The Barndominium movement is redefining affordable luxury, offering high-end living experiences without the traditional price tag.
With open-concept layouts, soaring ceilings, and customizable finishes, barndominiums deliver a premium lifestyle at a fraction of the cost of conventional homes.
From rustic barn aesthetics to modern industrial designs, these structures blend style, comfort, and value, making luxury accessible to a broader range of home buyers.
Whether you’re seeking a mountain retreat, a countryside oasis, or a coastal escape, barndominiums in top states like Texas, Tennessee, and Colorado prove that you don’t need to sacrifice quality for affordability.
1. Texas
Texas leads the barndominium popularity by a substantial margin, with Texas Hill Country being particularly popular.
This region offers rolling hills, vibrant wildflower fields, and lenient building codes. Cities like Waco are especially attractive, with construction costs around $100 per square foot.
The state’s favorable zoning regulations and abundant rural land make it ideal for first-time barndominium builders.
Texas also boasts a strong network of experienced barndominium contractors and builders who specialize in metal construction.
2. Tennessee
Tennessee and North Carolina (Smoky Mountains Region) are highly sought-after for their stunning mountain vistas and relaxed zoning laws in rural areas.
The region provides affordable land outside tourist-heavy areas. Property owners enjoy four distinct seasons and access to outdoor recreation like hiking and fishing.
The combination of natural beauty and lower property taxes compared to urban areas makes this region increasingly attractive to remote workers and retirees.
3. Arkansas and Missouri
Arkansas and Missouri (Ozark Mountains) offer rugged mountains, crystal-clear lakes, and minimal building restrictions with low permitting fees.
Land prices in these states remain among the most affordable in the nation, often under $5,000 per acre.
The region’s mild climate reduces heating and cooling costs, making barndominiums even more economical to maintain year-round.
4. The Great Plains
The Great Plains (Oklahoma, Kansas, and Nebraska) are popular due to inexpensive land and few construction restrictions.
These states offer vast open spaces perfect for larger barndominium properties with workshops or agricultural uses.
The flat terrain simplifies construction and reduces site preparation costs significantly.
5. Colorado's Front Range
Colorado’s Front Range attracts builders seeking mountain views near cities like Denver and Boulder, though rural counties are more accommodating than urban areas.
The region appeals to outdoor enthusiasts who want proximity to skiing, hiking, and mountain biking.
However, builders should expect higher material costs due to the region’s elevation and stricter energy efficiency requirements.
6. South Dakota's Black Hills
South Dakota’s Black Hills region is known for builder-friendly regulations, low taxes, and affordable land.
The area offers stunning natural landscapes with proximity to attractions like Mount Rushmore and Custer State Park.
South Dakota’s lack of state income tax makes it particularly attractive for retirees building their dream barndominium.
7. Upstate New York
Upstate New York, particularly the Hudson Valley, has become increasingly popular for those seeking rural living with accessibility to New York City.
The region offers a perfect blend of countryside charm and cultural amenities, with easy access to metropolitan areas.
Property values remain reasonable compared to downstate, and the area’s agricultural heritage makes barndominiums fit naturally into the landscape.
8. Coastal Southeast states
Coastal Southeast states (Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina) are gaining popularity, with steel frame construction being ideal for hurricane-prone areas.
These states offer year-round warm weather and access to beaches, making them attractive for vacation or retirement properties.
Metal construction provides superior wind resistance and lower insurance premiums compared to traditional wood-frame homes in coastal zones.
The Popular Pick
Texas remains the undisputed buyers choice with the heaviest concentration of new barndominium builds in the country.
The state’s culture embraces the barndominium lifestyle, with numerous online communities and local resources supporting builders.
From rural ranch properties to suburban acreages, Texas offers diverse settings for every barndominium vision.