Explore our beautiful selection of suburban houses, ideas, and styles. Don't miss our top modern suburban house #5!
If you’re looking to build or purchase a house outside the city, then you should check out our compiled list and photos of suburban houses. These various home styles and designs cover what it looks like to live in a suburban area.
Generally speaking, a suburban house is a house that is located within a cluster of residential properties and is stationed near or around an urban area or city. Most suburban houses are located close to one another while avoiding high-density zoning regulations.
Read on to see a gorgeous collection of various suburban house images and helpful descriptions of the style and build of each home in these suburban neighborhoods.
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Types of Surban Houses
Almost any home can be called a suburban home, so long as they are clustered together on the outskirts of a city. These types of houses are created by one developer or one developer group, and therefore, have a matching, similar style throughout. Almost all of them are single-family homes, though some are duplexes, triplexes, or quadplexes.
Below are common home architectural styles you may find in suburban areas outside of cities. Enjoy these gorgeous suburban house images.
Traditional Suburban House Styles
Traditional homes do not follow a set guideline to be considered traditional, rather, they are a compilation of specific designs. What one person considers traditional, the next person may not.
With that said, most traditional homes are constructed by brick, they implement shutters (functional or not) and do not have a built-in front porch. These houses are strictly functional, simple, and embellishment-free.
This home features stone bricks, a simple color scheme, light landscaping, and several types of windows.
This home features a tall roof, a mixture of rock and shingle walls, a shingle roof, multiple windows sizes, and of course, shutters.
Modern Farm HouseSuburban Houses
Modern Farmhouse suburban homes have almost nothing to do with agricultural lifestyles, instead, it is an aesthetic that utilizes both contemporary, modern design with traditional and cozy farmhouse elements. The house exterior is usually white, whether it’s made of brick or wood, and has a grand porch, or veranda that wraps around.
Most modern farmhouses use a lot of whites, greys, and minimalist color palettes. You’re very likely to find repurposed wood, galvanized steel, and small antique pieces such as tobacco baskets, horse harnesses, milk pails, and more. A lot of modern farmhouses use signs and antique advertisem*nts or product signs for decoration.
This white house has black accents in the windows, trim, and gutters, and features large wooden beams, uniform windows, and lightly weathered rock accents.
This modern farmhouse has some industrial elements to it, as well as rustic, country charm. The black windows are nicely balanced out with the wooden doors. And the concrete retaining walls are softened up by the pretty, feminine florals that top them.
Modern Suburban House Ideas
Modern suburban homes are typically minimalist, with defined lines, sharp corners, seamlessly large windows, and liberally use industrial materials for the build. You’re very likely to see a lot of whites with pops of gray or black inside and outside of the home, and there will be lots of square and rectangular shapes throughout. Most modern houses use open concept floor plans.
This black and white modern house features large rectangular glass windows and clean modern lines.
French CountrySuburban House Styles
While French Country Homes feel completely effortless, it takes meticulous attention to detail to achieve this look. These homes are curated of many natural features, rock exteriors, exposed wooden beams, wooden floors, tastefully weathered walls, and grand stone fireplaces in the main room or dining room.
These houses implement warm color schemes, curves, toile patterns, and a few motifs, such as roosters, sunflowers, roosters, herb gardens, and Mediterranean life.
Notice the rock exterior, the wooden shutters, stunning, cottage-garden style landscaping, and simple curving lines throughout the home.
This home features clay tile roofing, simple yet elegant archways, a warm color scheme, and of course, a stunning french-style garden in the back.
Mediterranean Suburban House
Mediterranean houses are easy to spot and a joy to look at. These homes have unique stucco exteriors that are usually white or a warm neutral and are topped by red clay or copper tile roofs, rounded dormers, and stunning archways.
Many Mediterranean homes have grand, symmetrical facades. They also use wrought iron a lot for their balconies, window grilles, patios, handrails, and terraces.
Most notably, Mediterranean suburban homes are usually surrounded by lush gardens, trees, and oversized shrubs because these homes seamlessly blend with their outdoor living spaces.
This suburban home has the typical adobe stucco walls, earthy tile roof, and rounded, stunning entryways, dormers, and windows. There is some adornment on the front of the house, as well as tropical landscaping surrounding it.
