Absolutely. “The tiny house movement is growing,” says Amy Turnbull, a state chapter leader and one of the directors of the American Tiny House Association. “As more people advocate their acceptance, more areas will allow them.” In fact, there are many places where micro house dwellers currently live side by side in the U.S., and more tiny home communities are in the works, from eco-villages to vacation retreats. Here are 13 tiny house communities that are shaping the future of small space living. While employment opportunities are sparse, local officials say self-sufficient individuals looking to set up a business will appreciate the cheap real estate. Likewise, the cost of living in Spur is 30 percent less than the national average. But before you pack your bags, understand Spur’s rules for fun-size homes: Yurts and “natural” homes built with materials like straw, mud or clay, both earth homes, and straw-bale houses are examples, are not permitted. Also, no matter how small, all dwellings require an adequate foundation and flush toilet hooked up to local utilities. A good example is the Orlando Lakefront at College Park in Orlando, Florida. Built in the 1950s, it has a new life as a tiny house community after years of decline. Currently, 34 wee abodes call the R.V. park home. We recently heard that there’s room for around 15 more. Monthly rates range from $400 to $650 per month. The largest development in the works is in Salida, Colorado, also known as the “heart of the Rockies.” With 200 rental homes, it will be the largest tiny house community in the nation with homes ranging in size from 260 to 760 square feet. It’s also a top retirement spot. The second project is a subdivision in Walsenburg, Colorado, with 33 micro homes ranging in size from 260 to 670 square feet. Sale prices start at $60,000. Both tiny house communities will be walkable neighborhoods with retail spaces and shared amenities including a fitness center and plenty of green space. Sites rates range from $450 to $595 per month, including utilities. A discount in rent will be given while your home is under construction. They also have a few tiny houses for sale, and they welcome vintage trailers. The rural community features amenities typically found in walkable urban neighborhoods like a dog park, community garden, and laundromat. Homes average around 400 square feet with lot sizes starting at 5,000 square feet. Each dwelling features state of the art appliances, porches, and, rustic-inspired interiors decked out with reclaimed wood flooring and ceilings. Also known as a granny flat or mother-in-law flat, an ADU is an abode built on a lot of an existing home. Teensy structures like these are always a fraction of the main house’s size. Green homebuilder, Orange Splot constructed the two 526 square foot ADUs shared here in a client’s backyard. Dubbed, “Ruth’s Garden Cottages,” each one has a porch, full bathroom, and sleeping loft. The inhabitants share the kitchen in the primary dwelling. Owned by Bill and Brenda Campbell, the pint-sized community is offering tiny house dwellers a place to park and live with a six-month minimum lease. Don’t own a small house? They also have a couple of homes available to rent. Sorry dog lovers; cats are the only pets allowed on the premises. Homes to buy starting at $64,900 or you can rent starting at around $800 per month. All residents will have access to 19,000 square feet of green walking space. The teeny village zoned as an R.V. park will cater to small towable houses. Amenities will include community gardens and private storage units. No word yet when the development breaks ground.
