In 2015, the average new home in America was 2,466 square feet and cost an average of $300,000. Since then, mortgage rates and the job market have led to a shortage of homes and qualified buyers. Home prices are close to double of 11 years ago.
Escape Tampa Bay was founded by Wisconsin meteorologist Dan Dobrowolski, who created a residential community using minimalist engineering. The result is safe, low maintenance homes that are affordable to average working people.
The homes are 200-600 sq. ft. and can have a second story. Two bedrooms, full kitchen, a bathroom or two, underground utilities, fiber optic internet and ingenious shelving so there’s no wasted space.
When Hurricane Milton re-arranged Tampa Bay with 115 mph winds and intense flooding in October 2024, not one of the small homes had a leak or broken window.
We can all see uncertainty in weather, income, access to clean water and the mental outlook it takes to be hopeful waiting for iffy tomorrows. A home where form follows function provides more than artful living, it’s practical.
Photo via Escape/Roy Hawke