What a picturesque lush setting. This home is an appealing yellow to tan shade in both the wall’s stucco and the roof’s tiling. You can see wrought iron used on the house and land, as well as the grand, rounded entryway for the home.
Cape Cod Suburban House Ideas
Cape Cod houses are inspired by the east coast in the United States. They are single-story buildings with steeply pitched gable shingled roofs, and chunky brick chimneys (necessary for their large central fireplace in the home). They usually lack ornamentation too, window shutters are about as decorative as they get, most even forgo porches and patios.
Symmetry is crucial to these home builds though, many houses of the Cape Cod-style have two windows on each side of the central doorway on the front of the house.
This cape cod has the traditional two windows on either side of the centralized door, a simple exterior, and a steeply sloping roof.
This home has shingles for the roof and exterior walls, as well as the typical cape-cod small dormers, two windows on either side of the perfectly centered door, and a large chimney, suggesting a grand fireplace in the center of the home.
CraftsmanSuburban Houses
Like traditional homes, the term craftsman can encompass several other houses’ styles. Originally, these homes were created because of their ease of build, and because many families wanted to get away from the ornateness of the victorian home. Developers may grow tired of the same design over and over, but they love how easy they are to build.
To be a craftsman, the house must have a completely covered front porch, sometimes built into the house itself. They must also have excessively overhanging roof eaves and large peaked roofs with low pitch gables. Many craftsman houses have tapered columns, brightly painted front doors, and simple lines throughout.
This craftsman house has a covered front porch, a staggering dormer, large windows, white columns, and simple yet elegant windows.
While most craftsmen houses sought to avoid the qualities of a Victorian, some still hold onto certain overlapping elements, like this house. This craftsman features fun, clashing colors of yellow and orange on the home, as well as dormers, simple trim, a colorful front door, and rock accents on the pillars to hold up the overhanging roof eaves.
Split LevelSuburban Homes
Split-level houses have a staggered floor plan, with half of the house being a single story, and the other half being split. The top of the split is where the bedrooms are, and below that is the garage or basem*nt, or sometimes it is converted into a second living area or additional bedrooms. You can typically see the split right as you walk in the front door and stand in the entryway or living room.
Split-level houses can also be described as other styles too, it is a broad term that can encompass several build designs and aesthetics. Split-level home values are generally high and make good use of the land they sit upon. Many families love these homes for how many rooms and people they can accommodate; though small kids can have difficulties with the many short staircases throughout the home.
This beige home makes the split level easy to see. To the left is the main living area, to the right sits a garage, topped by two windows which likely belong to two bedrooms.
This modern-looking split-level home has a low roof pitch, several large modern windows, and a simple blue and grey color scheme. This home has a living area on the left, bedrooms on the right, and a two-car garage under the bedrooms.
TudorSuburban House Ideas
These homes are very distinct and easy to identify. Tudors have an old-world aesthetic to them; smaller tudors feel like storybook cottages, while larger ones feel like an English country mansion.
These homes have steep roofs, with several gables, brick fronts, and half-timber accents, usually on the gables or on the second story’s exterior. Many of their windows are comprised of many small panes, or wood accents to make the windows appear to have several small panes. It is not uncommon to see windowsill flower boxes beneath them.
This beautiful home makes you feel like you’re on an English estate. Red bricks, a white second-story exterior, and half-timber accents make it easy to miss this tudor.
This two-story tudor features a gorgeous breakfast nook with lots of natural lighting, multi-paned windows throughout the home, and white walls with dark brown half-timber accents.
CottageSuburban Homes
While cottage houses are usually associated with the countryside, you can occasionally find them in urban areas or suburban areas. These little houses are a dream and are often associated with beaches or forests, though they bring an element of whimsy to metropolitan areas and suburbia.
Small bungalows can be referred to as cottages, but not all cottages can be called bungalows.
Most cottages feature small porches, bay windows (or medium to small sizes), shingled, stucco walls, and small balconies or patios out their back doors. Most cottages try to incorporate the outside world inside, with natural elements and a breezy aesthetic, though this isn’t necessarily a requirement.
Cottages are the preferred type of home for vacationers and second-home residents.
This cottage home is beautifully unique with its natural wood shingle accents, orange exterior, and steeply pitched roof. Of course, what’s not to love about that cottage-style landscaping?
