There are more than 9 million residents living in New Jersey, so it’s no wonder the home styles here are just as diverse as our population. But as with pizza, bagels and all the other good stuff in life, we have a preference when it comes to architectural home styles in New Jersey.
According to a 2022 survey by HomeAdvisor, a digital marketplace that connects homeowners with local home improvement professionals, Colonial style is the most popular in the Garden State. So, if you’re on the hunt for a Colonial, rest assured there’ll be plenty from which to choose—just keep in mind that there’ll likely be other prospective buyers competing for the same homes.
Here’s an overview of some of the most common types of homes across the U.S., listed alphabetically, all of which can be found in our beautiful corner of the country:
Colonial
A nod to—what else?—Colonial times, these multi-story homes typically feature a central door, a square or rectangular shape and uniform windows and shutters. Colonials are often built of brick, wood or stone, and have the main living quarters on the first floor and bedrooms upstairs.
Contemporary
Technically a younger relative of modern homes from the ‘40s through ‘70s, contemporary homes are built more recently. They boast lots of space, open floor plans, flat roofs and bright windows that let in natural light.
Cottage
This European-inspired home style isn’t super commonplace in New Jersey, but when you find one, it’s probably a gem. Cottages exude old-world charm and are characterized by their deep porches and small footprint.
Craftsman
These turn-of-the-century homes get their name because their emphasis is on spectacular craftsmanship. Here you’ll find a triangular-shaped roof, overhanging beams, built-in woodwork and a front porch with a drastic overhang.
Farmhouse
You needn’t have large acres of land to own a farmhouse-style home, but it certainly doesn’t hurt. This aesthetic has evolved in recent years, but typically has an upstairs and a downstairs, lots of exposed wood, a wrap-around porch and elongated windows.
Mediterranean
You’ll find a lot of homes of this style in tropical areas like Florida and Southern California, as well as the Mediterranean itself, but New Jersey has some Mediterranean flair too. This home’s signature feature is floor plans that promote cross ventilation to prevent overheating, as well as red roof tiles, stucco walls and both interior and exterior arches.
Ranch
The ranch is one of the most common home styles across the U.S., and it’s been that way since the end of World War II. Ranches are one-story homes with a garage (and sometimes a basement), and are typically smaller square-footage-wise, so they’re easier to maintain. This style is increasingly popular with boomers and older generations thanks to their one-level convenience. Plus, with a reno or extension, ranch homes can become splits, bi-levels or tri-levels.
Victorian
Perhaps the most ornate and intricate of the bunch are Victorian homes, which started in 1800s England during the reign of, well, you know. Influenced by Gothic architecture, Victorian homes have overhangs, decorative woodwork, turrets and deep porches.
What’s your favorite architectural home style and why? Tell us your thoughts on Instagram @njhomemag.