maine
Rather than constructing wider homes, builders often add additional floors to increase square footage.
What Relocating Homebuyers Should Expect
For buyers arriving from states such as Florida, Texas, Georgia, the Carolinas, Tennessee, or Alabama, adapting to a multi-level home can take some adjustment.
Many Maine homes feature:
- Bedrooms located on the second floor
- Basements used for storage, recreation, or utilities
- Attached garages below the main living area on sloped lots
- Finished third floors, lofts, or bonus rooms
- Narrower footprints with more vertical living space
Older New England homes, in particular, were frequently designed with multiple stories to improve heating efficiency during cold winters while maximizing usable space on smaller parcels.
Single-Level Living Is Still Available
That doesn't mean ranch homes are difficult to find.
Single-level homes remain popular throughout Maine, especially among retirees, empty nesters, and buyers seeking aging-in-place features. New construction communities increasingly include first-floor primary suites, universal design elements, and accessible floor plans.
However, demand for these homes is often high, and inventory can be more limited than buyers from southern states may expect.
A Different Style of Living
For many newcomers, living in a multi-story home quickly becomes part of the New England experience. Additional floors often provide separation between living spaces, scenic upper-level views, and efficient use of land in communities where space is at a premium.
As more Americans continue relocating to Maine, understanding these regional housing differences can help buyers enter the market with realistic expectations—and perhaps discover that climbing a few extra stairs is a small tradeoff for life in Vacationland.