Home Styles In Lower Moreland: Colonial, Split-Level, And More

Scrolling Huntingdon Valley listings and debating between a Colonial and a split-level? You are not alone. Lower Moreland’s neighborhoods offer a wide mix of mid‑century and newer homes, each with different layouts, lot settings, and renovation paths. In this guide, you will learn what to expect from each style, how the lots and basements typically work here, and which homes fit different lifestyles and budgets. Let’s dive in.

Why Lower Moreland’s mix looks this way

Lower Moreland Township is a mature Philadelphia suburb that grew steadily through the mid‑1900s. That history shaped today’s housing stock, which is dominated by single‑family homes from mid‑century subdivisions, with some older farm or estate houses and scattered newer infill or replacements. Local zoning favors single‑family districts with minimum lot standards, so setbacks and lot coverage guide how homes sit on their parcels.

Pennypack Creek and rolling terrain also matter. Stream corridors, wooded lots, and slopes influence basements, walkout conditions, and yard use. Some properties near streams can fall within FEMA‑mapped floodplains, so it is smart to check township information and FEMA maps before you buy or plan a renovation.

Colonial homes: classic and flexible

Exterior and layout

Most Colonials here are 1920s to 1970s Colonial Revival or center‑hall versions. Expect near‑symmetry, a gabled roof, double‑hung windows, and brick or clapboard exteriors. Inside you typically find a center hall, formal living and dining rooms, and the kitchen on the main level, with bedrooms and full baths upstairs. Family room additions are common, and some attics are finished.

Buyer pros and cons

• Pros: classic curb appeal, bedrooms grouped on one upper floor, familiar floor plan that many buyers favor.
• Cons: older mechanicals may need updating, kitchens and dining rooms can be compartmentalized unless remodeled to an open plan.

Best fit

You want a timeless look, multiple bedrooms together, and a layout that adapts well to kitchen and family room updates.

Split‑level homes: space on staggered levels

Exterior and layout

Split‑levels from the 1950s to 1970s are very common. Look for horizontal massing, several short rooflines, and low‑pitched roofs. Inside, the entry usually lands at a small foyer with short stairs to three levels. The main level holds living, dining, and kitchen, the upper level has bedrooms, and the lower level often provides a family or recreation room, laundry, and access to the yard or garage.

Buyer pros and cons

• Pros: good separation of living and sleeping zones, often strong value when purchased as‑is, lower levels are ideal for finished rec space.
• Cons: multiple short stairs are not ideal for limited mobility, original kitchens and baths often need updates, multilevel roof and HVAC runs can complicate renovations.

Best fit

You want defined spaces, a lower‑level hangout, and a price point that can leave room for updates over time.

Ranch homes: single‑story simplicity

Exterior and layout

Ranches are common in mid‑century pockets, with some later contemporary versions. Expect a single‑story profile with a long façade, an attached garage, and brick, stone, or siding exteriors. Inside, living areas and 2–3 bedrooms sit on one level, with a full basement below for mechanicals and bonus space.

Buyer pros and cons

• Pros: single‑floor living for easy accessibility, simple flow, straightforward expansions and basement finishing.
• Cons: to grow square footage you usually build out or finish the basement, many still have dated kitchens or baths.

Best fit

You prefer one‑level living, plan to age in place, or want a home that is easier to adapt for accessibility.

Cape Cod and cottage styles: compact charm

Exterior and layout

These 1 to 1.5‑story homes show steep rooflines and dormers and tend to have smaller footprints. Main living spaces sit on the first floor, with additional bedrooms often in the finished attic or dormer areas.

Buyer notes

You get curb appeal and cozy proportions. Just confirm bedroom count and ceiling heights upstairs to ensure the spaces work for you.

Tudor, stone, and traditional vernaculars

You will see some stone‑front Tudors and traditional styles, especially on older or larger parcels. Expect steeply pitched roofs, masonry details, and more compartmentalized interiors. These homes sit on conventional lots, and many have seen tasteful interior updates that preserve character while improving function.

Newer construction and major renovations

Infill builds, replacements, and later subdivisions from the 1990s to today introduce more open plans. Typical features include larger kitchens with islands, attached two‑car garages, primary suites with walk‑in closets and ensuite baths, energy‑efficient windows and HVAC, and bigger windows for natural light. Newer systems can reduce near‑term maintenance, and layouts tend to support family gathering and home office needs. If the home sits in a subdivision, review any covenants and final plats for setback and impervious coverage limits.

