When choosing a home in Philadelphia, the first concern is often that single-family homes can be too burdensome, while condos might feel cramped. In such cases, the townhome, also known as a row house, catches the eye. It offers a fully private interior while allowing for shared exterior maintenance, making it a perfect middle-ground option.

In fact, Philadelphia is noted for having a relatively high homeownership rate among major cities in the Northeastern United States. This is largely due to the unique housing style of row houses. From narrow, old row houses known as Trinity houses, which have one room per floor, to spacious suburban townhomes with large yards, various forms are spread throughout the city.

When comparing prices, as of 2026, the median home price in Philadelphia is around $280,000. Condos average about $310,000, while single-family homes are priced at an average of $415,000, making it interesting that condos are cheaper than single-family homes. Over the past year, single-family home prices have risen by 3.3%, townhomes by 0.3%, and condos have decreased by 1.3%. If you have the same budget, you might find yourself torn between a narrow row house in the city center and a spacious single-family home on the outskirts, but it's worth remembering that these two options are divided by different criteria: commute time and maintenance burden.

In terms of maintenance costs, townhomes in the row house style typically have low or no HOA fees, which can be advantageous in terms of overall ownership costs. However, older row houses may require significant repairs, such as plumbing or roofing, so it's advisable to conduct a thorough inspection before purchasing. If you have the same budget, you might be torn between a spacious single-family home on the outskirts and a narrow row house in the city center, and it's recommended to weigh commute times against the need for a yard.

Looking at school districts, areas where Korean families tend to gather are generally aligned with highly rated school districts on the outskirts of the city. School district boundaries change frequently, so be sure to check the assigned school for the specific address before purchasing.

If you are moving from another state, be aware that Pennsylvania's property tax and Philadelphia's city income tax are both applied, which may be unfamiliar compared to your previous residence. For investors looking for rental income, row houses are relatively easy to manage, but keep in mind that older buildings may incur higher repair costs than expected.

With the same budget, you might find yourself debating between an older row house and a new condo. Older row houses have lower purchase prices but may require plumbing and electrical work, while new condos tend to have higher purchase prices but allow you to move in without immediate repair concerns, presenting different attractions.

There are also differences in insurance. In condos, the management company is responsible for building structure insurance, while owners only need to insure the interior, making expenses relatively predictable. In contrast, townhomes in the row house style often require owners to individually manage structural insurance, even if they share walls, which means you may need to pay attention to the boundary areas with neighbors.

For those coming from Korea, the row house style in Philadelphia may initially feel unfamiliar. While it may resemble a multi-family home in Korea, the key difference is that, despite sharing walls, the land and building are individually owned, and there is no management company like in condos. On the other hand, condos may feel familiar as they resemble apartments in Korea, but the ownership structure, where the management company is responsible for the entire building, differs from the Korean-style management office.

In summary, Philadelphia appears to be a market where the row house style of townhomes aligns with the city's identity, offering a balance between maintenance burden and space. If you are looking for that balance, the unique row houses of this city are worth considering.

This article is not investment or legal advice, and it is recommended to consult with a professional before making any actual contracts.