The Folk Victorian home originated in the United States between 1870 and 1910. Differing from other subsets of Victorian architecture, it is less elaborate with more regular floor plans.

During the 18th century, a few English architects settled in  the United States. Usually, they applied the architectural styles that were in fashion when they left England. However, by the latter half of the century, improving modes of transportation and communication meant that even isolated parts of the globe had access to publications which kept architects informed about current trends. Consequently, the influence of English architecture spread around the world.

In the United States, noteworthy cities which were heavily influenced by Victorian architecture include: Alameda, Angelino Heights in Los Angeles, Astoria, Albany, Boston, Brooklyn Heights, Troy, and Victorian Flatbush sections of New York City, Baltimore, Buffalo, Cape May, Chicago, Cincinnati, Columbus, Detroit, Eureka, Galena, Galveston, Grand Rapids, Jersey City/Hoboken, Louisville, Atlanta, Midtown in Sacramento, Milwaukee, New Orleans, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Richmond, and Saint Paul. San Francisco is also well known for its widespread Victorian architecture, particularly in the Haight-Ashbury, Lower Haight, Alamo Square, Noe Valley, Castro, Nob Hill, and Pacific Heights neighborhoods.