Lots and outdoor settings in Lower Moreland

• Traditional suburban lots: front yard and driveway to an attached garage, with a backyard and mature trees. Rear patios or decks are common.
• Cul‑de‑sacs and crescents: found in mid‑century neighborhoods where split‑levels and ranches cluster, these quieter streets can offer wider yards.
• Wooded and streamside parcels: near Pennypack Creek or tributaries, expect slopes, riparian buffers, and possible floodplain constraints.
• Corner or larger parcels: less common but present with some older estate homes and newer luxury replacements.

Garage parking is typically 1–2 cars, with driveway parking for guests. On‑street parking rules vary by street and township ordinance, so check specifics while touring.

Basements and interior patterns to expect

Full basements are common and often present opportunities for finished living space. Always verify moisture control, sump pump function, ceiling heights, and safe egress before counting lower‑level square footage. Older interiors often separate living and dining rooms from smaller kitchens, while many renovated homes combine kitchen and family spaces into open plans. Bedroom placement varies by style: Colonials and many Capes place bedrooms upstairs, split‑levels locate bedrooms on the middle level, and ranches keep bedrooms on the main level.

Match home style to your lifestyle

• Families who want bedroom grouping and yard space: consider Colonials and split‑levels on interior streets or cul‑de‑sacs. Confirm school zoning and commute routes that fit your routine.
• Downsizers or one‑level living: look for ranches or Colonials that include a main‑floor bedroom suite or addition.
• Multigenerational living: target split‑levels with finished lower levels or homes with permitted in‑law suites.
• Accessibility needs: prioritize single‑story ranches or fully renovated layouts with minimal steps and wider doorways.

Inspection focus by style

• Mid‑century split‑levels and ranches: check roof age, especially where multiple planes meet, confirm drainage and basement moisture controls, review electrical and HVAC distribution.
• Colonials: assess additions and how they tie into the original structure, including foundation transitions and floor elevations.
• Older masonry homes: inspect mortar, flashing, and window condition.
• Stream‑adjacent lots: verify FEMA flood zones, township overlays, and any flood claim history.

Renovation, permits, and zoning basics

If you plan additions, garage conversions, or changes to lot coverage, consult Lower Moreland Township building and zoning departments early. The township’s standards shape setbacks, impervious coverage, and accessory structures, which can affect where and how you expand. In streamside areas, check floodplain requirements before design work. For historic properties, review state resources to understand any potential restrictions.

For interior updates, kitchens and baths are the most common value‑add projects. Many buyers also finish basements or rework main‑level spaces for better flow. Quality varies widely, so verify permits, ceiling height, egress, and HVAC distribution in any finished areas.

Resale and marketability tips

Homes that pair updated kitchens, functional baths, and flexible living spaces tend to draw the widest buyer pool. Very compartmentalized interiors can limit appeal unless opened up. Newer systems and energy‑efficiency upgrades can reduce ownership costs and help your home stand out.

How we can help

Choosing the right Lower Moreland home style comes down to how you live today and how you plan to live in five to ten years. We guide you through layout trade‑offs, basement potential, floodplain and permit questions, and where it makes sense to invest in updates. If you are selling, we use Compass tools, including Concierge and Coming Soon, to position your home for a strong result. If you are buying, we help you spot value and negotiate with confidence.

Ready to refine your search or price your current home? Connect with Melissa Avivi & Barri Beckman to start your plan, or Request a Free Home Valuation.

FAQs

Which Lower Moreland home styles are easiest to open up?

• Ranches and many Colonials adapt well to open kitchen‑family areas, while split‑levels can be more complex due to level changes, though reworking the main level and finishing the lower level can create great flow.

Are split‑levels a poor choice for resale in Huntingdon Valley?

• Not inherently, they appeal to buyers who like separate zones, and tasteful updates to kitchens, baths, and the main level improve resale strength.

Do most homes here have usable basements?

• Many homes include full basements, usability depends on moisture control, ceiling height, and safe egress, so inspect for drainage, sump pumps, and permitted finishes.

How important is flood risk near Pennypack Creek?

• It is critical to verify, even low‑probability zones can affect insurance and mortgages, so check FEMA maps and township records before you buy or renovate.

Where can I find newer construction in Lower Moreland?

• Look for infill builds on individual lots, tear‑down and rebuild projects, later subdivisions from the 1990s to today, and large additions that modernize mid‑century homes.