Walk through the Upper West Side or Upper East Side and you’ll see rows of beautiful old homes with stoops and tall windows. Some people call them townhouses, others say brownstones — and while the two are related, they’re not exactly the same. Here’s the difference, explained simply.
What’s a Townhouse?
A townhouse is a multi-floor home that usually sits in a row with others, sharing side walls. They often have private entrances, tall ceilings, and sometimes even a backyard. Townhouses can be made of different materials such as: brick, limestone, or stucco. They come in a range of styles depending on when they were built.
What’s a Brownstone?
A brownstone is actually a type of townhouse. The name comes from the reddish-brown sandstone that builders used in the 1800s. They have the same multi-level layout as other townhouses but are easy to spot because of their iconic color and stoops leading up to the front door. Brownstones are especially common on the Upper West Side, where many streets are lined with them, and can also be found in parts of the Upper East Side.
What They Share
Townhouses and brownstones both offer:
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Multiple levels of living space
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A private entrance (no shared lobby)
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Historic character and original details
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A strong connection to NYC’s past
The Difference in a Nutshell
Think of it this way: all brownstones are townhouses, but not all townhouses are brownstones. Brownstones are defined by their sandstone façades and classic stoops, while townhouses can be built from other materials and vary more in style.
Final Thoughts
Both townhouses and brownstones are part of what makes the Upper West Side and Upper East Side so special. Whether you’re drawn to the warm history of a brownstone or the variety of townhouse styles, each offers space, privacy, and a sense of classic New York living.
At The Parviz Team at Compass, we help buyers and sellers navigate these iconic homes every day — from historic brownstones to elegant townhouses across Manhattan.
Thinking about buying or selling one of these properties? Contact The Parviz Team and let us guide you with clarity and confidence.
