Jun. 17 2011
FORBES MAGAZINE
Size is not everything, especially if you ask a small, but mighty movement of people who prefer 400 square feet of real estate over 4,000. People who choose to live in smaller-sized homes cut down on living costs and since the recession and housing bust, the trend is really catching on, says Kent Griswold author of TinyHouseBlog.com.
These small homes can encompass a range of sizes, all the way down to a 84-sq ft home in Olympia, WA that was featured in NPR’s “tiny house movement” video.
"People are trying to downsize their lives, get rid of debt,” Griswold said. “Your cost of living is lower, your utilities don’t cost nearly as much. It changes your whole attitude — you’re in a small space, you only have room for so many items, it’s a lifestyle change.”
While some people purchase land and build their own small homes through kits, like, Cusato Cottages, others just choose to buy or rent homes that are smaller in size. Interested in downsizing your life? We rounded up a few small homes for sale, each with dimensions around 550 square feet or below:
6559 Beach Dr. SW Seattle, WA
For Sale: $335,000
Square Footage: 460
This romantic and private bungalow is nestled on prime Seattle real estate along the Puget Sound in the West Seattle neighborhood of Seaview. Built in 1926, the log cabin has original leaded windows, a claw-foot tub, stone fireplace and darling nook-sized bedroom.
15 Napier Ln San Francisco, CA
For Sale: $1,230,000
Square Footage: 550
Own a piece of San Francisco history by purchasing this piece of Telegraph Hill real estate. Built around 1884, this home is one of the few Telegraph Hill homes that survived the 1906 earthquake and fire. The two-story cottage was remodeled in 2002 and 2003. The 2-bedroom, 2-bath home has partial views of the bay and an open floor plan that makes it feel more spacious than its 550 square feet.
741 Wilcox Ave Los Angeles, CA
For Sale: $549,000
Square Footage: 528
9 Lincoln Ave Hampton Bays NY
For Sale: $599,000
Square Footage: 488
This updated piece of Hampton Bays real estate is a tiny alternative to a vacation condo. Set on Tiana Bay, the cottage has 50 feet of private beach access. Built in 1991, the home has undergone a complete remodel with updates to the kitchen, bath, electric and plumbing systems. With an open floor plan and high ceilings, the 1-bedroom, 1-bath house is a perfect summer hideaway.
7 S Maine St Kennebunkport, ME
For Sale: $385,000
Square Footage: 280
With only 280 square feet of living space, this piece of Kennebunkport real estate makes some New York studios look spacious. A part of Cabot Cove, a cottage beach community, this cottage has been professionally landscaped and furnished. The cottage has views of the cove and river and can be used as a primary residence, or summer rental.
527 Berkley St Berkley, MA
For Sale: $67,600
Square Footage: 478
Built in 1921, this 1-bedroom home is listed on the Berkley real estate market as a “great condo alternative.” The 478-square-foot cottage sits on a wooded lot just over half an acre just four minutes from Berkley’s city center, and about an hour’s drive from Boston.
507 N 21st St Wilmington, NC
For Sale: $119,900
Square Footage: 500
Sitting at 500 square feet, this World War II-era bungalow is within minutes of downtown and a local beach. The “move-in ready” 2-bedroom, 1-bath home was previously listed for $127,000 on the Wilmington real estate market.
2702 N. Ardmore Ave Manhattan Beach, CA
For Sale: $685,000
Square Footage: 498
Listed on the prestigious Manhattan Beach real estate market, this 2-bedroom, 1-bath home has been completely updated since its construction in 1954. The 498-square-foot cottage has a slate fireplace and brand new kitchen and bath. The house includes a breakfast nook, extra room, and gated front yard.
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