The tiny house movement’s popularity has increased significantly in the United States. These residences provide owners with affordable and sustainable living options. Compact and well-structured, tiny homes offer a simple lifestyle with the potential for limited adverse environmental impact. Recognizing the associated benefits, a greater number of communities and municipalities have created zoning regulations to accommodate these smaller residences.
What Constitutes A Tiny Home?
Tiny homes usually range in size from 100 to 400 square feet. On average, tiny homes measure about 225 square feet, rendering said dwellings 10 times smaller than the typical American house. These constructions can be erected on foundations, however, they can also be set on top of trailers making them movable.
“A lot of tiny house dwellers have a mindset that less is more,” said Janet Thome, the founder and president of Tiny Home Alliance USA. “They are choosing the tiny house lifestyle because they are often downsizing from a large house with an unaffordable mortgage, high utility bills, and endless upkeep and maintenance.”
Thome added that tiny homes often enhance residents’ general lifestyles because they enable them to spend more time with their families and afford luxuries like vacations.
The Top Five Tiny House States
Recently, LawnStarter, a landscaping services website, ranked the best states in the nation to construct and reside in tiny homes. Information compiled employed ranking criteria such as the ease of construction, building sustainability, and suitability for engaging in an off-the-grid lifestyle. The top five ranked states are:
- Vermont
This New England state received the highest ranking. The rating was based on the state’s favorable tiny house legality scores, abundant yard acreage, and being favorable for an off-the-grid lifestyle.
- Kentucky
This southern state attained the second-place ranking due to its high tiny house legality scores. Moreover, examiners looked favorably upon its off-the-grid lifestyle factors.
- Arkansas
Arkansas received the third overall ranking because of its balanced tiny house environment. Particularly favorable factors included its tiny house legality and high average yard acreage.
- Maine
Maine earned a spot in the top five for several notable reasons. These factors include that the state provides a supportive legal framework for tiny homes and increased average yard acreages.
- Minnesota
This final entry into the top five earned especially high rankings for its off-the-grid suitability.
It Is All About the Zoning Changes
Thome stressed that the country’s burgeoning tiny house market can be attributed to local and municipal governing bodies demonstrating the willingness to enact favorable zoning changes. That said, not every state has jumped aboard the tiny home bandwagon. Places like Maryland and Nevada put major restrictions on small abodes.
Community Acceptance Does Not Hurt
Thome also noted the importance of community acceptance. In particular, she stated that the market is especially strong in regions populated by environmentally conscious individuals. Such subjects often engage in activities like purchasing reusable items and non-toxic products, recycling, limiting their energy consumption, and curtailing their spending on less necessary items.
Key Facts About Tiny Houses
Currently, about 10,000 tiny homes have been constructed throughout the United States. On average, these structures cost $67,000, which is notably less expensive than the average full-sized residence.
States failing to make LawnStarter’s top five list that are still looked upon as tiny house-friendly locations include Georgia and Texas for their pleasant climates, favorable housing regulations, and overall affordability.
The Future of the Tiny Homes Market
Thome believes the tiny house market carries the potential to morph into its own established industry apart from the generalized housing market. Furthermore, she predicts that the smaller homes movement could eventually grow into full residential communities and offer viable housing solutions on a wider scale.
“Tiny houses may soon not be a trend but a way of life,” said Thome.
