01.26.24
 

How Do Address Plaques Contribute to Neighborhood Identity?

When living in a neighborhood where there's uniformity in house sizes, colors, or an overall look, it's important to respect and follow the established rules of the neighborhood, even when choosing an address plates. But, how do address plaques contribute to the neighborhood's identity and culture?

Address plaques are a reflection of the neighborhood where you live. From fonts to sizes, colors, and even style coordination, choosing a home plate can add to the identity of your neighborhood. In this article, we'll discuss how address plaques not only improve to the exterior of your home, but also add to the culture of your neighborhood. So, let’s get started!

Modern Round, brushed aluminum plaques '10a'. On dark grey exterior wall with black gate in the background.
Source: modernhousenumbers.com

How Do Address Plaques Contribute to Neighborhood Identity and Culture

Many people ask how address plaques can contribute to a neighborhood's identity and culture? The answer is simple, an address plaque is one of the first things noticed when looking at a home. It should be clear, visible, easily readable and complement the design of your home and the neighborhood as a whole.

A neighborhood with a distinguished style fosters a unique aesthetic culture. To preserve that culture, many neighborhoods establish specific rules that apply to exterior design, including address plates.

Usually, the Homeowners Association (HOA)  sets the rules for a specific neighborhood, and makes sure all residents are familiar with the rules. Neighborhood associations usually don't allow changes to the rules and expect all neighbors to follow them.

As a result, homes have more curb appeal and the neighborhood has a cohesive look. This can help increase the value of homes and makes the neighborhood a more desirable location for new residences. 

Key Rules for Uniformed Address Plaques

There are three main rules you should be aware of when creating beautiful house plaques. Understanding the key rules that apply to address plaques is helpful. 

Style and placement of the address plate

By considering the style and placement of your address plaque, you help contribute to your neighborhood's identityFor example, when you think of a traditional neighborhood, you may feel limited to using a retro or old-fashioned style. However, you can choose a address plaque that fits into your community's culture, but is unique and different from your neighbors. Just make sure it's in line with your neighborhood's classic colors, material, or font.

Urban homes allow you to be more edgy. Typically, modern or urban homes have silver, dark bronze, or matte colors with larger, slimmer fonts. You can spot these types of home numbers in more modern neighborhoods.

Size of address plaque and visibility

Every city has a criteria for address plate visibility. This is determined by the size of the street. The plate should always be visible from the street. To meet that goal, there are some recommended plate sizes according to street size.

Street Size

Address Plaque Size

Up to 70 feet

3″+

71-110 feet

4″+

111-130 feet

5″+

Keep in mind that these are recommendations should correspond with the street size. Before you buy your address plate make sure that you check with the local HOA rules, or check the plates in your neighborhood.

Contrasting colors

You may have noticed that address plaques often have contrast. If the background is light, the font can be dark, and vice versa. This can help your address plaques be more readable and visible from the street. Think about choosing a plaque contrast plate when you choose your address plaque and make sure the plaque contrasts with the color of your home.

Conclusion

Most urban and traditional neighborhoods with distinguished styles have rules that help them foster their culture. Address plaques can play a significant role in developing the neighborhood's identity and culture.

House numbers and plaques are one of the first things people notice when passing by your house. Given the visibility of this detail refer to your HOA guidelines on address plaque colors, fonts, materials, and sizes.

Ultimately, we hope this article helps you understand how address plaques contribute to neighborhood identity and the importance of following local rules and guidelines.

Picture of the Author

rick mclain, author

Rick is a licensed architect at Repp McLain Design & Construction. He holds a Bachelor of Architecture from the University of Arizona and an MS from the Department of Architecture at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). When he’s not designing and fabricating he enjoys spending time with Brandy, Jack, Avery & Taylor and restoring his grandfather’s Ford pickup truck. Learn more about Rick on LinkedIn.

You can learn more about Rick on the Repp McLain Website, on LinkedIn, at the AIA Website, or on Facebook.

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