Commercial for emergency egress and residential because the hinges need to be on the inside so that burglars can't simply remove the doors from their hinges (if they were on the outside).

It's easier to toss someone out of a commerical building

Yes, it's to facilitate easy exiting in the event of an emergency.

I'm guessing it is fire code for the commercial buildings?

I hven't a clue and frankly have never thought about it. But I know I've been to commercial buildings where doors opened inward and also were on sliders so they didn't open in any directions but sideways! 

Yes, I do know and it involves safety and security concerns.

Fire and building codes. Actually at my father-in-law's house in Florida the door opens outwards, because of building code in hurricane zone.

Nina Hollander nailed this one.

I was thinking about this recently when I entered a "commercial" building and the door opened in the "opposite" direction...should I file a report?   

Great question! I honestly never thought of it, but now I know why:) 

David Martin Good to know. Thanks.

Emergency and Fire reasons for commercial.  A

Avoiding stampedes at the door of the commercial buildings, and welcoming folks into your home.

Never even paid attention to this. Interesting. -Kasey

Depends on the building code.

Commercial buildings have fire codes. In the event of a fire there will not be anyone doing any door holding for the rest. Homes in some other countries do open outward.

I knew why for commercial but hadn't thought about the hinges for residential. As Jeff Pearl mentioned, it would be difficult when something is against your door blocking it from opening. I am amazed when I get a delivery left right in front of my screen door that prevents me from pushing the door open to get the package (especially when it is a heavy package).

Commercial- in case of fire, panic, stampede. Residential - because if hinges were outside, people could remove hinge pins and walk in. Also, if snow piles against door, you'd have a hard time opening it.

You have to get out of a commercial building - safety reasons. Plus American's with Disabilities have to be able to exit a public building - have to be able to get out in a wheel chair.  That is hard to do with doors swinging inward.

Security for residential; hinges are inside.

Fire code for commercial, faster to exit.

it's less expensive to install an inward door .... and commercial doors require a panic bar....must open outwardly....

Excellent real estate question. Many of the comments make sense here. I have to look this up...

David Martin Fire codes for commercial buildings.

I like the answer by Ken Jones Real Estate Advisor. 

I'll agree with what Ken Jones said. But you are correct, they are different.

Handicapped in houses opens toward you for wheelchair access.

Had 3 houses in Florida where the front doors opened outward. Someone told me it was for storm purposes. Never gave it any thought!

I like t think at home we walk in with our hand full and at businesses we walk out with our hands full

Commercial building doors open outward so that people don't get crushed inside when there's a panic and the crowds push against the door.

Never have given it much thought.  After reading some of the comments it does make sense

Usually for houses, you have 2 doors, so one goes inward and one outward.  (e.g. main door & screen door). 

For commercial, there's usually only 1 door.  I would think this is for safety, esp fire.

Run when there is a fire - this is for the commercial real estate I know, David Martin.

Commercial doors open out for emergency safety

Hmm! Just because.

Did not know there was a reason, but sounds very reasonable.

By code, residences in Florida need to open outward for hurricane/wind protection.

No.

Not in Florida if they are up to the Miami Dade Code. Residences need to have outward opening doors to prevent failure to winds in a hurricane

I think it has something to do with a fire code.

Ken has your answer!  I had no clue.

I would say commericial building emergency evacuation, residence break-ins