Are Tiny Homes Right for Retirees?
There are good reasons to downsize to a tiny house in retirement.
Tiny homes are all the rage these days, but are they right for retirees? It’s easy to assume the answer is no. The idea of spending retirement in a house the size of a backyard shed can take the luster out of “golden years.”
But a tiny home can be a good choice for some retirees. For starters, it’s cheap compared to a traditional house. Utility costs are lower, and you should be able to afford one outright. That means retiring mortgage-free. Tiny homes are also easier to maintain. You’ll spend less time cleaning and more time relaxing.
If you do choose to go the tiny-home route, it’s important to pick one with retiree-friendly features. Insist on a bed on the main level – no steps or ladders to sleeping lofts. Also opt for a full bath, ideally with grab bars and a wide shower. Storage should be easily accessible.
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Browne Taylor joined Kiplinger in 2011 and was a channel editor for Kiplinger.com covering living and family finance topics. She previously worked at the Washington Post as a Web producer in the Style section and prior to that covered the Jobs, Cars and Real Estate sections. She earned a BA in journalism from Howard University in Washington, D.C. She is Director of Member Services, at the National Association of Home Builders.
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