Have you ever noticed that counties in Pennsylvania look very different when compared? If you drive an hour in nearly any direction in Pennsylvania, you will probably notice how the houses change. From rooflines to materials to porch styles, Pennsylvania’s exterior architecture tells a county-by-county story. This has been shaped by culture and history.
While many states have one main architectural identity, Pennsylvania is more of a patchwork. Here’s why these homes look so different depending on which area of Pennsylvania you are in.
Pennsylvania is a state that has been built by counties rather than one specific vision. It was developed early on and locally. Counties were formed around trade routes, resources, settlements, and climates. These took precedence over a unified architectural design. Since Pennsylvania came to be before many other states, people built with what they had. This took place long before zoning laws or trends.
Many counties are filled with stone-based homes while others use a lot of timber. Rural areas tend to be more focused on the land than the housing.
These early decisions of settlers affect the look of homes today.
Southeastern Pennsylvania— This area favors a focus of stone and symmetry. These counties include Chester, Montgomery, and Bucks which are known for their stone houses. This is because early German and English settlers favored durable and permanent structures while agricultural wealth supported long-lasting materials.
Central Pennsylvania— These counties— including Lancaster, York, Dauphin, and Cumberland— are focused on functional and weather-safe designs. These include steep roofs to shed snow, large porches for shade, and brick and wood siding for durability. Lancaster county also has strong German and Amish influences.
Western Pennsylvania— These counties favor industrial styles. These houses were usually built fast for workers. This meant they would have simpler facades with repetition when it came to looks.
Northern Pennsylvania— This area has rugged landscapes with a focus of protecting against the cold. Homes here often have steeper rooflines, smaller windows, and enclosed porches for protection in the winter. Due to forest access, timber was widely used.
As you can see, Pennsylvania styles vary widely from county to county, making it a unique and wonderful state to visit. If you live in Pennsylvania, and need to update your home exterior, call us today!
