Buying a home in Philadelphia – how to decide which type of house is right for you?

Housing options in Philadelphia doesn’t really reflect the overall situation in the states. With more than a half residents being homeowners, this city is on the upper part of the homeownership list. With this in mind, buying a home in Philadelphia should be easy thanks to affordability. However, there are some indications that this might change in the future. That’s why anyone considering purchasing a home should learn about certain types of houses that are available on the market.

Buying a home in Philadelphia – know which type will suit you

As one of the oldest cities in the U.S., it’s not a surprise you will come into plenty of old designs. However, one architectural type stands out in Philadelphia. It’s the row houses. Generally, they are the most common type of housing you will find here. But, they are not all the same. They vary from 500 square feet to much larger examples. And that exact look at the past, that remind of the old Philly, attract many potential buyers. If you are among them, then you will find a lot of useful information about different types. Once you decide which type suits you, you can start looking for reliable moving professionals. If you are looking for experienced local movers in Philadelphia, you can find one on the superiormovinginc.com website.

Row houses in Philadelphia

From Queen Village to Center City to West Philadelphia, you can spot row houses everywhere. They are not the only type, but they are quite popular here. There are several types to choose from, each with its specific characteristics. What was once potentially dangerous structures, today are completely safe and appealing. Their classical look, one next to another, might not give you the feel of comfort. And sometimes it will require some additional renovation after moving. But that’s not always the case.

Here are the main type of houses in Philadelphia:

  • City house plan row house
  • Townhouse plan row house
  • Bandbox row house
  • London house plan row house
  • Modern houses

City house plan row house

You can find this type of row houses mostly on Elfreth’s Alley, which is considered the oldest residential street. They are a more spacious version of the bandbox type and are separated with a passage between houses. Additionally, they have a side yard, rear access, and are usually found at the end of the row.

Townhouse plan row house

At first look, they remind of the City house type, but that’s about it. In essence, they offer more room and are richer in detail. The frontal section usually contains two large rooms, while the rest is in the rear section. With the additional yard, they also provide more space to its residents.

Townhouses in Washington D.C.
You can find Townhouse type in other states as well.

Bandbox row house

This is the smallest type of row house, probably the most fundamental type. They were build to suffice the needs of the working-class and are sometimes referred to as a “Trinity”. This is probably is the cheapest option you can find. But, due to their small size, you will need to plan a serious decluttering before moving. However, they can be a perfect choice for someone who moves in Philly for the first time and needs a basic home.

London house plan row house

Constructed a bit later than the majority bandbox row houses, they are essentially an upgraded version. They usually provide a lot more space and offer increased privacy. Not quite spacious like some other types, but can be a good option for first-time buyers or a single-family to move in. If you are looking for one, you can probably find a convenient offer on Jeweler’s Row.

Modern houses

Of course, old row houses are not the only type on the market. You can find modern versions built to accommodate those who are looking for more luxury. They resemble the old style but are far different, in essence.

Large relatively newer brick house in Philadelphia.
There are also other types of houses in Philadelphia.

Buying a home in Philadelphia prior to moving there

If Philadelphia seems like a great place to live and you eventually decide to move there permanently, there is something you should know. Namely, it is not uncommon for a great number of people to come here from other cities in the state. Thus, make sure you plan your time wisely and carefully to be able to conduct all the unavoidable tasks prior to buying and finally moving there.

Conclusion

Finally, if you are interested in buying a home in Philadelphia, row houses are something you won’t miss. And you shouldn’t. Just don’t forget to hurry because chances are the prices might change soon.

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