30 Years of Home: How American Housing Preferences Have Evolved

Not long ago, bigger was almost always better. In the mid-1990s, the most coveted home features were defined by space and formality. Today, the priorities have changed dramatically.

Must-Have Home Features in the Mid-1990s

When Americans think back to what made a home desirable 30 years ago, the answers lean toward traditional spaces and curb appeal. A large yard topped the list at 70%, followed closely by a separate living room (65%), a formal dining room (63%), and a garage (63%). Walk-in closets came in at 35%. Only 18% considered a home office a must-have, and just 15% wanted an open floor plan.

Must-Have Home Features Today

The list looks very different today. The top must-haves now reflect a desire for function, efficiency, and connectivity. Energy-efficient features lead the way at 68%, followed by a home office or remote workspace (62%), proximity to amenities (57%), and security systems (55%). Flexible or multi-use rooms matter to 51% of respondents, while smart home technology is a must for 48%. The large yard, once the top priority, has dropped to 38%.

The days of the McMansion may be behind us, as nearly 9 in 10 (86%) Americans believe today's homeowners prioritize lifestyle and convenience over square footage. Another 85% say homes are designed to be more flexible today than they were 30 years ago. When asked what matters most when choosing a home, 46% said a better layout and livability, while 36% said location and convenience. Just 9% prioritized outdoor space above all else.

Flexible space has become a defining feature of the modern home. 94% of Americans say having multi-purpose space is important to them today.

7 in 10 Say Work-From-Home Culture Has Changed What They Want in a Home Today

Remote work was rare 30 years ago; 92% of Americans say working from home was not common in the mid-1990s. But over the course of three decades, it has since reshaped what people look for when they buy or rent.

7 in 10 Americans say work-from-home culture has directly changed what they want in a home today. A dedicated workspace is now considered nearly essential. 58% say having a home office is very important to them, and an additional 39% say it is somewhat important. That leaves just 3% who consider it unimportant.

Home Technology Has Become Non-Negotiable

Alongside the rise of remote work, technology has become central to what Americans expect from their homes. High-speed internet tops the list of home technologies that have become more important since the 1990s, reported by 95% of respondents. Security systems follow at 72%, then smart appliances (57%), smart thermostats (51%), and electric vehicle charging and solar panels (both at 47%).

When asked how important reliable internet access is when choosing a home today, 91% said very important and 8% said somewhat important. Those numbers make internet access the most universally valued home feature in our survey.

Nearly 2 in 3 Say the Meaning of "Home" Has Changed Over the Last 30 Years

Americans have also changed how they think about home on a deeper level. Nearly 2 in 3 (64%) believe the meaning of "home" has shifted over the past 30 years..

When asked what home represents to them today, 87% said it is a place of safety and security, and 84% said it is a place for relaxation and wellness. Nearly 7 in 10 (69%) see it as a place to connect with family, and over half (51%) view it as a reflection of personal identity.

When considering how the meaning of home has changed the most over the last three decades, nearly 3 in 10 (29%) said it has become more about lifestyle and flexibility. Another 23% said it has become more blended with work space, and 21% said it has become more technology-driven.

American Households Look Different Than They Did 30 Years Ago

While homes have changed, so have the people that live in them. More than 2 in 3 (68%) say the definition of “family” has shifted over the last 30 years.

Americans believe that several household types have become more common today compared to the mid-1990s. Couples without children top the list at 73%, followed by roommates sharing long-term housing (68%), single-parent households (65%), and blended families (64%). More than half of Americans (52%) also see multigenerational households as more common today.

These shifts inform how Americans want homes to be built. 86% of Americans believe homes today need to accommodate more diverse household needs than in the past. And 84% say having space for extended family members is important to them.

As American Homes Evolve, Finding the Right One Matters More Than Ever

Over 30 years, the American idea of home has shifted from square footage and formal rooms to flexibility, technology, and lifestyle. People want homes that work harder, adapt more easily, and align with how they live. Whether it is a remote workspace, energy-efficient features, or space that accommodates a multigenerational family, today's homebuyers know what matters to them.

At Williams Homes, we build with these priorities in mind. Our communities and are designed for the way people live today, with thoughtful layouts, modern features, and convenient locations. If you are ready to find a home that fits your life, contact us today and let us help you get there.

Methodology

In April of 2026, we surveyed 1,005 Americans on their idea of home and the evolving home trends over the last three decades. Among respondents, 50% were male, 49% were female, and 1% were non-binary. The age of respondents ranged from 18 to 83, with an average age of 41.

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