18 TV Houses from the ’70s That Made Us Want to Move In

1. The Brady Bunch House

Everett Collection

Everyone remembers that sunny split-level home with the iconic staircase sitting right in the middle of the living room. The whole place just felt bright and endlessly cheerful, almost like the house itself was rooting for the family to get along. The kitchen had that classic avocado and orange vibe that somehow made you want a snack even if you weren’t hungry. And the den, where Mike sketched out those famous architectural plans, felt like a cozy retreat from the chaos. Even Alice seemed right at home in that charming little service area off the kitchen. The backyard was perfect for impromptu football games and childhood drama. It just felt like the kind of home where everything would turn out fine in the end.

Growing up, many viewers dreamed of running up those stairs two at a time or sharing secrets in one of those busy bedrooms. The idea of fitting six kids into those shared spaces seems wild now, but back then it looked like the peak of sibling bonding. The sliding glass door leading into the yard felt so modern for its time, almost like living outdoors was part of the lifestyle. Even the boys’ attic room in later years made it look like growing up brought cooler perks. It had that rare blend of practical and magical. And no matter how many times Greg tried to redecorate, the house always snapped back to its perfect balance. That home became a character of its own, and a pretty lovable one at that.

2. The Partridge Family House

Everett Collection

This home in San Pueblo felt like the unofficial headquarters for musical road trips and endless family harmonies. The exterior had a welcoming suburban charm that made you feel like you could stop by for lemonade and end up in a rehearsal session. The bright front door and big windows gave it a lived in, bustling energy that matched the Partridges’ on the go lifestyle. Inside, it always seemed like someone was tuning a guitar or grabbing a snack between gigs. The living room felt warm and open, ready for last minute band practice or heart to hearts. Even the dining area felt like a natural extension of their creative chaos. It was the kind of house where ideas and people flowed in and out easily.

Viewers loved how the house balanced normal family routines with the excitement of their musical career. You could almost imagine parking the family bus outside and running in to announce a new concert date. The bedrooms looked comfortably cluttered in the best teen band way, full of posters and bright fabrics. The kitchen seemed like the real gathering hub, where Shirley kept everyone grounded no matter how big the next gig was. It always felt like something fun or unexpected might happen there. And even though the family was often on the road, this house never stopped feeling like their center of gravity.

3. The Waltons Farmhouse

Everett Collection

The sprawling two story farmhouse from The Waltons looked like the kind of place where you’d wake up to fresh biscuits and the smell of wood smoke. Its wide front porch practically invited you to sit for a while, listen to the mountain breeze, and catch up on the day’s gossip. The house felt sturdy and lived in, full of creaky floors and hand me down stories. Inside, it had the cozy glow of a place shaped by generations of hard work and love. The kitchen was the heart of everything, where Olivia cooked and the kids gathered around the big table. Even the bedrooms felt simple but comforting. It was the type of home that made you feel grounded just by looking at it.

Fans often imagined climbing the stairs and hearing everyone say goodnight through the walls. The large shared spaces reminded viewers of a time when privacy wasn’t as important as togetherness. That home felt like it held the family upright through every hardship, every growing pain, and every triumph. The porch swing added a dreamy touch, ideal for a quiet moment after a long day. The yard and barn nearby made it feel like a whole world existed around that house. It was rustic without ever feeling rough. And it always looked like home in the truest sense.

4. The Mary Tyler Moore Show Apartment

Everett Collection

Mary’s Minneapolis apartment felt instantly iconic with its big windows, slanted roofline, and cheerful decorating style. The moment she walked in tossing her hat on the table, it felt like a space bursting with independence. The open living area made the small apartment feel airy and full of possibility. Viewers loved its mix of cozy textures and mid century cool. Her little kitchenette somehow fit everything she needed without ever feeling cramped. And that step down living room added just enough drama to make it look like a young woman’s dream home. It seemed like the perfect backdrop for new beginnings.

Fans often imagined what it would be like to curl up on Mary’s sofa with a good book or chat with Rhoda over a cup of coffee. The apartment had personality without ever feeling cluttered. Its layout also made it easy to picture fresh starts, big decisions, and small victories unfolding there. Even the nooks and corners seemed full of charm, as if the building had seen many lives pass through it. The tall windows gave the place its signature glow. And it always felt like a space where Mary could truly become herself.