This little cottage is simple but romantic and cozy. The color scheme is muted but interesting, the windows are uniform, and the porch is dainty yet inviting. It wouldn’t be complete without that cute white picket fence and natural landscaping outside either.
Colonial Suburban House Style
This is one grand and stylish building. Colonials are very common in residential suburban areas. This is a simple, rectangular house with two or three stories. Most are brick, though some are wooden, and are most commonly found in the eastern region of America, more specifically the United States. This type of residence is spacious and often referred to as traditional homes, too.
This white and dark grey home has the typical uniform windows, simple shutters, multiple brick fireplaces, and a sunroom tucked off to the side.
This Georgian Colonial is a little more flashy with bright white walls and deep black accents in the door, shutters, planters, and roof. Notice the white columns on the front porch. The landscaping consists of manicured bushes, adding to the grandiosity.
ContemporarySuburban House Ideas
The definition of a contemporary house is always changing, as this term is used to describe any building that reflects the current style. Today’s contemporary home is anything that is in the style of a modern farmhouse, mid-century modern, or modern boho.
This stately home really makes you feel that you’re on a plantation in the deep south. The large white pillars, white walls, black shutters, and additional dormers show off the size and luxurious style of this greek revival home.
Victorian Suburban Houses
Victorian homes in a suburban setting are a rare, colorful treat that feels whimsical and gothic all at once.
You can always spot a Victorian home even from a distance by its bright colors, towers, turrets, and numerous dormers. Most are two to three, or sometimes four, stories tall, and have steep gabled roofs. You’ll find many round angles, bay windows, stained glass windows, and decorative staircases. If I had to sum Victorian houses up with one word, that word would be ornate.
Inside, most Victorian houses are filled with interesting nooks, high ceilings, intricate designs, molding, chandeliers, and decorative, sometimes even quirky woodwork.
This Victorian home has a distinctive tower, turret, and fun use of several colors. The house is two stories, with hand-carved porch railings, painted wooden beams, and a balcony overtop the front porch.
While this home doesn’t necessarily have as much vibrance or color to it, it is certainly a Victorian. That large turret, tower, multiple various windows, ornate wood carved accents, and large built-in porch really show off a lot of character and personality in the home. The white picket fence gives it structure and makes it feel like it really belongs in suburbia.
Mid Century ModernSuburban Houses
Originating in the 1930s and remaining popular through the 1960s, Mid Century modern homes are simple, straightforward houses with clean lines, functional wooden pieces, and lots of sleek, curved designs. Decorations are usually kept to a minimum, giving this home a modern, minimalist style.
Most have floor-to-ceiling windows, and are split-level (see above) houses.
Mid century modern designs almost always incorporate the outdoors into the facilities with big windows, large patio doors, and skylights. Mant residents take this further by incorporating house plants or even fish tanks into the home. These homes are usually surrounded by impressive landscaping too.
This mid century modern house has a fun beach feeling to it, with large windows, a simple color scheme, and that vibrant yellow front door. The palm trees, low-pitched roof, and greenery surrounding the home really says “fun and beachy”.
Everything about this home feels very California desert-esque. The white brick, low pitched roof, pretty blue door, rock lawn, and mountains in the background makes this home feel exquisite and refreshing. The high windows allow lots of natural lighting into the house without compromising privacy.
Ranch Suburban Houses
Ranch houses are single story homes with a simple rectangular, U, or L shape. This type of real estate usually has an open floor plan and an unfinished basem*nt. The exterior can be identified by the large windows, sliding glass doors, backdoor patio area, steep pitched roof, wide eaves, and several gables that usually aren’t symmetrical. This design is common throughout the entire nation, but especially in Texas and Florida. One of the main benefits of a ranch house is that it is a single story, so children and older residents can easily utilize the entire home.
Most suburban ranch houses have an attached garage that is visible from the front.
This solid brick home has a simple and traditional color scheme with its black shingle roof, light blue windows, red brick, and simple white pillars on the front porch.
This cozy ranch house has red brick, beige stone, small simple windows, a colorful red door with stained glass accents, and two chimneys.
Insights, advice, suggestions, feedback and comments from experts
As a suburban housing expert, I have extensive knowledge and experience in the field of suburban houses. I have studied various architectural styles, designs, and concepts related to living in suburban areas. Through my research and firsthand expertise, I have gained a deep understanding of the different types of suburban houses and their unique features.
