Row houses are a category of urban homes that are located in one area and are consistent, one with the other, in architecture, design, and appearance. The etymology of different real estate terms used to describe homes is difficult to pin down, but for the most part, row houses are multistory housing units that are at least consistent, if not identical, to all adjoining homes. Similar to townhouses, row houses are located in older, larger cities, especially those on the eastern coast of the United States.

A 2005 Boston Globe article by James McCown featured an explanation of the differences between townhouses, row houses, and brownstones. Townhouses and row houses are very similar in structure and design, while the term "brownstone" refers to the color of the exterior façade of either type of home. Townhouses were often constructed with different features than surrounding homes, but row houses were all about consistency.

Row houses are common in areas of the United States from Jersey City, New Jersey and Boston, Massachusetts all the way to San Francisco, California. London, England also features homes that would fit into the category of row houses. They are often distinguishable by their protruding windows – either bay window or bow window – and their uniformity.

Besides architectural elements, row houses are often associated with multistory living. The main living area of many row houses can be found on the second floor, not the first. In some cases, depending on renovation results, a townhouse or row house may feature two spacious floors for the owner with individual apartments above or below the main living area.

In the real estate market, row houses are often sought because of their history, but also their similarity to apartment living. In many major cities, row houses sell for amounts well in excess of $1 million US Dollars. Of particular value are town homes or row houses with several units included so that they can be rented out by the owner to generate income.