Anonymous wrote:Backyard, before COVID I would have said rooftop

Hmm.. I would think the opposite as rooftop usually have more privacy and allow you to be away from people walking by

OP here. The places we are looking at that are within our budget have either one of these but not both. We really love the privacy and the view from the rooftop (it’s nothing iconic but still very nice) but we do have kids and a small dog so I am trying to weigh in the practicality of it.

The rooftop is above the bedroom level not on the same level and it’s quite large: about 23’ x 30’ while the backyard patio is a bit smaller and part of it is underneath the medium-sized deck on the second floor. (The place with rooftop also have a deck on the second floor too)

hmm- what about RATS in the backyard. My kids begged to move out f our awesome condo with a great rooftop that we used all teh time b/cthey wanted a backyard. One week into owning a warden style townhouse with a very cute backyard they found a dead rat- they kinda stay on the deck now. I'd just have grass in the backyard but spend money on fixing up the roof deck. Its also less humid in DC summer with shade. if you are in the city you can probably walk to a park from your rowhouse and play there. I can deal with rats in the alleys but when they start climbing the deck b/c there is food dropped there- that is too much.

Anonymous wrote:Backyard, before COVID I would have said rooftop

How does Covid impact a rooftop?

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Rooftop. I thought for certain that would be the overwhelming response. Rooftops are sexy. Backyards are so 1980's.

I would say Rooftop too but I can see the appeal of backyard for pets or kids.

Ahh, I don't have kids nor pets. So I'm guessing folks are answering from a practical perspective.

Rooftop terraces often have exits via the bedroom. Do you really want people walking through your bedroom? And if you have kids you don’t want them 3 stories up. Play on the ground.

Backyard, before COVID I would have said rooftop

Anonymous wrote:Rooftop. I thought for certain that would be the overwhelming response. Rooftops are sexy. Backyards are so 1980's.

I would say Rooftop too but I can see the appeal of backyard for pets or kids.

Rooftop. I thought for certain that would be the overwhelming response. Rooftops are sexy. Backyards are so 1980's.

I have a small dog, no kids: rooftop terrace all the way.

Usually, a backyard patio in the city will be surrounded by other taller buildings -- rooftop terrace gives you more privacy.

If you have kids or dog, backyard patio. Otherwise, terrace.

Ideally both, but if I had to choose one, then I'd go with the backyard, especially if there's a bit of green space as well as the patio. I wouldn't let my dog out to do his business on a rooftop area + for outside dinner parties, it's just a pain to have to carry everything up to the rooftop. Easier to just walk out the door.

My opinion could be swayed if it was an absolutely spectacular view from the roof - of the Capitol or the Potomac River or something like that. But for a regular view-shed, then I'd rather just have a backyard.

patio

backyard

Say if you are purchasing a row house/townhome in the city, which would you prefer to have if you can only pick one — rooftop terrace or backyard patio?