Affordable tiny home living is the focus of a small but distinctive housing project in Texas. This community, called The Bird’s Nest, offers women the opportunity to rent a space for as little as $450 per month. However, admission is not simple; each resident must pass a rigorous interview procedure in order to be admitted.
How The Bird s Nest Began
The 70-year-old Robyn Yerian founded The Bird’s Nest in 2022. She had spent two years living in a $57,000 two-bedroom tiny house before to beginning the project.
She wanted to establish a reliable source of income as she got closer to retirement so she could sustain herself. She purchased five acres of land in Cumby, Texas, approximately 65 miles northeast of Dallas, using her 401(k) funds.
She paid $35,000 for the site and an additional $150,000 for paved roads, electricity, water, and sewage.
In addition, Yerian put a lot of effort into getting the property zoned as an RV and motorhome park, which she claimed was the most difficult stage because many counties oppose such permits. In the end, she constructed 14 10-by-30-foot concrete platforms for tiny houses.
Why It s Only for Women
The Bird’s Nest exclusively rents out places to women, in contrast to typical housing projects. Yerian wanted to establish a supportive, cost-effective, and empowering workplace for women.
There is now only one seat available, and 11 ladies reside there with their own tiny dwellings. However, there is a considerable demand; more than 500 women have already applied, and some of them intend to go for interviews.
To make sure they blend in with the neighborhood, Yerian insists on having in-person meetings with both prospective tenants and existing inhabitants. She thinks that maintaining a close-knit and encouraging community in the village depends on this personal connection.
Life Inside the Community
The Bird’s Nest is a real community, not merely a housing development. Whether it’s providing a ride to the doctor, offering assistance during a medical crisis, or just listening, residents support one another in a variety of ways. Yerian even hosts skill-sharing events where women may learn how to perform minor maintenance and operate power tools.
Residents frequently gather for meals in the village’s outdoor communal kitchen. For many women, the arrangement is more like to being a member of a large extended family than renting a space.
What Makes a Tiny Home Special
Houses under 400 square feet are considered little homes. While some are converted buses or vans, many are constructed on trailers, which facilitates mobility.
States have different regulations regarding tiny homes, but generally speaking, they are not subject to the same taxes as regular residences. They are not permitted to live there permanently, though, in some states, including Louisiana, New Jersey, and New York.
Inspiring Others to Create
Yerian hopes more people find inspiration in her narrative, but she says she never imagined The Bird’s Nest would become such a strong group.
Instead than waiting to save enormous sums of money, she urges others to invest in creating local communities. She claims that while the monetary gains might not be substantial, the psychological benefits of establishing a secure and encouraging environment are invaluable.
Other small home villages are also emerging around the United States. For example, a new village with 60 units and contemporary amenities recently debuted in Washington, and the Sanctuary community provides comparable rent at $450 with views of the lake.
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