1. Colorado
Colorado is a top destination for tiny home enthusiasts, with a thriving community of builders, designers, and homeowners. The state has embraced tiny homes with progressive zoning laws, making it easier for people to build and live in these small spaces. Colorado also has a mild climate, stunning natural scenery, and a strong outdoor culture, making it an attractive place for tiny home living.
| Category | Data |
|---|---|
| Population | 5,807,719 |
| Largest Cities | Denver, Colorado Springs, Aurora, Fort Collins, Lakewood |
| Area Trivia | Colorado contains 75% of the land area of the United States with an altitude over 10,000 feet |
| Tiny House Communities | WeeCasa Tiny House Resort, Sprout Tiny Homes Community, Peak View Park |
| Unemployment Rate | 4.2% |
| Job Growth | 1.4% |
| Population Growth | 1.4% |
| Wages | Average hourly wage: $29.39 |
| State Sales Tax | 2.9% (additional local taxes may apply) |
| Average Income Tax | Colorado has a flat income tax rate of 4.63% |
| Energy Prices | Average residential electricity rate: 12.95 cents/kWh |
| Cost of Housing | Median home value: $489,100 |
| Average Monthly Rent | Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $1,385 |
| Healthcare Costs | Average monthly health insurance premium: $558 |
| Food Prices | Average cost of a meal at a mid-range restaurant: $15 |
| Major Industries | Aerospace and defense, energy, healthcare, tourism, outdoor recreation |
| Average Temperature for Each Month of the Year | Jan: 29°F, Feb: 34°F, Mar: 42°F, Apr: 51°F, May: 60°F, Jun: 70°F, Jul: 75°F, Aug: 73°F, Sep: 65°F, Oct: 53°F, Nov: 38°F, Dec: 29°F |
Tiny House Living in Colorado
One of the main reasons why tiny house living is so popular in Colorado is the affordability. The state has a lower cost of living than many other parts of the country, making it an attractive option for those looking to save money on housing. Tiny homes are also significantly cheaper than traditional homes and require less maintenance and upkeep.
In addition to the financial benefits, tiny homes are also environmentally friendly. They use less energy and produce fewer greenhouse gas emissions than traditional homes. Many tiny homes are also built using sustainable materials and are designed to be energy-efficient.
Tiny homes also encourage a simpler way of life. By living in a smaller space, you are forced to declutter and live with only what you need. This can be a freeing experience for many people who find that they accumulate too much stuff in larger homes.
Tiny House Communities in Colorado
If you\’re interested in joining a tiny house community in Colorado, there are several options to choose from. Here are some of the most popular communities in the state:
Escalante Village
Located in the La Plata Mountains at an elevation of 6,500 feet, Escalante Village is a tiny house community that is perfect for those who love the great outdoors. The community has a mix of permanent and seasonal residents and features a community garden, dog park, and outdoor fire pit. The homes are between 250 and 500 square feet and are built on a foundation.
Peak View Park
Peak View Park is a tiny house community located in Woodland Park, just 20 minutes west of Colorado Springs. The community has both park model homes and tiny homes on wheels, and residents can choose to rent or purchase a lot. The community features a clubhouse, laundry facilities, and a dog park.
Sprout Tiny Homes Community
Sprout Tiny Homes Community is located in Durango, Colorado and features both tiny homes on wheels and homes built on a foundation. The community is designed to be sustainable and eco-friendly, with a focus on solar power and rainwater harvesting. The homes range in size from 192 to 760 square feet and are available for rent or purchase.
If you\’re interested in joining a tiny house community in Colorado, there are several steps you can take. First, research the different communities in the state and find one that fits your needs and budget. Many communities have websites or social media pages where you can learn more about the community and the homes that are available.