5. The Eight Is Enough House

Everett Collection

The Bradford family’s Sacramento home had that big, inviting presence you associate with a bustling household. The wraparound porch and classic architecture made it feel instantly warm and approachable. Inside, every room seemed designed for lively conversation and last minute family meetings. The dining room table looked like it had heard every kind of announcement a parent could make. The kitchen was roomy enough for multiple kids to rummage around at once. The staircases and hallways made the house feel like a maze full of secrets and laughter. It was the kind of home where someone was always coming or going.

For viewers, the house seemed like a safe place where big families made big memories. The shared bedrooms looked crowded but joyful, full of posters and piles of clothes. The living room was where serious talks happened, but it still felt comfortable and loving. Even the yard looked like a place where summer evenings could stretch on forever. The house never seemed bothered by the chaos inside it. Instead, it absorbed it gracefully, almost like another member of the family. It was a home built for heart.

6. The Sanford and Son Junkyard House

John R. Hamilton/TV Guide/Everett Collection

Fred and Lamont’s home above the junkyard on Sanford and Son may not have been glamorous, but it had undeniable character. The unpolished wood, mismatched furniture, and lived in atmosphere made it feel surprisingly warm. That front room with the battered armchair and TV seemed like the perfect spot for Fred’s wisecracks. The kitchen looked like a place where coffee was always brewing. Even the clutter had its own charm, giving the home a sense of history and stubborn pride. The whole space had a scrappy resilience that reflected the characters perfectly. It wasn’t fancy, but it was full of life.

Fans came to love how the home held the humor and tension of the father son dynamic. Every door slam and dramatic exit felt bigger in that small space. You could picture Lamont trying to tidy up while Fred created a mess behind him. The dining area seemed perfect for heated conversations that always somehow led to laughter. Even the worn walls felt comforting after a while. It was a house that didn’t pretend to be anything it wasn’t. And that made it memorable.

7. The Happy Days Cunningham House

Everett Collection

The Cunningham home felt like the ultimate version of comforting suburbia. Its neat exterior and classic porch made you feel like you could walk right in for a slice of pie. Inside, the wood paneling and warm lighting made every scene feel like a family moment you’d want to join. The kitchen was Winnie’s domain, full of good smells and gentle reminders. The living room always had that photo ready tidiness, even when the gang dropped by unexpectedly. Bedrooms were small but bright, decorated with personal touches that made them feel real. And the garage served as Fonzie’s home for years, creating one of the coziest side residences in TV history.

Viewers loved how the house brought everyone together, whether it was a serious talk or a dance party. The kitchen table felt like the emotional anchor of the series. The den and hallway gave the characters plenty of space to drift in and out, creating natural movement. Even the stairs felt familiar by the end. And the backyard, though not shown often, hinted at sunny afternoons and neighborhood cookouts. It was the kind of house where the door was always open, and that made it irresistible.

8. The Jeffersons Deluxe Apartment

Everett Collection

George and Louise Jefferson’s high rise apartment looked like pure success with a city view. The open layout made the space feel larger than life, echoing their famous “movin’ on up” moment. The living room had striking furniture that showed off their new status. The kitchen looked sleek and modern, a big upgrade from earlier years. That dining room was perfect for dramatic dinners and surprise visits. The hallway created a great landing strip for comedic entrances. And the whole place felt like a milestone reached after years of determination.

Fans loved how the apartment matched the couple’s energy. Louise brought warmth and color into the sleek design, making it feel lived in. George’s swagger fit perfectly with the bold décor. The view from their windows always hinted at endless possibility. Even the bedroom arrangements felt luxurious for the time. The apartment symbolized triumph, but it also felt like home. And that combination made it unforgettable.

9. The Three’s Company Apartment

Everett Collection

The Santa Monica apartment shared by Jack, Janet, and Chrissy felt like the center of fun itself. With its bright colors and beachy touches, it always gave off a warm and breezy spirit. The famously crowded living room made every misunderstanding and comedic moment feel bigger. The kitchen was tiny but endlessly charming, the kind of place where Jack could whip up something delicious in tight quarters. The shared bathroom setup became part of the comedic rhythm. Even the bedrooms looked surprisingly cozy despite the small space. It was the very definition of sitcom coziness.

Fans adored how the apartment made friendship feel like the real foundation of home. The mismatched furniture and thrifted vibe felt authentic to their early struggles. The couch and chairs saw countless heart to hearts and goofy moments. The patio outside added a little California sunshine to the mix. The place never felt lonely because someone was always walking in or out. You could picture laughter echoing through that small space. It had everything it needed, and somehow, that made it perfect.

