‘Humble homes’ a new living option in Tempe
Tempe looks to help solve its growing affordable housing problem by building a community of 600-square-foot homes.
That’s twice the size of the trendy “tiny home” movement that began sweeping the nation a few years ago with its embrace of simple living. City leaders like to call them “humble homes,” while the developer coined them “micro-estates.”
Whatever the name, buyers will be able to purchase a one-bedroom slice of the American dream for about $130,000 or less.
The community of 12 small homes planned on city-owned land in the Jen Tilly Terrace neighborhood near downtown Tempe is expected to break ground next spring.
Arizona State University student Anna Brophy, who helped develop the city’s plan, says it helps address the urban sprawl of metro Phoenix that pushes buyers into outlying areas to find affordable housing.
“We can’t keep spilling out into the mountains,” Brophy said.
But would Brophy live in one of the homes herself ? “Absolutely,” she said.
A dozen homes will be built on just shy of an acre of land near Rural and Apache roads. The city purchased the land for $390,000 with federal funds.
TV shows such as Tiny House Nation and Tiny House Hunters often feature homes so minimalist that the kitchens are more like campers with a grill and pint-size refrigerator.
The Tempe homes are planned with fully functional kitchens, along with one bedroom, one bathroom, a small living room space and a small back patio.
“It’s sort of pushing the envelope but not reinventing the wheel,” said David Crummey, real estate development manager for Newtown Community Development Corp., which is building the community.
The two-story homes will be styled after the bungalows of the
1920s and 1930s, he said. Beyond the homes, a 900square-foot building will provide laundry and community space for residents.
The price estimate for one of the homes is $138,000, although Crummey said the company is looking for ways to get it closer to
$100,000 or less. A city-commissioned study shows more than a third of Tempe residents pay 30% or more of their paychecks for housing, which experts say is too much.