A patio home, also called a zero-lot-line home, is a type of single-family home that is attached to one or more neighboring homes often of a very similar style. Patio houses are individually owned single-family houses, typically rising only a story or two, with a small yard in front.
You can typically find patio houses in suburban developments, where a cluster of very similar looking patio houses are often looked after by a HOA and management company who takes care of exterior maintenance such as the lawn and snow removal.
The homes are usually small, with a compact floor plan, and they often have a low-maintenance design, as the homeowners’ association is often responsible for maintaining the shared amenities (i.e. pool, clubhouse etc.) and sometimes the exterior of the homes.
Patio homes are popular for their convenience, as they offer the benefits of a single-family home without the upkeep of a large yard. They are often found in retirement communities or urban areas where space is at a premium.
A patio home is a type of housing that is typically a single-family home that is built as part of a group of similar homes in a development. Patio homes are usually attached to one or more other homes and share walls with neighboring units (i.e. imagine suburban rowhouses with their own patios).
They are often smaller in size and have a more compact floor plan compared to a traditional single-family home, and they tend to have a more open floor plan and fewer interior walls. Patio homes are typically designed with a private outdoor space, such as a patio or courtyard, which is why they are called “patio homes.” They are popular for their low-maintenance lifestyle and for being located in well-planned communities.
Patio homes are sometimes also called townhomes, villas, or garden homes and are often, though not always, part of a HOA.
What’s the difference between a patio home and a townhouse?
A patio home is a type of single-family home that is typically smaller in size and is attached to one or more other homes in the development. Patio homes are often found in planned communities and are designed to be low-maintenance, with the exterior maintenance and landscaping being taken care of by the homeowners’ association. They may also have shared amenities such as pools, tennis courts, and clubhouses.
A townhouse, on the other hand, is a type of multi-family dwelling that is similar to a row house. Townhouses are usually multi-level buildings that are attached to other homes in the development, with common walls between units. They may have small yards or outdoor spaces, but the exterior maintenance and landscaping are usually the responsibility of the individual homeowner. Townhouses are typically larger than patio homes and may have more amenities, such as private garages.
Furthermore, when you think of a townhouse, a cobblestone street in Brooklyn comes to mind with individually owned, multi-story townhouses. Obviously, that’s quite a difference vs a patio house which you can imagine as being part of a suburban development.
What’s the difference between a patio home and a condo?
A condo, short for condominium, is a type of multi-family dwelling that is similar to an apartment. Condos are usually located in multi-unit buildings or complexes and are owned by individual homeowners. Owners of condos own the interior of their unit and may have a say in the management and maintenance of the common areas of the building or complex, but they do not own the land on which the building is located. Condos may have shared amenities such as pools, fitness centers, and clubhouses.
In contrast, patio homes are single-family houses that happen to be attached to neighboring houses. However, patio houses own the lot and the land they sit on. So in contrast to condos, patio home owners own both the interior and the exterior of their homes, as well as their lot of land.
Pro Tip: Some cons of living in a patio house is potential noise from your neighbors since you’ll be sharing a wall. Make sure to check the quality of the insulation between the walls with your neighbors. Also, you’ll be having a smaller yard, or only a shared yard. This may be tough to swallow for some home owners who are dreaming of their own expansive yards and gardens.
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A patio home community is a type of residential development that consists of small, single-family homes that are built close together and often share walls with neighboring homes.
Patio homes are typically smaller and more compact than traditional single-family homes, and they often have outdoor patios or small yards rather than large lawns.
These communities are designed to be low-maintenance, with the lawns and common areas often being maintained by a homeowners’ association. Patio home communities are often popular with retirees or people who want to downsize to a smaller living space.
Patio home communities are often found in suburban or urban areas, and they may offer amenities such as community pools or parks.
Some examples of amenities that you might see in a patio home community include:
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Community pools
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Clubhouses
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Fitness centers
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Playgrounds
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Community parks or green spaces
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Walking trails
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Tennis courts
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Basketball courts
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Community gardens
The specific amenities that are offered may vary depending on the community and the location. Some patio home communities may also offer additional services, such as landscaping or snow removal, to make it easier for residents to maintain their homes.
Pro Tip: If you’re looking to downsize, moving to a condo is another great idea. In a condo, you’ll often have access to great amenities without any of the maintenance. As a condo owner, you’re only responsible for the interior of your unit. If you’re a retiree considering moving to South Florida as so many do, check out our article on where to live in Miami to learn more about the pros and cons of living on the beach vs city, house vs condo and more.
A patio home is a type of housing that may appear similar to a rowhouse or townhouse, but the difference is that it’s actually a single-family home that is attached to one or more similar homes. Typically single-story, sometimes with a partial second floor, these are often smaller houses that are attached often on both sides by very similar other houses, each with a small yard.
They are often smaller in size than traditional single-family homes and are designed to be maintenance-free, with the homeowners’ association taking care of things like lawn care and snow removal. Patio homes typically have a small yard or patio area, and they may also have a garage.
The exterior of a patio home can vary, but they are often made of brick or stucco and have a traditional or contemporary design.
There is no one “typical” appearance for patio homes, as they can come in a wide variety of styles and architectural designs. However, there are some features that are common to many patio homes. For example:
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Compact size: Patio homes are often smaller than traditional single-family homes, with a more efficient floor plan. They may have one or two stories, with anywhere from one to three bedrooms.
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Orientation around an outdoor patio or courtyard: Many patio homes are designed with an outdoor space as a central feature, with the main living areas of the home opening out onto the patio or courtyard.
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Shared outdoor spaces: Patio homes are often part of a larger development or community, and may have shared outdoor spaces such as parks, pools, or greenbelts.
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Low-maintenance exteriors: Patio homes are often designed with low-maintenance exteriors, such as brick, stucco, or vinyl siding, to reduce the time and effort required to keep the exterior of the home in good repair.
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Attached or detached garages: Some patio homes have attached garages, while others have detached garages or carports.
Overall, patio homes are designed to be stylish, efficient, and easy to maintain, with a focus on outdoor living and an emphasis on community amenities.
Pro Tip: Are you considering leaving California or New York for Florida? If so, you aren’t alone. Check out our article on the pros and cons of living in Miami, specifically written for transplants like yourselves.
