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There was a recent article about the rise, fall, and return of the front porch.

It was a great read about the history of the front porch, including its original function. The front porch has once again returned to our streetscapes thanks to the New Urbanist movement.

Architects, land planners, new urbanists, and homeowners love the look of the front porch. They make our homes so welcoming and pedestrian friendly. They are fun to fill with furniture, plants, even Christmas trees during the holidays.

They are a great place to hang out and chat with the neighbors as they stroll down the adjacent sidewalk with their dogs.

At the same time, we have been designing awesome outdoor living on the more private side of our homes – the backyard. The back porch has started to take on a life of its own with fireplaces, TVs, dining spaces, grilling stations, and outdoor kitchens overlooking private gardens or pools. Let’s not forget ceiling fans, retractable screen enclosures and outdoor heaters for colder weather.

Porches Aren’t Free

Front porches have upgraded finishes including handrails, pavers, decorative columns, etc. Some communities require them to be raised out of the ground 16”, 18”, or 24”, adding additional cost. Even more require a certain width and depth – further adding to the cost.

Back porches with the above-mentioned amenities are also adding a lot to the bottom line of the home.

The Elephant in the Room

No doubt, you’re heard about the housing affordability crisis – especially for first-time homebuyers. When faced with an “either/or” choice between the front and back porch, I fear many will opt for the more private and playful back porch. Here’s the sad reality: Many front porches see little use. Walk through any pedestrian-friendly neighborhood and how many homeowners are having their morning coffee on the front porch?

We think we want to sit on our front porches and be social – but there is only so much time in the day. If the sidewalk is too far away from the front porch, it is no longer a conversational distance from the street.

If the street lacks street trees, which offer shade and a perceived barrier between the cars and the sidewalk, will people walk by? Or will your neighborhood interactions primarily consist of waving at cars driving by?

Perhaps the front porch’s new-found purpose is to collect and hide our numerous UPS, Fed Ex and Amazon deliveries.

What is the Solution?

Is there a cake and eat it too scenario where buyers don’t have to choose between the two? Can we add features to the front porch to make them more used? Many communities won’t let you screen the front porch. You certainly can’t add a grill. Should we add power and a connection for a TV? Maybe – but aren’t we just adding cost and compromising the social nature and purpose of the front porch?

I don’t have an answer to this one, so I’d love to hear from you. Those of you who sell new homes – are buyers still willing and able to afford both? Can we lower the cost of the front porch without making it useless? I’d love to hear your thoughts.