The nomadic lifestyle is a common appeal of tiny living, but not everyone wants to downsize for the purpose of constant relocation and adventure. If you’re trying to decide which tiny community is the right long-term fit for you, you’ll have to decide: Can I see myself here? Does this area have all of the amenities I want? How far am I from my family or friends?
To help you sift through it, we’ve found five states that are extremely tiny-home friendly, whether you’re looking for a place in the city or something more removed.
Texas
This isn’t first on the list just because it’s where I live; it’s also because tiny living is widely supported in the Lone Star State. Want to be near a major metro area? Consider Village Farm in Austin, The Hideaway outside Fort Worth, or WatersEdge near Houston.
But if city life isn’t calling your name, Vintage Grace in Yantis (about an hour and a half outside of Dallas) or the tiny-home-friendly city of Spur, which boasts less than 1500 residents, are great options. Whatever environment you’re looking to settle in, Texas likely has a community that will fit your needs.
Oregon
OK, maybe you’re not a fan of Texas’ 100˚ weather that can precede either a hurricane in July or winter storm in December. I won’t take it personally (we’re not really a fan of the weather changes, either). Oregon, which experiences all four seasons, and in their correct order, has several tiny home communities on the rise.
Known for its eclectic personality, Portland has communities both in the city and nearby, such as the Mt. Hood Tiny House Village. Farther south, Eugene has a transitional micro-housing community, which is indicative of their friendliness toward allowing tiny homes. There’s also Hope Valley Resort, a small town option in Turner, outside of Salem.
California
Looking for dry heat and a little less rain? California has several tiny home communities across the state, such as Delta Bay (between the San Francisco Bay Area and Sacramento) and Lemon Cove, located in the Sierra Nevada foothills.
Like Texas, California boasts several tiny-friendly large cities, including Fresno, Oakland, and Los Angeles. Regulations vary city to city – some are approved as alternative dwelling units, some are full blown communities – so you may need to familiarize yourself with different zoning regulations, but it’s likely you’ll find the most options in California.
Colorado
Home to a yearly tiny house festival, the tiny lifestyle is experiencing a growth spurt in Colorado. Embrace mountain living with Peak View Park or Tiny House Leadville, both located in central Colorado; or head north to the Double Gateway to the Rockies and the WeeCasa community, “the world’s largest tiny house resort.” If southern Colorado is more your scene, Escalante Village in Durango opened spring 2019 as a long term community (although, currently, there is a waitlist to become a resident).
North Carolina
While the western and southern states tend to be at the forefront of the tiny home wave, there are options for East Coast dwellers. In North Carolina, consider Acony Bell Tiny Home Village outside of Asheville or Coral Sands Point in Lexington.
Looking for more than just a plot of land to build your tiny home? High Cove, a mountain community near Burnsville and Spruce Pine, was developed with the arts and environment in mind. Perusing their website reveals a plethora of projects and celebrations involving most (if not all) of the residents; at High Cove, tiny living has just as much to do with community involvement as it does the square footage of your home.
Do Your Research
While we looked at tiny home communities and states at various points across the country, this is by no means comprehensive. There are a lot of communities nationwide, and the amenities and resources they each provide vary, allowing you to find one that meets your specific wants and needs.
Along with zoning regulations, be sure to consider what sort of lifestyle changes you’re looking to adopt, and how involved you want to be in your community. If your tiny home is on wheels or foundation will play a big role, as will if you intend your tiny house to be a second or vacation dwelling, or your permanent house.
With a bit of research and self-reflection, you’ll find the perfect tiny home community in no time!
Mia Zozobrado joined Builders Digital Experience (BDX) in 2019 as a content writer. A graduate of Southwestern University with a degree in English, Mia is passionate about the written word and making connections.
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