Row houses have come to define the landscape in historic neighborhoods all across the East Coast. These homes create a distinct street presence, offering more space than typical apartments or condos and encouraging historic preservation in the cities they occupy. Whether you’re moving to Baltimore or another iconic location, there’s more to these structures than just their appearance and function. Understanding their history and characteristics can reveal a lot about the neighborhoods they occupy—so what’s the story behind their design and evolution?
5 Things to Know About Row Houses
- Row houses are attached homes sharing common walls, typically found in urban areas where space is limited.
- They range from two to five stories and generally accommodate one or two households.
- Common architectural styles include Federal, Victorian, and Italianate, showcasing historical context and uniformity.
- Row houses originated in the 16th century, inspired by Dutch and Belgian homes, and became popular during the Industrial Revolution.
- They can provide affordable housing options, enhancing community engagement and access to local amenities in dense urban environments.
What Is a Row House?
A row house is a type of residential building that consists of a series of attached homes sharing common walls, typically aligned along a street. Row houses often feature a uniform architectural style and range from two to five stories tall.
Row houses typically provide more living space than standard apartments while having limited outdoor areas, making them an appealing choice for many residents.
Originating from Dutch and Belgian designs, row houses became popular as a cost-effective housing solution during the Industrial Revolution. Their classic brownstone facades in Brooklyn exemplify regional architectural variations, reflecting the rich history of urban development.
The History of Row Houses
How did row houses evolve into the iconic structures we see today? Originating in the 16th century from Dutch and Belgian architectural styles, row houses became popular for efficient urban living.
The first recorded row houses in the United States were built in Carstairs Row, Philadelphia, during the early 19th century. Catering to the growing middle class and influenced by British terrace homes, these designs maximized land use in densely populated areas.
During the Industrial Revolution, row houses proliferated, providing affordable housing for the working class, especially in cities like New York.
Today, notable examples in Philadelphia, Baltimore, and San Francisco showcase diverse architectural styles, reflecting the cultural significance and adaptability of row houses throughout history.
Common Characteristics of Row Houses
When examining row houses, you’ll notice a few common characteristics that define their appeal. They often have a uniform appearance, thanks to shared walls and consistent architectural styles, while their low-rise height makes them well-suited for urban environments.
Uniform Appearance
Row houses present a striking uniformity in their architectural design, with consistent facades and rooflines that create a cohesive streetscape. These homes share one or two common walls, allowing for efficient use of space in tight urban environments.
Typically ranging from 12 to 25 feet in width, row houses form a compact arrangement that can help maximize neighborhood density. Despite their shared walls, each row house features an individual entryway, providing distinct access while still maintaining an overall consistent appearance.
Common architectural styles of row houses, such as Italianate, Victorian, and Federal, reflect the historical context of their construction. This uniform architectural design not only contributes to the aesthetic appeal but also fosters a sense of community among residents.
Historic East Coast Locations
There’s a unique charm to the historic row houses found along the East Coast, each reflecting the architectural styles of their respective eras.
In cities like Philadelphia, you’ll notice many historic row houses showcasing Federal, Greek Revival, and Victorian designs. The iconic “trinity” row houses, narrow and three stories high, were designed for working-class families in the 19th century, optimizing space in urban environments.
Baltimore’s row houses often feature Formstone, giving them a distinct mid-20th-century appearance, while in New York City, the brownstone style stands out with its characteristic sandstone facades. For even more intricate architectural details, it’s worth taking a trip to explore the cobblestone streets of Beacon Hill in Boston.
Low-Rise Height
Efficient design is a hallmark of row houses, showcasing their ability to maximize space in urban settings. Row houses stand out for their low-rise height, which generally ranges from two to five stories.The low-rise height not only accommodates larger household sizes but also maximizes living space.
This design allows for efficient use of vertical space, making them ideal for urban settings where land is often limited. With limited outdoor space usually comprising small front and back yards or gardens, row houses can effectively utilize every square inch of urban land.
By sharing a common wall with adjacent units, row houses can also enhance energy efficiency, as the shared walls provide improved insulation compared to detached homes.
Row House vs. Townhouse vs. Brownstone: What’s the Difference?
When exploring urban living options, you’ll likely come across row houses, townhouses, and potentially even brownstones—but what separates them?
- Row houses are a type of attached home that shares walls with adjacent units, often displaying uniform architectural styles.
