Continuing along in our walk through northwest Belleville near the old Stag Brewery, we see our first of what I would consider a true Cape Cod, the iconic building style that has its roots going back centuries in America and Europe. It is sort of the standard “house” in Western Civilization.

But we see more of the normal German style houses like the ones above and below. I like the small customizations, such as the porch roof above. Sadly, there is abandonment creeping in.

And a house that has burned sits unrenovated.

But for every sad house, there are many more houses that are in great condition and well-maintained. As housing price go up, these houses are the perfect starter homes that need to be promoted for young people and those of modest means to buy.

With thick walls that hold the heat and cold, they are very economical.

Likewise, duplexes such as the one below provide the opportunity for a homeowner to rent one half the house to earn income to pay the mortgage.

Though it is interesting to see which duplexes might still be separately owned or combined together.