2. Oregon
Oregon has a strong history of environmentalism and sustainability, and it\’s no surprise that tiny homes are popular here. The state has progressive zoning laws that allow for tiny homes in many areas, and there are a number of tiny home communities and builders throughout the state. Oregon’s natural beauty and laid-back culture also make it a desirable place for tiny home living.
| Category | Data |
|---|---|
| Population | 4,268,055 |
| Largest Cities | Portland, Eugene, Salem, Gresham, Hillsboro |
| Area Trivia | Oregon is the only state in the US with an official state nut: the hazelnut |
| Tiny House Communities | Mt. Hood Tiny House Village, Try It Tiny, Escape Tiny Homes, Tiny Tranquility |
| Unemployment Rate | 4.4% |
| Job Growth | 1.4% |
| Population Growth | 0.9% |
| Wages | Average hourly wage: $29.11 |
| State Sales Tax | Oregon does not have a statewide sales tax |
| Average Income Tax | Oregon has a progressive income tax rate, ranging from 4.75% to 9.9% |
| Energy Prices | Average residential electricity rate: 10.43 cents/kWh |
| Cost of Housing | Median home value: $395,400 |
| Average Monthly Rent | Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $1,243 |
| Healthcare Costs | Average monthly health insurance premium: $537 |
| Food Prices | Average cost of a meal at a mid-range restaurant: $15 |
| Major industries | Technology, healthcare, agriculture, forestry, fishing, tourism |
| Average Temperature for Each Month of the Year | Jan: 44°F, Feb: 47°F, Mar: 51°F, Apr: 56°F, May: 62°F, Jun: 68°F, Jul: 76°F, Aug: 76°F, Sep: 70°F, Oct: 59°F, Nov: 49°F, Dec: 44°F |
Regulations for Tiny Home Communities in Oregon
Oregon’s regulations for tiny home communities vary from county to county, but they are generally similar to traditional building codes and standards. Because tiny houses fall under the category of accessory dwelling units, they must comply with the same rules and regulations as traditional houses. Some of the key regulations include minimum square footage requirements, foundation requirements, and electrical and plumbing standards
Tiny Tranquility is a tiny home community located in Lincoln City, Oregon. This community offers 22 fully-developed lots for residents to park their tiny homes. The sites range in size from approximately 2,400 to 4,000 square feet, and lot rent is $650-$700 per month plus electricity. Fortunately, this includes access to all community buildings, laundry room (NOT coin-operated!), and on-site recycling. The community is pet-friendly and offers a beautiful coastal location [3].
Another tiny home community located in Waldport, Oregon, is Tranquility Park. This community offers residents the option to buy a lot and park their tiny homes on it permanently. Recently, a 30-ft. tiny house built in 2018 with 255 square feet of space inside was sold on lot #30. There are also other communities such as Emerald Village, which claims to be the first permanently affordable tiny home cooperative. With this community, residents own a share of the cooperative, which includes access to shared community spaces and a voice in the cooperative\’s decisions [4].
WeShine is another tiny home community that is focused on helping houseless and homeless individuals in Portland. This community offers safe and secure housing for those in need, and the community is operated by a non-profit organization.
3. California
California is known for its high cost of living, but tiny homes offer an affordable alternative for many people. The state has a progressive attitude toward alternative housing, with a number of cities and counties allowing for tiny homes. California\’s mild climate and diverse culture also make it a popular destination for tiny home enthusiasts.
Lemon Cove Village
Located in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada in California, Lemon Cove Village is a tiny house-friendly RV community that is a short drive from Sequoia National Park. The community has 42 lots available for tiny homes on wheels, and residents can choose to rent or purchase a lot. The community features a clubhouse, laundry facilities, and a pool.
Park Delta Bay
Located on the banks of the San Joaquin River, Park Delta Bay bills itself as the only legally zoned tiny house community in Northern California. This community offers a variety of housing options, including tiny homes on wheels, park models, and container homes. With amenities such as a swimming pool, boat dock, and community garden, Park Delta Bay is a great choice for those seeking a waterfront lifestyle.
