Types of Houses You’ll Find in Maryland
Maryland may be small, but here’s the thing: its housing stock covers a lot of ground. On just the drive from Bethesda to Frederick to College Park/Hyattsville to Annapolis, for example, you can go from classic Colonials and mid-century neighborhoods to waterfront cottages and historic rowhouses in the span of an afternoon.
Head farther out, and the landscape shifts again, with larger lots, farmhouses, and newer construction taking center stage. Of course, that variety is part of what makes buying a home in Maryland so interesting…not to mention appealing.
Keep reading to unlock some of the house styles you’re most likely to encounter across the state!
Colonial
If there’s one home style that feels quintessentially Maryland, it’s the Colonial. Typically two or more stories with a symmetrical facade, centered front door, and traditional floor plan, Colonials are common throughout the state. In neighborhoods all over, you’ll see everything from historic examples to 20th-century interpretations and newer builds inspired by the same classic architecture.
They’re especially prevalent in established suburban communities, where mature trees, larger yards, and traditional streetscapes add to the appeal.
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Cape Cod
Compact, charming, and instantly recognizable, Cape Cods are another Maryland staple. These homes typically feature one-and-a-half stories with steeply pitched roofs, dormer windows, and relatively simple layouts. Many were built during the mid-20th century, so they’re especially common in older suburban neighborhoods.
Their smaller footprints can also make them a great entry point for buyers who want a single-family home without quite as much house to maintain.
Ranch
One level, straightforward, and surprisingly versatile, ranch homes became especially popular during the postwar building boom, and you’ll find plenty across Maryland’s established suburbs. Their long, low profiles and open layouts give them a distinctly mid-century feel, while single-level living makes them appealing to buyers across generations.
And because many sit on generous lots, there’s often room to renovate, expand, or simply enjoy the extra outdoor space.
Split-Level and Split-Foyer
If you’ve spent any time house hunting in suburban Maryland, chances are good that you’ve toured a split-level. These homes became hugely popular in the 1950s, ’60s, and ’70s, particularly in communities developed during Maryland’s suburban expansion. Instead of stacking two full floors, they separate living spaces across shorter sets of stairs.
The layouts can feel distinctly retro, but renovated versions offer plenty of flexibility for home offices, playrooms, guest spaces, and casual living areas.
Tudor
Steep rooflines, prominent chimneys, brick or stone exteriors, and plenty of character make Tudor-style homes hard to miss. You’re more likely to find them sprinkled throughout older, established communities rather than dominating an entire subdivision.
Their distinctive architecture makes them especially appealing to buyers who want historic charm without necessarily going all the way back to the Colonial era.
Craftsman and Bungalow
Craftsman homes and bungalows bring a little more personality to the streetscape, with low-pitched roofs, wide front porches, exposed architectural details, and an emphasis on natural materials. Original versions can be found in older communities, while the Craftsman aesthetic has also made a major comeback in newer and renovated homes.
Think classic character with a floor plan that can feel a little more relaxed than a traditional Colonial.
Townhouses and Rowhouses
Not every Maryland buyer is looking for a detached house. Townhouses are a major part of the housing landscape, particularly in denser communities and areas closer to DC and in Baltimore. In these types of enclaves, you’ll find everything from older brick rowhouses to newer luxury townhome developments with garages, rooftop terraces, and multiple levels of living space.
For buyers who don’t want to stray too far from DC, a Maryland townhouse can offer a little more room without making the jump to a large detached home.
Want to know more about architecture and design in and around DC? Read these blogs next.
- Architecture in DC: From Historic Beginnings to Modern Marvels
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Contemporary and Mid-Century Modern
Maryland offers its share of architectural surprises, too. Mid-century and contemporary homes pop up throughout the state, often featuring dramatic rooflines, oversized windows, open interiors, and a stronger connection between indoor and outdoor spaces.
They may be less common than Colonials or Cape Cods, but when one hits the market, buyers looking for something different tend to notice.
Waterfront Homes and Cottages
With the Chesapeake Bay, countless rivers, and miles of shoreline, Maryland wouldn’t be Maryland without waterfront living. Around Annapolis, the Eastern Shore, and other waterfront communities, you’ll find everything from modest cottages and historic homes to sprawling contemporary properties built to maximize the view.
Here, the architecture often takes a back seat to location. Porches, decks, docks, water views, and easy outdoor living become the real stars of the show.
Farmhouses and Rural Properties
Head beyond Maryland’s closer-in suburbs, and the lots get bigger, the roads get quieter, and the housing changes with the transition. Historic farmhouses, updated country homes, equestrian properties, and newer houses on acreage are all part of the mix.
These properties can offer a completely different lifestyle while still keeping buyers within reach of major employment centers, depending on the location.
New Construction
Maryland’s housing story isn’t only about historic architecture. New construction communities continue to add modern single-family homes and townhouses across growing parts of the state. When touring these properties, expect open-concept layouts, larger kitchens, home offices, attached garages, and the energy-efficient features today’s buyers increasingly prioritize.
Some communities lean traditional on the outside, borrowing from Colonial, Craftsman, and farmhouse architecture, while delivering thoroughly modern interiors.
In Maryland, Location Shapes the House
One of the best parts of house hunting in Maryland? Choosing a location often means choosing a style of living, too.
Closer-in suburbs can offer established neighborhoods filled with Colonials, Cape Cods, ramblers, and townhouses. Meanwhile, Annapolis and the Chesapeake bring waterfront architecture into the mix. Head farther from DC, and larger lots, farmhouses, and newer communities become easier to find. So, the question isn’t only what type of house you want…it’s where in Maryland you want to call home.
Thinking about making a move? From classic Colonials to waterfront retreats, the right Maryland home starts with finding the community, architecture, and lifestyle that are best for you. Our team can connect you with all three.
Get in touch with us by filling out the form on this page, calling us at 202.280.2060, or emailing connect@jennsmira.com to come up with a tailored plan that reflects your goals.
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