Townhouse vs Rowhouse: Key Difference

By: ROS Team

For people looking to buy a home attached to the neighbors, rowhouses and townhouses stand out as great choices. However, most people use these housing terms interchangeably but they have a bunch of differences. In this guide, we will break down all the key differences between a townhouse and a rowhouse.

What is a Townhouse?

Imagine a tall and slim house that’s part of a row of others. That’s a townhouse for you! These homes share at least one wall with their neighbors and often go up several floors. Don’t worry about privacy though – each townhouse has its own entrance. Many even have a small front yard and backyard for some greenery.

You may hear people call these homes “townhomes” or “town houses” too. They’re great for first time buyers or singles or couples. Townhouses have a house feel with apartment living convenience.

The townhouses have a rich history too. Back in the day, rich families would have a townhouse in the city for when they wanted to get away from their country estate. Today they’re much more humble and for everyone.

What is a Rowhouse?

Imagine a street with houses that are almost identical, all connected and sharing walls. That’s a row of rowhouses! They’re usually 2-3 stories tall, sometimes 5. They’re very narrow, 12-25 feet wide.

Rowhouses look uniform, same roofline, and the same exterior. They don’t have big yards but many have small backyards or patios for some outdoor space.

If you’re in the UK or Australia you might call them “terraced houses”. Rowhouses have been around for centuries, first appearing in the Netherlands and Belgium in the 1500s. They became super popular in the US during the Industrial Revolution when cities needed to house lots of people quickly.

These are great for singles, couples, or anyone who doesn’t need lots of space. They offer a cozy, compact living option right in the middle of cities.

Townhouse vs Rowhouse: What’s the Difference?

Height

The biggest difference between row house vs townhouse is height. Townhouses are 2 or 3 stories high, so there’s a little variation in the row. One townhouse might be 2 stories, the next 3.

Conversely, rowhouses are 5 stories high max and they’re all the same. If you can measure the height of one rowhouse, you can measure all the others in the row since they’re all the same height from start to finish.

Location

Typically, townhouses and rowhouses are located in different areas. Townhouses are more predominantly found in suburban areas, where housing costs are typically the highest, thus, they are a popular choice for maximizing space.

On the flip side, urban areas are the natural habitat for rowhouses. You can frequently spot them in New York City, Philadelphia, Boston, Baltimore, and even cities like San Francisco and Chicago.

Exterior Design

Rowhouses are very uniform in exterior design, same color and style throughout the row. Townhouses have more design flexibility. Even in the same development, townhouses can have different colors, styles, and facades, each home has its own character but still has a sense of community.

HOA

Townhouses are more likely to be in an HOA. An HOA is an organization that manages the rules and maintenance of a community and often provides landscaping, snow removal, and exterior maintenance.

Rowhouses can be in an HOA too but it’s less common. If you have a townhouse in an HOA, be prepared for monthly fees which can range from $200 to $300 or more depending on the location and services.

Building Arrangement

Rowhouses are typically built in a straight line, often lining an entire street block with a consistent, uninterrupted row. This arrangement is a hallmark of urban living, giving streets a distinctive, uniform appearance.

On the other hand, townhouses offer more variety in their building arrangement. While they can also be found in a row, townhouses are often clustered in groups, arranged into squares, or even separated within a community or development. This flexibility allows for more diverse layouts and neighborhood designs.

Affordability

Townhouses:

Usually bought, not rented
Average Cost: Around $175,000
Price Range: $80,250 to $335,500
Most Common Range: $115,500 to $237,500
Often have HOA fees, which add to the cost

Rowhouses:

Typically rented, not bought
Rent varies based on location
No HOA fees in most cases

It’s tricky to say which is cheaper overall. Townhouses have a clear price tag, but extra costs like HOA fees can add up. Rowhouse costs depend a lot on where they are and local rent prices.

Yard Space & Privacy

Townhouses often give you a bit more breathing room. They typically come with both front and back yards. These outdoor areas, while usually not huge, offer a nice spot for gardening, grilling, or just enjoying some fresh air. It’s like having your own little green oasis in the midst of the neighborhood.

Rowhouses, on the other hand, keep things cozy. They’re all about making the most of limited space in busy city areas. You might find a small backyard or patio, but don’t expect sprawling lawns.

The difference in outdoor space can affect how private your home feels. Townhouses, with their separate yards, might offer a bit more seclusion. Rowhouses, being more compact, often have a more communal feel, but that small private outdoor area can be a real gem in a crowded city.

Row House vs Townhouse Pros and Cons

Townhouse Pros:

More flexibility in exterior design
Often part of a community with amenities
Typically newer construction
More common in suburban areas

Townhouse Cons:

HOA fees can be high
Less uniform appearance

Rowhouse Pros:

Uniform and cohesive architectural style
Often located in vibrant urban areas
Strong sense of historical character

Rowhouse Cons:

Less flexibility in design
Typically older construction
Less likely to have HOA amenities
Limited outdoor space

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Difference Between a Duplex and a Rowhouse?

A duplex is a single building divided into two units, each with its own entrance but sharing a common wall. In contrast, a rowhouse is part of a line of similar homes, with each unit individually owned.

What Is the Difference Between a Townhouse and a Single-Family Home?

Single-family homes provide greater privacy, more backyard space, and more distance from neighbors. In contrast, townhomes share walls and are typically closer together. But townhomes also come with the benefits of added security, such as gated communities, secure entrances, and the neighbors to keep an eye out for each other.