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Michael Bell, Safer PropertiesPhone: (707) 548-1611
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A basic guide to row houses

by Michael Bell 07/08/2024

A common sight in historic metropolitan areas, row houses are an iconic example of multifamily housing structures. As their name suggests, row houses are oriented next to one another “in a row” and without a space in between. Each home is separate from the others, but the structure or building often shares a homeowners’ association or similar governing body.

Along with these key factors, there are plenty of characteristics that make row houses special.

Row house characteristics

Row houses can typically be identified by the following features:

  • Multiple homes (at least three) are connected by shared walls on each side.
  • Row homes are mostly uniform in appearance, sharing exterior features like windows and front doors. Row houses may have different colors, but all belong together aesthetically.
  • Homes have their own individual door to the outside, unlike apartment or condominium buildings using a shared lobby.
  • The buildings are typically low-rise, no taller than five stories.

In addition to aesthetic and structural elements, row houses often line entire streets or city blocks. In the United States, you’re likely to find row house neighborhoods in major urban centers with prominent historic districts, such as San Francisco, New York City, Boston and Baltimore.

Row house styles

While following the characteristics listed above, row house construction also falls into some basic architectural style categories. The main architectural styles of row houses include:

  • Victorian row houses, which feature nineteenth-century details like stained-glass windows, bright paint colors, high-pitched roofs and ornate gables.
  • Federal style row houses, a simple brick facade and three windows facing the street.
  • Georgian row homes, which are usually two or three stories high, with brick facades and large windows to the street.
  • Greek Revival style row homes, which have flat roofs and columns framing the entryway. They also have ornate cornices and narrow windows.
  • Italianate row homes, which make up some of the most recognizable row homes: Brownstones. Italianate style features doors and windows with rounded tops, and frequently includes a bay window and front stoop.

Row houses are popular among many homeowners for their historical significance and unique architectural features. Many cities strive to maintain the integrity and appearance of row houses, so residents can continue to enjoy their aesthetic and charm for decades to come.

About the Author
Author

Michael Bell

In twenty five years of real estate sales and marketing experience, I have sold hundreds of properties, while developing detailed knowledge of Sonoma & Napa area communities. I am a life-long resident in the North Bay and after a full day at work, I enjoy spending time with my four children, and participating in their many school and recreational activities. 

Over the years, my clients have expressed diverse plans and dreams. I seek to truly understand and appreciate my clients' goals, focusing my efforts on realizing them. It has been fun learning more about the unique opportunities that attract people to the area such as the culinary community, the viticulture and wine industry as well as outdoor adventure tourism. It is important to me to listen to my clients, do what it takes to serve their needs and I am dedicated to treating everyone involved in a transaction both in a personal and professional manner. I work hard to anticipate and respond to the routine tasks at hand as well as the complex challenges that come up during real estate transactions while ensuring my goal to deliver you the outcome you desire.