What is a Row House? A Guide to History, Styles, and Key Considerations

A row house is a style of residential architecture where several uniform, multi-story homes share side walls, typically found in historic urban districts across the United States. For homebuyers seeking city living with historic charm and often a more affordable price point than a single-family home, a row house can be an excellent option. Key considerations include potential noise from shared walls, limited natural light, and the unique maintenance responsibilities associated with these properties. Understanding the pros and cons, various architectural styles, and interior design strategies is crucial before purchasing.

What is a Row House?

A row house is a single-family home that is part of a continuous block of similar homes, sharing one or both side walls with its neighbors. Originating in 16th century Europe, this style became a staple of American urban planning in the 1700s to accommodate growing populations in cities like Philadelphia and New York. Characterized by their identical facades and shared rooflines, row houses are usually two to five stories high. Windows are primarily located at the front and rear of the property. The interior layout is traditionally straightforward, with living spaces on the main floor and bedrooms upstairs.

Where Are Row Houses Commonly Found?

Row houses are predominantly located in the historic districts of older, densely populated U.S. cities. They are most iconic on the East Coast, with significant concentrations in:

• New York City, NY
• Philadelphia, PA
• Boston, MA
• Baltimore, MD
• Washington, D.C.

You can also find prominent row house neighborhoods in San Francisco, CA, Chicago, IL, and New Orleans, LA. Their presence often signifies a historically rich area, sometimes nestled among modern high-rises.

What Are the Pros and Cons of Owning a Row House?

Evaluating the advantages and disadvantages is a critical step in the home-buying decision process.

Pros:

• Urban Location: They offer walkable access to city amenities, parks, and public transit.
• Affordability: Row houses often provide more square footage per dollar than a detached single-family home in the same city.
• Lower Maintenance: With minimal or no front yard and a shared structure, exterior upkeep can be less demanding.
• Historic Charm: Many feature unique architectural details from their era of construction.

Cons:

• Limited Outdoor Space: Small backyards and a lack of driveways are common.
• Noise Transfer: Shared walls can mean hearing neighbors, depending on the original construction materials.
• Limited Natural Light: Light sources are confined to the front and back of the narrow floor plan.
• Insurance Considerations: Based on our experience assessment, insurance can be more complex and costly, as a row house might be classified as a single-family home or a condo by the housing association, affecting premium costs.

What Are the Different Architectural Styles of Row Houses?

Row houses evolved through various architectural movements, resulting in distinct styles. The following table outlines some of the most common types found in the U.S.:

How Can You Design the Interior of a Row House Effectively?

The long, narrow floor plan of a row house requires strategic interior design. Experts recommend focusing on maximizing light and managing space.

• Embrace Natural Light: Avoid placing large furniture in front of windows. Use light, reflective paint colors and consider large windows to brighten the space.
• Optimize Layout: Create distinct zones for different activities, such as a reading nook by a window and a dining area towards the interior.
• Choose Furniture Wisely: Select scaled-down pieces and multifunctional furniture that provides storage to avoid clutter and make the space feel larger.
• Honor the Architecture: For historic row houses, consider preserving original details like moldings and arches while integrating modern amenities for a transitional look.

Before making an offer on a row house, it is essential to verify its specific insurance classification (single-family vs. condo) and understand the corresponding maintenance responsibilities for shared structural elements like the roof. This due diligence can prevent unexpected costs and clarify long-term ownership obligations.