10. The Good Times Apartment

CBS/Everett Collection

The Evans family apartment in Chicago’s Cabrini Green housing projects was small and often cramped, but full of heart. The worn furniture and simple layout reflected the family’s financial struggles, yet the space somehow radiated warmth. The living room doubled as a gathering space for serious conversations and joyful celebrations. The kitchen was tiny but always busy, with Florida cooking something that smelled comforting. The bedrooms looked tight but carefully decorated, giving each child their own sense of identity. Even the hallway had a lived in feel that made it part of the story. It wasn’t glamorous, but it felt honest.

Fans loved how the home became a symbol of unity. Despite hardships, the family always managed to find joy in that space. The dining table became a place for hope and resilience. The front door was where neighbors and friends dropped by, bringing more life into the apartment. The set captured the feeling of making the best of what you have. Over time, viewers started to see it as one of the warmest homes on TV. It showed that love really is what makes a house a home.

11. The Little House on the Prairie Cabin

NBC/Everett Collection

The Ingalls family cabin may not have been large, but it packed in a surprising amount of charm. The rustic wood walls and handmade furniture made everything feel authentic and hardworking. The fireplace was the heart of the home, crackling through winters on the prairie. The loft where the girls slept created a cozy nook for whispers and giggles. The kitchen area looked simple but welcoming, with Caroline always finding ways to make it homey. The small windows let in bright prairie light. And the whole cabin felt like an embrace.

Fans dreamed of living more simply after watching the Ingalls family thrive in their tiny home. The cabin looked like a place where every chore had meaning and every meal felt earned. Even the rougher elements, like the uneven floors, added to its charm. The loft ladder felt like an adventure for the kids. The big table created a sense of togetherness that never wavered. Wildlife and wide open land surrounded the home, giving it the best “yard” of any house on the list. It felt like the ideal place to reconnect with the basics.

12. The Mork and Mindy Boulder House

Everett Collection

Mindy’s Boulder Victorian home became instantly iconic once Mork crashed into her life. Its charm started with the big front porch, perfect for watching the Colorado mountains turn pink at sunset. Inside, the house had quirky angles and warm wood that made it feel both inviting and slightly magical. The living room always had a bright, lived in look, matching Mork’s unpredictable energy. The kitchen felt classic and comfortable, the kind of place where Mindy could regain sanity after Mork’s antics. The cozy upstairs rooms gave the house a real sense of history. And that attic became Mork’s unusual bedroom, filled with surprises.

Fans loved how the house balanced everyday comfort with extraterrestrial oddities. You could imagine coming home to a kettle on the stove and a strange invention buzzing in the background. The porch swing felt like the perfect spot for late night talks. The staircase created great comedic entrances. Even the smallest corners felt full of personality. It was a home that made room for both normal life and the wonderfully unexpected. And that made it unforgettable.

13. The Family Lawrence House

Everett Collection

The Lawrence home from Family looked like the kind of place where you’d instantly smell something warm baking in the oven. Its wood-trimmed rooms had a gentle California coziness that made every family conversation feel authentic. The living room had that soft, lived-in glow where you could picture Kristy McNichol’s Buddy collapsing onto the sofa after a long day. The staircase gave the house a lovely vertical rhythm, especially during scenes with emotional ups and downs. The dining room table looked like it had heard every kind of teenage confession and parental pep talk. Even the kitchen felt personal, full of subtle little details that made it feel real. The whole house seemed designed to hold a complicated, loving family together.

Viewers always imagined what it would be like to linger in those quiet corners or flip through magazines on the shag rug. The bedrooms felt gentle and expressive, especially Buddy’s, which gave off a perfect mix of teenage energy and personal style. The patio area outside filled the home with California light that softened even the heaviest moments. The house felt big enough to give everyone space, but still close enough to keep the family connected. The warm color palette made it especially comforting. And by the end of the series, the Lawrence home truly felt like a second home to anyone who watched.

14. The One Day at a Time Apartment

Everett Collection

The Romano apartment in Indianapolis was modest, but it radiated warmth and humor. The compact living room was always full of movement, whether Ann was hashing out a life lesson or Schneider was dropping by unannounced. The brick accents and earth tones gave it a grounded ’70s vibe. The kitchen, with its tiny table and cozy clutter, felt like the heart of the home. Even though the apartment wasn’t large, it felt endlessly adaptable to whatever crisis or celebration unfolded there. The girls’ shared room had that classic teen energy, full of posters and color. The place was proof that a small home could still feel incredibly alive.

