The front porch—a classic feature of American homes—is making a comeback.
Porches are growing in demand across the country. Twenty-three percent more new homes are being constructed with a front porch than two decades ago. The number of new homes built with porches was at 65 percent last year, according to the National Association of Home Builders. An NAHB survey from 2016 also shows that millennials—more than any other age group—say they want a porch.
The front porch was once a celebrated signature of Federal architecture. In the 1800s, past presidents had launched successful front-porch political campaigns. For homeowners, front porches were a place to do chores, such as shuck beans, or to get fresh air on hot days before air conditioners. But once air conditioning was invented, Americans showed less need for cooling porches in the middle of the 20th century. The invention of televisions also pushed homeowners inside more.
Nowadays, younger generations are finding the porch can be an enjoyable hangout spot. Scott Doyon, who organized a Porchfest, says the front porch is now being used as a place to host friends over for hors d’oeuvres or even sharing a concert on Instagram or other social media.
Read more: Welcome Back the Front Porch
“I try to find ways to plug those old ways of living into the modern world,” Doyon says. “I still believe in the value of porches as a conduit to community-building—it just unfolds in a different way now.”
Source: RealtorMag, CityLab.com/The Atlantic Monthly
Donald Horne, Broker / Owner
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