“Go big or go home!” That used to be the consensus out there for everything, especially homes. Well, no more! Gone are the days of opulent homes with gigantic square footage where families needed an intercom to find each other. Instead, small homes are in vogue now. This is especially true here in Redding and Shasta County, where families rarely stay home, opting instead to enjoy the great outdoors and all the amazing activities that are available here in the North State. It’s not about keeping up with the Joneses anymore — unless the Joneses are ahead of you on the hiking trail! Here, families don’t own an SUV because the neighbors have one; they own an SUV only because they need one. Likewise, the small-home trend is not about status, but rather focusing on a house size that meets your needs. Let’s take a closer look at what that means for Redding homeowners.

Smaller Homes, Smaller Payments

This trend seems to be especially attractive to younger first-time homebuyers who prioritize a back-to-basics lifestyle over high-end home ownership. More and more, families are opting for buying homes that are priced lower than what they can qualify for, allowing them room in their budget for more of the extracurricular activities they love.

Downsizing to Smaller Homes

Another segment of the population increasingly interested in smaller homes: mature buyers. Seniors and empty-nesters have always been in the market to downsize, and today it’s never been more true. Most people who spring for this option have already owned a large home and are ready to pare down their lives, so they can stop and smell the roses.

Small Home Plans

The option to purchase an affordable plot of land to create your own Shangri-la is still possible here in the Redding area. Houseplans.com has several plans to choose from, with available plans ranging from 213 square feet to 2733 square feet. Sustainable-living enthusiasts can find plans available using repurposed materials.

If a huge home and all its associated upkeep costs (not to mention utilities) is not appealing to you, yet the survivalist lifestyle is a little too extreme for you, it’s still possible to find a happy medium. Choosing a simple life with a smaller, modest home might be just what the doctor ordered. Find a little nest that fits your needs, plant a garden, get some chickens, and you’re on your way to a more self-sustaining way of life. Plant some fruit trees and enjoy the harvest in two or three years.

Whether you’re looking for a back-to-nature lifestyle or you just want to take things back to the basics, smaller might be smarter.

Image Source: Flickr/Tammy Strobel

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