A Guide to Selecting a Tiny Home Community

Are you dreaming of decluttering, minimizing, and embracing a simplified life? Saving money in a more energy efficient home so you can take those savings and spend them on experiences instead of things?

Before you make the leap, it's essential to understand what to expect. We've lived it, so we have first-hand experience to prepare you for the unique realities, opportunities, and challenges that come with community living in small spaces.

It's a Big Decision to Go Tiny

It is easy to build a romanticized view of tiny house living by looking at house plans, watching shows online, daydreaming of a private reading nook tucked away in in a loft. Before starting your tiny house lifestyle adventure, let's define what we're talking about and look at some positive as well as negative aspects.

There are often unconsidered aspects to not just tiny living, but community living. A tiny home community is a place where people who have chosen to live in smaller-than-average homes come together. These communities often share common values like sustainability, minimalism, and the importance of community.

There are practical benefits such as saving on electricity, reduced household costs, the joy of having less stuff - there is just less space to put it! Tiny homes come in various configurations and can be found in organized developments or more informal clusters on shared land. There are likely, but not always, shared amenities such as pools, firepits, clubhouses, dog parks, libraries, tool sheds, etc. Some communities are gated while others are not.

In many instances, you own your home, but you do not own the land on which it sits, in which case you pay a monthly lease - and often other fees as well, but more about that later. You need to determine how much value you place on access to amenities like pools, gyms, etc.

How much do I value access to a pool? What if that pool isn't heated and only available a portion of the year?
How much do I value access to a gym? What would a gym membership cost me? What equipment and classes does the community offer and do those align with what I am looking for?
What value do I place on access to a clubhouse where I can lounge, read a book, hang with friends, watch a game on a large TV?

What type of events are included and part of my fee and would I be interested in those things?
Do I enjoy common spaces and frequent conversation?

Facts and Figures

I mentioned the lease before. We paid a monthly lease for the property plus a monthly 'lifestyle fee' plus a monthly 'utilities & maintenance fee' that covered water and sewer, trash pickup, basic cable, and mowing. That beautiful view you see above? We paid extra each month for a 'premium' lot. Keep in mind what you see in a brochure will likely be the more expensive lots, so ask questions.

Of course, prices vary by community but now you know the types of questions to ask.

Embracing the Tiny Home Lifestyle

Living in a tiny home community isn't just about downsizing your living space. It's about embracing a new lifestyle. You'll be joining a community of like-minded individuals who believe in living more sustainably and consciously. You'll have less space for possessions, which means prioritizing what truly matters. And you'll have the opportunity to form deeper connections with your neighbors due to the close-knit nature of these communities. Sound good?

Well, it is, but beware. 'Close knit' can also mean 'up in your business' so it is critical to evaluate how much you value your privacy and alone time. Early in your journey you need to create an experience that works for you. That comes from setting boundaries and expectations not only for your small space but also for your future lifestyle.

Early on in our tiny home journey, filled with excitement and eager to fit in, we made the mistake of letting the first few people we met shape our opinions about other residents and various aspects of the community. It was a mistake and a valuable lesson learned.

We quickly realized the importance of approaching our journey with an open mind and accepting people as they are, embracing their unique quirks and qualities. In doing so, we discovered that for every annoying trait we encountered along the way, there were countless more golden and endearing qualities that made our experiences with residents in our community more enriching

Tiny Home Community Reality Check

While the notion of living in a community of tiny homes might sound idyllic, the reality can be quite different. It's important to go in with a clear understanding of what life in a tiny home community actually entails. It is a mix, and you need to be prepared.

Not every day is an I-can't-wait-to-talk-to-someone day. You know how it goes. Sometimes you wake up and there just aren't enough cups of coffee (or Dr. Pepper if you are my cousin's wife) to make it a 'great' day. You just want to get through it. Do what you have to do then ease into your evening and hope you have more energy for tomorrow. Not always easy if your neighbors live 9 to 10 feet away from you.

You just want to walk to the mail shed, slide your key in, and peer hopefully into the box for a letter not addressed to 'Dear Resident' but along your walk you are greeted by five or so well-meaning people who can't seem to just say 'hello' but need to complain about who let what pee on their Lantana they just planted, or gossip about who thought it was OK to leave such a mess in the clubhouse after their unscheduled poker night - animals!

Space Constraints - Finding Solutions

Obviously, living in a tiny home means less space. This not only affects the number of possessions you can have, but also your daily routines. You'll need to adapt to cooking in a smaller kitchen, perhaps using smaller appliances, having less closet space, and potentially dealing with more noise from your neighbors.

When it comes to living in a limited amount of space, finding creative solutions for storage becomes crucial. You'll need to think outside the box and get creative with space-saving techniques like using multi-functional furniture or clever organization systems. It's also important to be open to new ideas and innovative approaches to maximize every inch of your living area.

Time for a Do-Over

When we sold our two-story home (and almost everything we owned) we had a blank canvas and an opportunity to re-imagine not just a house, but our style, right down to our clothes. Take the opportunity to reinvent yourself. This is a time of change, so don't be afraid to step out and try new things!

