In an effort to save money and help the environment, more and more people are joining the tiny house movement, and leading the charge is Spur, Texas.
Residents like Denise Rosner, moved to Spur from Los Angeles, and said even though her tiny house is only 440 square feet, she has everything she needs.
“You can have your goats, or your cows, or your chickens, so it just fits the tiny house world, which most of us are,” Rosner said. “I have yet to start but, we have our own gardens, do everything organic and be able to live off the land.”
Rosner got involved in the tiny house movement a few years ago. Tired of living in big cities, the New York native saw a show about tiny houses on TV and decided to do some research.
“Up popped Spur, Texas, the only place in all of America that you can live and own a piece of property and have your tiny house,” Rosner said.
The idea of tiny houses in Spur started two years ago, when the city declared it was tiny house friendly. For $500, people can buy a plot of land and either build or wheel-in their own tiny house. The only requirements are that the tiny houses are put on a foundation and connects to city sewer and water services.
“People are calling from everywhere wanting to build tiny houses, buy lots, this time last year we had 62 lots for sale, we’re down to less than 20,” Spur code enforcement officer John Schmidt said.
The popularity of tiny house living is bringing more people to Spur, boosting the economy. The city was even featured in a Wall Street Journal article.
“They build homes and pay taxes, go to school, it’s good for the town,” Schmidt said.
Rosner was the second tiny house dweller in Spur and has been in her house for a year. She said the environmental and financial benefits of tiny house living can’t be beat.
“I wake up on the first of the month, and I say, oh I didn’t send in the rent check, or, oh no I have to pay the mortgage, but no, now I don’t have to!” Rosner said.