Fans loved how the apartment reflected the realities of single motherhood without ever losing its warmth. It made independence feel reachable and relatable. The living room always seemed like a safe place to unravel the day and then pull yourself back together. You could easily imagine sipping coffee with Ann or laughing with Julie and Barbara. Even the hallway outside the door became part of the story, thanks to Schneider’s frequent appearances. The set felt honest, comforting, and full of spirit. It was the kind of home that proved love and humor could go a long way.

15. The Bob Newhart Show Apartment

Everett Collection

Bob and Emily Hartley’s Chicago apartment felt sleek, warm, and unmistakably ’70s without being over the top. The sunken living room created a stylish focal point that made the space feel modern and comfortable. Their furniture choices always felt intentional, hinting at their shared taste and stable marriage. The kitchen looked functional but cozy, perfect for late night conversations after Bob’s long days at work. The bedroom had a soft, serene feel that contrasted nicely with the comedic chaos surrounding Bob’s practice. That big window letting in city light added an extra touch of sophistication. The entire space felt like it belonged to two thoughtful, grounded adults.

Viewers often imagined what it would be like to drift into that calming living room after a hectic day. The muted colors and clean lines made it feel peaceful without being plain. Even the hallway leading to Bob’s home office added structure to the apartment. The furniture always seemed rearrangeable for impromptu gatherings or therapy-related shenanigans. The layout made conversations flow easily. And the overall design made the apartment feel timeless, a true reflection of the Hartleys’ steady, loving partnership.

16. The Room 222 Teachers’ Lounge and Home Spaces

Everett Collection

While Room 222 mostly took place at Walt Whitman High School, the glimpses we got of the teachers’ home lives showed warm, stylish ’70s spaces worth admiring. Pete Dixon’s apartment, with its bookshelves and relaxed vibe, felt like the kind of place where you’d unwind with jazz playing in the background. The furniture was modern but not flashy, reflecting his calm, thoughtful personality. His living room invited conversation and quiet reflection, something viewers appreciated. The kitchen looked tidy and functional, more like a workspace than a hangout. The pops of color around the room kept it lively. And the overall atmosphere felt grounded, warm, and intellectual.

Fans also loved the glimpses of Liz McIntyre’s home, which added a softer, more colorful break from the school setting. Her space looked carefully curated, full of personal touches that spoke to her nurturing spirit. The bedrooms and sitting areas felt inviting and stylish. The décor fit the early ’70s perfectly without overwhelming the scene. Together, these home spaces added dimension to the characters. They reminded viewers that teachers had full, rich lives outside the classroom. And those homes felt like quiet sanctuaries where they could recharge.

17. The Alice Phoenix Apartment

Everett Collection

Alice’s Phoenix apartment, which she shared with her son Tommy, had a cheerful simplicity that felt surprisingly homey. The bright colors and cozy seating made it feel lived in and practical, the kind of place where takeout bags might sit beside homework. The small kitchen looked charming despite its limited space, perfect for Alice to experiment with diner recipes at home. The living room had that unmistakable ’70s warmth, complete with textured pillows and decorative knickknacks. Tommy’s room reflected the real life messiness of a growing kid. And Alice’s bedroom looked like her own oasis after long shifts at Mel’s Diner. Every corner had a relatable charm.

Viewers liked imagining themselves stopping in after a long day, kicking off their shoes, and settling onto the sofa with Alice’s easy sense of humor nearby. The apartment made single parent life feel both challenging and fulfilling. It had just enough space for the quiet moments Alice needed. The décor balanced practicality with personality. The place felt like a home that grew with them season by season. And despite life’s setbacks, it always felt like a place rooted in optimism.

18. The Barney Miller Apartment and Precinct Spaces

Everett Collection

Though Barney Miller focused on the precinct, the occasional look at Barney’s home added a warm contrast to the gritty New York setting. His apartment with Elizabeth was neat, understated, and full of the comforting touches you’d expect from their calm relationship. The living room felt like a peaceful escape from the constant hum of police work. The kitchen looked simple and functional, clearly a place for quick meals and quiet conversations. Their bedroom had an understated coziness that grounded Barney emotionally. The décor leaned toward warm neutrals. And the whole space represented stability in an unstable world.

Even the precinct itself had a strange, homey familiarity for viewers. The squad room, with its worn desks and buzzing activity, became a second home to the officers. Coffee cups and paper stacks gave it a family-room feel despite the chaos. The cramped kitchen area added an unexpected dose of warmth. Each character settled into the space as if they’d lived there forever. And together, these environments underscored the show’s central theme, that “family” sometimes forms in the most unlikely places.

Scroll to Top