Residential vs. Residence — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on November 7, 2023
Residential refers to a designated living area or its nature, while residence is the place where one actually lives.
Difference Between Residential and Residence
Table of Contents
ADVERTISEMENT
Key Differences
"Residential" describes something related to or designed for living in, such as a neighborhood or area. It is an adjective that characterizes the nature or purpose of a space. "Residence," however, is a noun that refers to one's home or the place where someone lives. It is specific and denotes the actual building or location.
Residential areas are zones designated for housing and not for commercial or industrial purposes. They are often subject to certain regulations regarding noise and business operations. A residence is a specific dwelling within these areas, which can be a house, apartment, or other forms of habitation.
The term "residential" can also imply the use of a property, suggesting it is suitable for long-term living and not transient occupancy, such as hotels. "Residence," on the other hand, signifies permanence and personal attachment, often legally defined as the place where one has their primary and permanent home.
When discussing real estate, "residential" properties are those intended for people to live in, and their design and amenities reflect this purpose. "Residence" is the actual place where one resides, and it becomes a part of one's address and legal identity.
In usage, "residential" qualifies the type of construction, community, or services catered to those who are living in a place for an extended time. In contrast, "residence" is about the actual home or domicile of a person, often carrying a sense of personal belonging or ownership.
ADVERTISEMENT
Comparison Chart
Part of Speech
Adjective
Noun
Reference
Pertaining to living areas or their characteristics
Actual place where someone lives
Usage
Describes the nature of an area or property
Specifies the actual home or domicile
Implication
Suitable for long-term habitation
Personal attachment and legal definition
Associated Regulations
Zoning laws and housing codes
Legal address and property rights
Compare with Definitions
Residential
Pertaining to where people live
They moved to a residential area outside the city.
Residence
Legal concept of home
His official residence is now in the capital.
Residential
Inhabited or used by residents
The residential community was close-knit.
Residence
Duration of staying in a place
His residence in the city lasted two years.
Residential
Zoned for homes
This land is marked as residential by the city council.
Residence
A residence is a place (normally a building) used as a home or dwelling, where people reside.
Residential
Designed for people to live in
Private residential and nursing homes
Residence
The place where one lives
Her residence is just across the park.
Residential
Of, relating to, or having residence
A residential college.
Residence
A person's home, especially a large and impressive one
The youth hostel has been adapted from a private residence
Residential
Of, suitable for, or limited to residences
Residential zoning.
Residence
The place in which one lives; a dwelling.
Residential
Of or pertaining to a place of personal residence or to a location for such places.
They live in a residential neighborhood.
Residence
The act or a period of residing in a place.
Residential
Used as a residence or by residents.
Residence
A medical residency.
Residential
Of or pertaining to residency.
There is a residential requirement for obtaining a marriage license here.
Residence
The official home or location of a corporation.
Residential
A trip during which people temporarily live together.
The youth group organises annual residentials.
Residence
The place where one lives (resides); one's home.
Residential
Of or pertaining to a residence or residents; as, residential trade; a residential part of town.
Residence
A building or portion thereof used as a home, such as a house#Noun or an apartment#Noun therein.
Residential
Residing; residentiary.
Residence
The place where a corporation is established.
Residential
Used or designed for residence or limited to residences;
A residential hotel
A residential quarter
A residential college
Residential zoning
Residence
The state of living in a particular place or environment.
Residential
Of or relating to or connected with residence;
A residential requirement for the doctorate
Residence
Accommodation for students at a university or college.
Residential
Suitable for living in
The building was converted into residential use.
Residence
The place where anything rests permanently.
Residence
Subsidence, as of a sediment
Residence
That which falls to the bottom of liquors; sediment; also, refuse; residuum.
Residence
(espionage) rezidentura
Residence
The act or fact of residing, abiding, or dwelling in a place for some continuance of time; as, the residence of an American in France or Italy for a year.
The confessor had often made considerable residences in Normandy.
Residence
The place where one resides; an abode; a dwelling or habitation; esp., a settled or permanent home or domicile.
Johnson took up his residence in London.
Residence
The residing of an incumbent on his benefice; - opposed to nonresidence.
Residence
The place where anything rests permanently.
But when a king sets himself to bandy against the highest court and residence of all his regal power, he then, . . . fights against his own majesty and kingship.
Residence
Subsidence, as of a sediment.
Residence
That which falls to the bottom of liquors; sediment; also, refuse; residuum.
Residence
Any address at which you dwell more than temporarily;
A person can have several residences
Residence
The official house or establishment of an important person (as a sovereign or president);
He refused to live in the governor's residence
Residence
The act of dwelling in a place
Residence
A large and imposing house
Residence
A home or dwelling
They own a large residence in the countryside.
Residence
The house of a person in a position of authority
The governor's residence is open for tours.
Common Curiosities
Are apartments considered residences?
Yes, apartments are considered residences as they are dwelling places where people live.
What is meant by 'changing residence'?
'Changing residence' means moving from one dwelling place to another.
What defines a residential area?
A residential area is defined as a neighborhood zoned for homes and living quarters, not commercial or industrial use.
Can residence refer to a temporary place?
Typically, residence refers to a more permanent and legal dwelling, not a temporary stay.
How does zoning affect residential property?
Zoning determines the use of property, and residential zoning restricts it to dwellings.
What is a residential address?
A residential address is the specified location of one's home where they live and receive personal correspondence.
What are residential services?
Residential services are services provided specifically for the needs of those living in a residential area.
What's a residential school?
A residential school is an institution where students live on campus during the school term.
Can a building be residential and commercial?
Yes, some buildings have mixed-use with both residential and commercial spaces.
What is a primary residence?
A primary residence is the main home where a person lives for the majority of the time.
Is a vacation home a residence?
A vacation home can be considered a secondary or seasonal residence.
Can residence be used legally for identification?
Yes, legal residence is used for tax, voting, and identification purposes.
Can I have more than one residence?
Legally, you can have multiple residences, but only one can be considered your primary legal residence.
Does residence require ownership?
No, residence doesn't require ownership; it can be owned or rented.
What does residential status mean?
Residential status refers to a person's legal standing as a resident in a particular area, often affecting tax and legal matters.
Share Your Discovery
Previous Comparison
Signer vs. Signee
Next Comparison
Began vs. BegunAuthor Spotlight
Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