Fresno Tiny House Village
The city of Fresno has been at the forefront of the tiny house movement in California, with updated regulations that allow tiny homes on wheels to be used as backyard cottages[6]. The Fresno Tiny House Village is a community that offers residents the opportunity to live in a small, efficient dwelling while still being close to all the amenities of a big city. With easy access to restaurants, shopping, and cultural events, the Fresno Tiny House Village is a great choice for those who want to downsize without sacrificing convenience.
Delta Coves
Located on the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta, Delta Coves is a luxury waterfront community that offers a variety of housing options, including tiny homes. This community features a private marina, clubhouse, and community garden, as well as access to over 1,000 miles of waterways. With beautiful views of the water and easy access to boating, fishing, and other outdoor activities, Delta Coves is a great choice for those seeking a more upscale tiny house lifestyle.
4. Texas
Texas is a large state with a lot of wide-open spaces, making it an ideal place for tiny home living. The state has a number of tiny home communities and builders, and zoning laws are generally favorable toward tiny homes. Texas also has a low cost of living and no state income tax, making it an attractive destination for those looking to live simply and affordably.
5. Washington
Washington is another state with a thriving tiny home community. The state has progressive zoning laws that allow for tiny homes in many areas, and there are a number of tiny home builders and communities throughout the state. Washington\’s natural beauty and strong outdoor culture make it a desirable place for tiny home living.
6. Florida
Florida may not be the first place you think of when it comes to tiny homes, but the state has a growing community of builders and homeowners. Florida\’s warm climate and affordable cost of living make it an attractive destination for tiny home living. Zoning laws vary throughout the state, but many areas allow for tiny homes.
7. North Carolina
North Carolina has a strong tradition of alternative housing, including tiny homes. The state has a number of tiny home communities and builders, and zoning laws are generally favorable toward tiny homes. North Carolina\’s mild climate and affordable cost of living also make it a popular destination for tiny home enthusiasts.
8. Tennessee
Tennessee is another state with a growing community of tiny home enthusiasts. The state has a number of tiny home builders and communities, and zoning laws are generally favorable toward tiny homes. Tennessee\’s natural beauty and affordable cost of living also make it a desirable place for tiny home living.
9. Arizona
Arizona\’s warm climate and stunning natural scenery make it an attractive destination for tiny home living. The state has a number of tiny home communities and builders, and zoning laws are generally favorable toward tiny homes. Arizona\’s low cost of living and strong outdoor culture also makes it top tiny house destination.
| Category | Data |
|---|---|
| Population | 7,520,000 |
| Largest Cities | Phoenix, Tucson, Mesa, Chandler, Glendale |
| Area Trivia | Arizona has more national parks and monuments than any other state in the US |
| Tiny House Communities | Sonoran Tiny House Village, LuxTiny Community, Escalante Village |
| Unemployment Rate | 5.5% |
| Job Growth | 1.5% |
| Population Growth | 1.9% |
| Wages | Average hourly wage: $27.27 |
| State Sales Tax | 5.6% |
| Average Income Tax | Arizona has a progressive income tax system, with rates ranging from 2.59% to 4.50% |
| Energy Prices | Average residential electricity rate: 12.6 cents/kWh |
| Cost of Housing | Median home value: $358,400 |
| Average Monthly Rent | Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $1,200 |
| Healthcare Costs | Average monthly health insurance premium: $438 |
| Food Prices | Average cost of a meal at a mid-range restaurant: $15 |
| Major Industries | Aerospace and defense, healthcare, tourism, technology, manufacturing |
| Average Temperature for Each Month of the Year | Jan: 65°F, Feb: 68°F, Mar: 74°F, Apr: 82°F, May: 91°F, Jun: 100°F, Jul: 104°F, Aug: 102°F, Sep: 96°F, Oct: 84°F, Nov: 72°F, Dec: 64°F |