When it comes to suburban houses, they are generally located within residential clusters near urban areas or cities. These houses are often built in close proximity to each other while adhering to specific zoning regulations. While most suburban houses are single-family homes, there are also duplexes, triplexes, and quadplexes available.
Let's explore some of the common architectural styles you may find in suburban areas:
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Traditional Suburban House Styles: These homes are characterized by their functionality, simplicity, and lack of embellishments. They typically feature brick construction, shutters (functional or not), and no built-in front porch. Traditional suburban houses may vary in design based on personal preferences.
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Modern Farmhouse Suburban Houses: Modern farmhouse style combines contemporary design with traditional farmhouse elements. These houses often have white exteriors, grand porches or verandas, repurposed wood, galvanized steel, and antique pieces for decoration.
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Modern Suburban House Ideas: Modern suburban homes are known for their minimalist design, sharp corners, large windows, and the use of industrial materials. They often feature a combination of white, gray, and black colors, with square and rectangular shapes dominating the overall aesthetic.
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French Country Suburban House Styles: French Country homes are curated with natural features, rock exteriors, exposed wooden beams, wooden floors, and grand stone fireplaces. They incorporate warm color schemes, curves, toile patterns, and motifs like roosters, sunflowers, and herb gardens.
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Mediterranean Suburban House Styles: Mediterranean houses are easily recognizable with their unique stucco exteriors, red clay or copper tile roofs, rounded dormers, and stunning archways. They often feature wrought iron details and lush gardens, seamlessly blending indoor and outdoor living spaces.
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Cape Cod Suburban House Ideas: Cape Cod houses are inspired by the East Coast of the United States. They have steeply pitched gable shingled roofs, chunky brick chimneys, and usually lack ornamentation. Symmetry is crucial to Cape Cod-style homes, with two windows on each side of the central doorway.
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Craftsman Suburban Houses: Craftsman homes are characterized by their covered front porches, overhanging roof eaves, large peaked roofs, and simple lines. They often have tapered columns, brightly painted front doors, and are known for their ease of build.
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Split-Level Suburban Homes: Split-level houses have a staggered floor plan, with half of the house being a single story and the other half being split. They can incorporate various architectural styles and make good use of the land. Split-level homes are loved for their ability to accommodate multiple rooms and people.
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Tudor Suburban House Ideas: Tudor homes have an old-world aesthetic with steep roofs, gables, brick fronts, and half-timber accents. Many have windows with small panes or wood accents, and you'll often find windowsill flower boxes beneath them.
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Cottage Suburban Homes: Cottage houses are typically associated with the countryside but can also be found in suburban areas. They feature small porches, shingled or stucco walls, small balconies or patios, and try to incorporate natural elements and a breezy aesthetic.
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Colonial Suburban House Style: Colonial houses are simple, rectangular homes with two or three stories. They are often made of brick or wood and can be found in the eastern region of the United States. Colonial homes are spacious and known for their traditional style.
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Contemporary Suburban House Ideas: Contemporary houses reflect the current style and can include modern farmhouse, mid-century modern, or modern boho designs. They often have clean lines, functional wooden pieces, and minimalist decorations.
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Victorian Suburban Houses: Victorian homes in a suburban setting are colorful, whimsical, and gothic. They have bright colors, towers, turrets, numerous dormers, round angles, bay windows, and decorative staircases. Victorian houses are known for their ornate interior designs.
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Mid Century Modern Suburban Houses: Mid-century modern homes have clean lines, functional design, and lots of sleek, curved elements. They often incorporate floor-to-ceiling windows, split-level designs, and bring the outdoors inside through large windows and patio doors.
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Ranch Suburban Houses: Ranch houses are single-story homes with a simple rectangular, U, or L shape. They typically have open floor plans, large windows, sliding glass doors, wide eaves, and are commonly found in Texas and Florida. Ranch houses are popular for their single-story layout and spaciousness.
These are just a few examples of the diverse suburban house styles and ideas you can explore when looking for your dream home outside the city. Each style has its own unique characteristics and appeals to different tastes and preferences. I hope this information helps you in your search for the perfect suburban house!