Research: The Key to Tiny Home Living Success

If you're thinking about making the move to a tiny home community, preparation is key. Here are a few action items:

Community Visits

To begin, it is crucial to personally visit the communities of interest and immerse yourself in the surroundings. Take the time to stroll around and engage in conversations with the locals, embracing the opportunity to gather firsthand experiences and insights. This comprehensive approach will not only provide you with a deeper understanding of the community but also empower you to make more informed choices based on your observations. By taking the time to observe, interact, and listen, you will gain valuable knowledge that will guide you in making the best decisions for your needs and preferences.

The Rental Agreement

Once you have made the decision to choose a community, but before you sign, it is important to devote some time to thoroughly reading the lease agreement. Take your time to carefully go through the document and if any doubts arise, don't hesitate to ask questions. It is crucial to ensure that you have a clear understanding of all the terms and conditions outlined in the lease agreement. This will help you make an informed decision and ensure a smooth and hassle-free experience in your new community. And if you discover something that concerns you, talk to the sales team, get the responses in writing, and determine if this is still the best option for you.

Cost of Living

It is highly recommended to conduct thorough research on the cost of living in the area you are considering. Take into account various factors such as transportation, groceries, and healthcare expenses. Additionally, keep in mind that utility costs can vary significantly among different communities, so understanding these variations will help you accurately assess the expenses you'll be facing. Being well-informed about the cost of living will enable you to plan your budget effectively and make the best choices for your financial well-being.

Know Which Home Models are Permitted

To ensure that your home meets all of the requirements for the community, it is crucial to consider various factors. These include the size of the property, the type of structure that is permitted, and any other specific rules or regulations set forth by the neighborhood association. Some communities only permit tiny homes built by a small list of builders. Many have a list of approved colors.

Taking these details into account will help you create a harmonious living environment that aligns with the community's guidelines. Best not to fall in love with a particular home model only to later find out you can't have it at that community.

Park Model RV

It came as a surprise to us, but in many cases, your tiny home will actually be what is called a 'park model RV' which means it travels to your community on wheels, and likely will still have those wheels on it after it is put in place then wrapped with an underpinning. Often a 'break-away' electrical connection will be housed in a small wooden shed and placed against your home. If you are not familiar with this, talk with the sales team at the community you are visiting.

Your state may charge you a highway fee for the transportation of your tiny home to your site, and you may be taxed annually on your tiny home as you would be a boat or other recreational vehicle.

Neighborhood Construction

Is your community planning Phase 3 or Phase 17? What construction is planned in your community over the next six months, 12 months, two years. Dust, noise, and blocked streets can be a joy killer if ongoing. Assess your tolerance. Building crews can be loud - hey, they have to keep it fun somehow, and that often means yelling from rooftop to rooftop. Dump trucks with slamming gates, backhoes, and swinging hammers hitting reluctant nails hour after hour can send you scrambling out of the community to find a place to work so you can take that call or join that Zoom meeting.

Review the Sales Brochures and Ask Questions

To ensure you have a comprehensive understanding, it is crucial not to solely depend on marketing brochures, YouTube videos, or Instagram posts. Rather, take the initiative to request written guarantees regarding planned future amenities that hold significance to you. By doing so, you reduce surprises and disappointments.

Explore the Area around the Community

Explore the area to determine if there is enough there to keep you engaged and happy. We explored several communities in different states. Some were beautiful but too remote. In the end, we found a community set in mountains with hiking, kayaking, wineries, restaurants, live music, and so much more to explore.

Adapting to the Tiny Home Lifestyle

Adapting to life in a tiny home community can be a process. It might take some time to get used to the smaller space and the close-knit community. But with patience, flexibility, and a positive attitude, you can thrive in your new tiny home.

Commit to Get Involved

This will help keep you focused on enjoying all the benefits of tiny home living. You'll also need to be proactive in connecting with your neighbors; actively participate in community activities such as pool parties or barbeques; and share resources whenever possible. By doing so, you can create a sense of unity and connection with the other members of your tiny home community.

Not just a house, but a Lifestyle

Finally, remember that it's not just about having smaller living space; it's also about changing your lifestyle. Tiny homes represent an opportunity to live more intentionally and sustainably, by curating fewer possessions, reducing waste, and learning how to do more with less. Take the time to enjoy all that your new community has to offer, and you'll soon find yourself right at home.

At the end of the day, living in a tiny home community can be one of the most rewarding experiences of your life - if you know what to expect and you're prepared for it.

Plan for success
Do your research
Get involved but also set boundaries
Give yourself freedom to invent a new lifestyle

The Wrap Up

Living in a tiny home community can be an incredibly rewarding and fulfilling experience. It offers the chance to embrace a simpler, more sustainable way of life, surrounded by like-minded individuals who share a common vision. You'll have the opportunity to cultivate meaningful connections, exchange ideas, and collaborate on various community projects.

By understanding the realities of this lifestyle and adequately preparing yourself, you can make a successful transition and truly thrive in your new community.