From Postwar Housing Solution to ‘Brady Bunch’ Fame—Is the Split-Level Home Ready for a Comeback?

Those who grew up in a suburban neighborhood most likely have childhood memories where a split-level house serves as the backdrop.Whether your family lived in one, you regularly visited a friend’s, or you simply watched enough episodes of “The Brady Bunch” to develop a positive association with half-staircases and sunken living rooms, this architectural choice is still a mainstay in many older, residential areas.While this style of home may seem retro to some, modern life can also draw renewed interest in split-levels."Buyers want defined, separate spaces for remote work and school," says Realtor.com® senior economist Hannah Jones."Their half-flight design naturally creates that separation, and their generally older age means they may be located in established, family-friendly neighborhoods and could be at a relative discount to newer builds." Loading...The split-level home in "The Brady Bunch" remains one of the most impactful houses of this style. Los Angeles Times via Getty ImagesLoading...Split-level homes became popular in the post-World War II housing boom as a cost-efficient option for suburban families. Iriana Shiyan/Adobe StockLoading...Defined by their split-level layouts...