With many housing markets across America seeing rapid increases in costs and mortgage rates continuing to rise, homeowners are looking for alternative solutions. Rather than paying excessive amounts for additional square footage, many are embracing the idea of tiny home living.
Tiny homes are exactly that — homes that offer minimal square footage, often no more than 500 square feet. This type of living encourages the idea of downsizing and minimalism. This housing trend has taken off in several markets across the country, with many home design shows centering around the idea of tiny home renovations.
The popularity of tiny homes is evident in these three cities. In this article, you can explore some of the features you’ll find in each city’s tiny home community and what regulations are required to develop this style of home.
Houston
Houston’s diversity and affordability have long been a draw for residents, and the city is one of the first to embrace the idea of tiny living.
For instance, shipping containers in Houston are a prime example of how the city continues to make room for new buyers by looking for innovative and affordable housing alternatives. Developers are taking the elements that buyers want in their homes and scaling them down.
In Houston and in neighboring cities, you’ll find more tiny homes establishing their place in the community. In certain communities, similar to apartment and condominium complexes, you’ll find various amenities that make the allure of tiny home living even better, like nearby dog parks, heated pools, workout facilities, and community centers.
Los Angeles
Los Angeles has always been at the forefront of innovation when it comes to real estate and design, so it’s no surprise that you’ll find several types of tiny homes, some built from scratch and others from used shipping containers that have been converted into livable spaces.
This affordable living option, often using converted shipping containers, has tapped into the creativity of developers across the city. You’ll find multi-storey container homes with all the comforts of modern living, including open floor plans, industrial-style aesthetics, and home office spaces.
The tiny home phenomenon has also lent its benefits to philanthropic community efforts. You’ll find a tiny home community started by Hope of the Valley in an effort to reduce the homeless population and offer a safer living alternative.
Just outside Los Angeles, in neighboring Venice, you’ll also find a commercial pop-up shop that was started by furniture company Ilan Dei Venice. This marketing tool encourages customers to try out their various furniture pieces spread out throughout the converted shipping containers while also engaging with the local businesses and vendors that operate inside.
Chicago
Chicago has one of the most popular and in-demand housing markets in the country and, as a result, one of the priciest markets. As homeowners look for alternative living solutions at healthier price points, many residential developers are becoming innovators and taking items such as used shipping containers and converting them into sustainable, affordable homes and even commercial spaces.
Tiny homes are being built more and more often across the country. They are a way for cities to provide housing with the same modern features found in single-family homes but at much lower price points.