The highest and best use of a single story ranch house on a busy street in a commercial zone most probably is NOT as a:

The highest and best use of a property is a key concept in real estate appraisal, referring to the most profitable and legally permissible use of a property. In the case of a single-story ranch house located in a commercial zone, the property is positioned in an area where commercial activities are prioritized over residential use.

Using the property as a single-family residence is not aligned with the nature of the surrounding area, which is indicated by the commercial zoning. In commercial zones, properties are typically utilized for businesses rather than residences, and therefore, maintaining the house as a single-family home would likely be less beneficial in terms of value and income generation compared to its potential conversion into a commercial property.

In contrast, settings like a chiropractor's office, coffee shop, or orthodontist's office are all compatible with commercial use and could capitalize on foot traffic and accessibility associated with the busy street. These types of businesses would not only be permissible given the zoning but are also likely to bring in more revenue than the property would generate as a residence, making them more aligned with the "highest and best use" principle. Hence, utilizing the property as a single-family residence does not take full advantage of its location in a commercial setting.