- Townhouses, on the other hand, can vary in design and are typically individually owned, sometimes found in smaller clusters.
- Brownstones specifically refer to townhouses made from brownstone material, known for their distinctive facades; they can also be part of a continuous row of homes.
While all row houses qualify as townhouses due to shared walls, not all townhouses fit the row house definition. In urban areas, row houses are generally more budget-friendly housing options, making them popular among city dwellers.
Where to Find Row Houses
If you’re looking for row houses, cities like Baltimore, Annapolis, and Philadelphia are great places to start. Washington, D.C. also features many historic row houses that showcase a range of architectural styles. Exploring these urban areas will give you a firsthand experience of the unique character that row houses bring to their neighborhoods.
Baltimore, MD
In the city of Baltimore, you’ll find some of the most iconic row houses in the country, especially in neighborhoods like Federal Hill and Fells Point. The city’s row houses are known for their distinctive architecture, showcasing styles like Victorian and Federal-style row homes.
Many of these houses feature unique Formstone exteriors and range from two to three stories, often adorned with charming front porches and decorative cornices. Areas like the Charles Village neighborhood—one of the most affordable neighborhoods in Baltimore—offer vibrant community living near the Baltimore Museum of Art and Johns Hopkins University.
Whether you’re drawn to historic charm or modern renovations (with the CHAP Tax Credit serving as further incentive), Baltimore’s row houses can be a wonderful option right in the heart of the city. Explore these neighborhoods to experience the unique character of Baltimore’s row house heritage.
Annapolis, MD
The city of Annapolis boasts a rich collection of historic row houses, particularly concentrated in its charming Colonial Annapolis Historic District.
As you walk along streets like Cornhill Street and Pinkney Street, you’ll see homes showcasing 18th and 19th-century architectural styles, especially the Federal style, characterized by symmetrical facades and decorative brickwork.
Many of the row houses in Annapolis have been preserved and thoughtfully renovated, enhancing the city’s appeal and attracting visitors to its waterfront. The historic district features some of the oldest row houses in the U.S., many dating back to the colonial period, making them significant for both architectural and cultural heritage.
Living in these row houses offers convenient access to shops, restaurants, and local activities, enriching your community experience.
Washington, D.C.
Washington, D.C. has an impressive collection of historic row houses, particularly in neighborhoods like Capitol Hill, Dupont Circle, and Georgetown.
These row houses reflect diverse architectural styles from the 19th and early 20th centuries, prominently featuring Federal and Victorian styles. You’ll notice their distinctive brick facades and ornate details that contribute to the area’s historic character.
Typically ranging from two to four stories, many of these homes have deep front porches and are often subdivided into multiple apartments, accommodating the demands of urban living.
Their prime locations near public transportation, parks, and cultural attractions make them appealing. Preservation efforts continue to maintain these architectural treasures, ensuring their significance in D.C.’s urban landscape.
Philadelphia, PA
The charm of Philadelphia’s row houses beckons you to explore neighborhoods like Society Hill and Old City, where historic streets are lined with beautifully preserved structures.
In Philadelphia, you’ll find a diverse mix of architectural styles, including Federal, Victorian, and Italianate designs. Many of these row houses date back to the 19th century, reflecting the city’s significant role during the Industrial Revolution.
While row houses may vary in price, they generally offer a less expensive option compared to single-family homes in the area. By maintaining the historical integrity of these unique homes, they can remain an essential part of the city’s heritage for future generations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Does Row House Mean?
When you hear “row house,” think of a connected home sharing walls with neighbors. It’s a uniform style that emphasizes community living while providing individual entrances, making it perfect for urban environments where space is limited.
What Is the Difference Between a Row House and a Single-Family House?
A row house shares walls with neighboring homes, creating a uniform look, while a detached house stands alone, offering more privacy and outdoor space. You’ll find row houses in urban areas, often at more affordable prices.
What Is the Difference Between a Duplex and a Row House?
A duplex consists of two separate living units within a single building, while a row house features multiple attached homes sharing walls.
Embrace Urban Living in a Charming Row House
Row houses exemplify community living and architectural charm, making them a popular choice in urban areas. While often confused with townhouses and brownstones, their shared walls and distinct styles are a treasure trove of history and culture. If you’re considering a row house, explore neighborhoods where they thrive, as they can provide more space and a greater sense of belonging within the community. Sometimes, they’re even some of the best neighborhoods in the city!