A popular community of tiny homes in Tampa, Florida, has opened its doors to renters willing to pay up to $1,800 a month to live there.
Escape Tampa Bay — owned by Wisconsin-based Escape Homes — offers properties that are mostly under 400 square feet with kitchens, bathrooms and LED lighting.
Previously, anyone wanting to occupy a home had to pay between $95,000 and $160,000 for the privilege. But last month, six rental units opened in a new extension, Palm Court.
Prices range between $1,300 and $1,800 per month. According to Zillow, the average monthly rent in Tampa is $2,200.
A popular community of tiny homes in Tampa, Florida, has opened its doors to renters. Pictured: Palm Court rental unit at Escape Tampa Bay
Prices range between $1,300 and $1,800 per month. According to Zillow, the average monthly rent in Tampa is $2,200
Unlike typical apartments of about the same price, renters have their own private deck and garden space
“This is quick alternative housing for people who need a place to live,” Dan Dobrowolski, founder and CEO of Escape Homes, told Business Insider. It’s affordable. It is not the back of a truck.
Throughout the community, even the smallest homes are equipped with a full-size washing machine and refrigerator. In larger complexes, there is also a dishwasher.
Unlike typical apartments of about the same price, renters have their own private deck and garden space.
Tenants also have access to neighborhood amenities which include a pool, small park, community office, and additional storage space.
The neighborhood is currently home to a retired nurse, a radiologist and a retail manager, the company said.
“This is for people who want to live in a place that is quiet and safe, has a sense of community and respect for space and nature,” Dawbrolski added.
While the rental units have already been purchased, the company is considering building more in the future.
Tampa has seen an explosion in popularity in recent years as more and more residents flee California and New York, tired of city life and the high cost of living.
According to a 2022 list compiled by real estate portal Redfin, Tampa was the third most popular place Americans want to move to.
Tenants also have access to neighborhood amenities which include a pool, small park, community office, and additional storage space. Pictured: A common workspace that residents can share
Residents include a retired nurse, a radiologist and a current retail manager, the company said. Pictured: Neighborhood pool
Previously, anyone wanting to occupy a home had to pay between $95,000 and $160,000 for the privilege. Pictured: Property at The Oaks, the unrented part of the park
“This is for people who want to live in a place that is quiet and safe, has a sense of community and respect for space and nature,” Dawbrolski told Business Insider. Pictured: Property at The Oaks, the unrented part of the park
While the rental units have already been purchased, the company is considering building more in the future
Tampa has seen an explosion in popularity in recent years as more and more residents flee California and New York, tired of city life and the high cost of living.
U.S. Census Bureau data shows that Florida overall gained 249,064 people last year. By comparison, California and New York combined lost 1.4 million residents.
However, Americans travel mostly for the money, said William Frey, a demographer at the Brookings Institution, a think tank.
“The motivation behind moving interstate is for employment, housing and family reasons,” Fry previously told DailyMail.com.
He noted that the most significant transportation trends in recent years have seen New Yorkers flock to Florida and Californians choose Texas.
“Thus, rising costs of living in key coastal areas are helping to fuel outbound movement, while job growth in the Sun Belt metro has attracted gains.”
