The Rise of Affordable, Community-Focused Housing: A New Era for American Homes
Introduction: The Housing Crisis and the Quest for Community
The soaring cost of homes in the United States has made it increasingly difficult for Americans to live in the neighborhoods they desire. This challenge has sparked a growing demand for affordable, community-focused housing solutions. New state laws are now enabling denser housing options, such as duplexes, townhomes, and backyard tiny homes, which are not only more affordable but also foster a stronger sense of community. Entrepreneurs and developers are stepping in to meet this demand, creating innovative housing models that prioritize proximity to family and friends. These changes are reshaping the traditional American housing landscape, offering hope for those who want to live in vibrant, interconnected neighborhoods without being priced out of the city.
The Inspiration Behind Live Near Friends: A Personal Journey
Phil Levin, a real estate founder and behavioral scientist, was inspired to start his company, Live Near Friends, after experiencing the challenges of maintaining close relationships while moving to a larger home for his growing family. Levin and his wife, Kristen Berman, decided to leave their San Francisco group home but didn’t want to lose the strong bonds they had built with their friends. This led them to create Radish, a compound in Oakland, California, where they now live with about 20 adults and several babies. The community shares outdoor spaces, communal indoor areas, and even childcare responsibilities, showcasing the benefits of intentional, collective living. Levin’s vision is simple: he believes that having a support network within a five-minute walk is key to a happier, more affordable life. His company now helps others find or create similar living arrangements, such as duplexes or lots that can accommodate multiple small homes.
The Demand for Community-Focused Housing: Stories from Across the Country
The demand for community-focused housing is evident in the stories of individuals like Catherine Woodiwiss, a design researcher who grew up living in group houses with friends and colleagues. Woodiwiss found that shared living not only made housing more affordable but also fostered deep, meaningful relationships and a sense of belonging. However, when her group house in Austin disbanded, she was forced to move into a solitary apartment, where she struggled to connect with her new neighbors. This experience left her longing for the intentional community she once had. Her story highlights the gap in the market for housing that prioritizes social connection and affordability. Similarly, families like Anjan’s in Fremont, California, are taking advantage of new state laws to build multigenerational homes, keeping grandparents and grandchildren close while creating more affordable living options.
Legalizing "Missing Middle Housing": A Path to More Affordable and Social Living
In response to the housing crisis, states like California are loosening zoning restrictions to allow for "missing middle housing," a term that refers to a range of housing types, including duplexes, townhomes, small apartment buildings, and backyard tiny homes. These housing options are more affordable and conducive to communal living than the detached single-family homes that dominate many American neighborhoods. Companies like BuildCasa in Oakland are capitalizing on these changes, helping homeowners and developers build additional homes on existing lots. For example, Anjan, a Silicon Valley software engineer, is using the new laws to build a second home on his lot so his parents can live close to their grandchildren. This not only strengthens family bonds but also addresses the housing shortage by creating more affordable options.
The Role of Entrepreneurs and Developers: Building the Future of Housing
Entrepreneurs like Phil Levin and companies like BuildCasa are at the forefront of this housing revolution. Levin’s business model is inspired by Airbnb, which transformed the short-term rental market by aggregating demand and reshaping how people think about housing. Similarly, Levin hopes to change how developers and city planners approach housing by prioritizing social connection and community. His company connects clients with real estate agents, developers, and architects to bring their vision of living near friends and family to life. BuildCasa, meanwhile, is working with homeowners and developers to build smaller, more affordable homes on existing lots. Co-founder Paul Steidl, who grew up in a mixed-use neighborhood in Pittsburgh, believes that missing middle housing can recreate the sense of community he experienced as a child, where neighbors were just a short walk away.
The Broader Impact: Creating More Connected and Affordable Neighborhoods
The shift toward community-focused housing is not just about affordability; it’s also about creating more connected, walkable neighborhoods where people can thrive. Cities like Greenville, South Carolina, are embracing this vision by loosening development codes to allow for more sociable living options, such as backyard ADUs (accessory dwelling units) and cottage courts. Content creator Grant Taleck, who is building an ADU in his backyard, has seen firsthand the demand for communal living. His videos about cottage courts and walkable neighborhoods have gone viral, convincing friends and even his mother to move to Greenville. These changes are helping to address the housing shortage while fostering a stronger sense of community, proving that affordable, socially oriented housing is not just a niche idea but a growing movement that could reshape the future of American neighborhoods.
