Row Home vs Townhouse: What Are the Differences?
Have you considered buying a home yet?
Buying a home is truly one of the greatest achievements you can make. It is a sign that you are a grown-up, a responsible member of society, and a contributing member of your community.
Whether you want a row home or a townhouse, you might be asking yourself questions about the community. The row home vs townhouse debate can be difficult to resolve.
There are key differences that you need to consider to find the right home for you and your family. Read on to know more about the main row home vs townhouse differences.
What Is a Row Home?
A row home is a type of attached housing that shares one or more walls with another row home. Row homes are often found in urban areas and are a popular type of housing in many cities.
They can range in size from small, two-bedroom homes to large, multi-story homes. Row homes are usually less expensive than other types of attached housing. This is when compared to townhouses and condominiums.
What Is a Townhouse?
So what is a townhouse? It is a type of housing that originated in Europe. It is a two or three-story house, connected to other identical residences in a row.
Townhouses often share one or two walls with the house next to or behind it. This creates attractive streetscapes.
Townhouses usually have private entrances and may include small yards or decks. They may be individually owned or may belong to a homeowner’s association.
These owners take responsibility for the upkeep of shared areas. These include sidewalks, roads, and common areas. They typically have communal living space on the ground floor, with private bedrooms and bathrooms above.
You can also easily find townhouses today if you’re looking to buy. Various websites post townhouses for sale at reasonable prices these days.
Row Home vs Townhouse: Cost of Living Differences
The cost of living between a row home and a townhouse can vary widely depending on the location. In general, row homes are going to be cheaper than townhouses. This is because they are smaller and have less square footage.
But, this is not always the case. Many factors can affect the cost of living in either type of home.
One factor that can impact the cost of living in a row home vs a townhouse is the location. If you live in an urban area, chances are that row homes are going to be more expensive than townhouses. This is simply because they are more in demand.
But if you live in a rural area, row homes may be cheaper than townhouses. This is because there is usually less demand for row homes in rural areas.
Another factor that can affect the cost of living between a row home and a townhouse is the size of the home. The larger the home, the more it will cost to live in it.
Row homes tend to be smaller than townhouses. So if you’re looking for a cheaper option, a row home may be the way to go.
Ultimately, the best way to determine which option is right for you is to consider your budget. If you have a larger budget and need more space, a townhouse may be the right choice for you. If you have a limited budget and don’t need as much space, then a row home may be the better option.
Maintenance Requirements for Each
When it comes to maintenance, row homes and townhouses are pretty similar. Both types of properties typically need regular exterior upkeep. You may also need to do some landscaping to keep your property looking its best.
As for interior maintenance, row homes usually need more work than townhouses. This is because row homes tend to have more stairs and narrow spaces that can be difficult to keep clean.
Townhouses, on the other hand, often have more open floor plans and large rooms. These are all easier to maintain.
Of course, the amount of maintenance needed for any type of property will vary depending on its age, condition, and location. But in general, row homes tend to need a bit more work than townhouses when it comes to keeping them in good shape.
Design Differences Between the Two
When it comes to design, row homes and townhouses can differ quite a bit. For starters, row homes are often more narrow and vertically oriented.
Meanwhile, townhouses are wider and more horizontal. This means that row homes have less square footage overall, but make better use of vertical space.
Another difference is in the way the rooms get laid out. In a row home, the rooms are typically linearly arranged one after the other. This can make for a very efficient use of space, but can also feel a bit cramped.
Townhouses, on the other hand, often have rooms connected but not always in a straight line. This can give the illusion of more space and may be more appealing to some buyers.
Finally, row homes and townhouses can differ when it comes to exterior style. Row homes tend to be more uniform in appearance. Their units are in a given development looking fairly similar.
This is not the case with townhouses. This is because they often have more variety in their designs, which can add to their curb appeal.
Importance of Knowing the Differences
Row homes and townhouses each have their unique characteristics and advantages. Knowing the row home vs townhouse differences is important. This is especially the case when considering what type of housing best suits your own needs.
If you are trying to decide which of these is best for you, consider your own need for independence and privacy. Be sure to weigh those against the advantages of each. Once you make your decision, you can take the necessary steps to make it a reality.
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