What Is A Townhouse? Why Are They Called Townhouses?
What Is A Townhouse?
A townhouse, townhome, townhouse, or townhome is typically terraced housing with a small floor plan on multiple floors. Historically, the term referred to any city residence of an individual whose main residence was their country house.
Modern townhouses are in various sizes and styles and often provide an economical alternative to single-family homes while offering features such as private outdoor space and sufficient square footage.
Why Are They Called Townhouses?
Townhouses, also known as row houses, are a type of housing which have become increasingly popular in urban areas due to their architectural style and the convenience they offer.
Townhouses get their distinctive name from early English dwellings which were kept in towns when the family’s primary residence was in the countryside. These town dwellings provided convenient access to needed amenities while still providing privacy.
They feature multiple stories and units connected together, often with shared walls between residences and small outdoor spaces such as patios or balconies.
Due to this design, townhouses can provide more living space than a single-family home but are less expensive since resources can be shared between adjacent homes.
The main advantage however, is that townhouses allow for a connection to city life without losing the sense of community found within a small neighborhood.
Why Do People Prefer Townhouses?
People prefer townhouses for a variety of reasons, not least of which are their affordability and low maintenance requirements. They are compact, yet spacious alternatives to detached homes, offering great value for money.
Townhouses tend to have small front and backyards or courtyards that require minimal maintenance – perfect for those looking for an easier lifestyle.
Furthermore, a lot of the properties come with access to communal areas like gardens, swimming pools, gyms, and tennis courts; ideal if you’re someone who likes to stay active without having to worry about taking care of large private spaces.
What Is The Difference Between A Townhouse And An Apartment?
Townhouses and apartments may look the same from a distance, but they are, in fact, very different. Structurally, townhouses are separate and independent dwellings, typically giving them the traditional look of a real house.
Apartments, meanwhile, are multi-unit dwellings within one big building that share common walls and amenities like pools, gyms, or other facilities.
Townhouses can often be more expensive to purchase than apartments due to their nature and tend to be more suited for those who need more space and privacy than those looking to socialize with neighbors nearby.
Apartment living also provides access to many amenities such as laundry rooms, playgrounds, or even concierge services that wouldn’t necessarily be available in a townhouse.
What Are The Advantages Of Living In A Townhouse?
Living in a townhouse has many advantages, especially compared to a condo suite:
- You get the same maintenance benefits of high-rise condos but with more space and flexibility.
- Townhouses usually have multiple levels, each containing several reasonably sized bedrooms, multiple full bathrooms, a living room, a kitchen, and possibly even a basement, allowing ample space to live and entertain guests.
- Furthermore, since townhouses are often part of larger complexes or housing structures, you may also have access to amenities like security guards or laundry facilities.
What Are The Disadvantages Of Living In A Townhouse?
Living in a townhouse can have disadvantages, such as:
- Less square footage compared to a single-family home, limited freedom when it comes to the outward appearance of your home, and less privacy due to proximity to neighbors.
- Living in a gated community or neighborhood means you are also subject to Homeowner Association rules and regulations, which may include landscaping requirements or restrictions on certain modifications.
- Furthermore, some HOAs may require a monetary fee that includes access to shared amenities;. At the same time, this might be worth the expense for some people, but it could represent an unfair burden for others who cannot take advantage of these amenities.
