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Moving into a tiny home in retirement can be a great way to simplify your life. You may have less financial stress once you downsize and move into the tiny home of your dreams.
Recently, LawnStarter ranked the best states for tiny homes using various criteria, such as average yard sizes in urban areas and what it calls "off-grid lifestyle-friendliness" in remote areas.
Here are the 10 best states to build or buy a tiny house.
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10. Kansas
Overall score: 70.35
With wide-open pastures and low population density, Kansas is well-suited for small-home living.
The state has relatively few restrictive zoning laws. Additionally, LawnStarter ranks Kansas seventh for remote lifestyle, so it's suited to outdoor retirement adventures.
9. Texas
Overall score: 72.91
Texas has plenty of cheap land and open pastures, and there is very little in the way of zoning laws. All of that makes it an ideal spot for a tiny house.
Unsurprisingly, the vastness of the Texas landscape places the state second in remote lifestyle rank, so it's an easy place to go off the grid. If you want to be close to a city, there are many large metro areas from which to choose.
8. Georgia
Overall score: 73.4
Georgia has a favorable climate and plenty of sprawling countryside, along with favorable housing policies.
While it does not rank high for urban or remote lifestyles, the combination of climate and the ability to easily build housing makes it appealing to retirees.
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7. Alabama
Overall score: 74.45
With some of the cheapest housing and land costs of any state on this list, Alabama is ideally suited for your tiny house.
The state ranks sixth for urban lifestyle, making it an appealing retirement destination.
6. Montana
Overall score: 76.39
Montana's beautiful landscapes and ample open land align well with the tiny house ethos of sustainable living.
The state ranks in the top 10 for remote lifestyle, which makes sense given that you'll have no shortage of outdoor activities. Just make sure your home is properly insulated and has heating for the winter months.
5. Minnesota
Overall score: 78.32
Minnesota offers a blend of urban and rural settings suitable for tiny homes.
The state is ranked fourth for remote lifestyle for a reason: The sweeping natural beauty is ideal for outdoor adventures.
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4. Maine
Overall score: 83.8
Maine's picturesque landscapes and coastal charm make it a desirable location. It also offers the perk of limited housing regulations.
With one of the highest average yard acreages of any state, this is the perfect place to settle down in a tiny home during retirement.
3. Arkansas
Overall score: 84.6
Arkansas has a low cost of living and a warm climate, making it ideal for tiny-home living.
The state's rich cultural heritage and natural beauty offer a fulfilling retirement experience. Due to its cheap and plentiful land, Arkansas ranks fifth in urban lifestyle.
2. Kentucky
Overall score: 85.34
Kentucky's rolling hills and bluegrass fields create a serene setting for your tiny home. The state's favorable regulations and affordable land make it a practical choice for tiny house enthusiasts.
With a remote lifestyle rank of No. 3 in the nation, it's an easy spot to settle down in while you tune out the rest of the world.
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1. Vermont
Overall score: 89.07
Vermont tops the list of states friendly to tiny-home owners. Its progressive housing policies and wide-open lands make it a winner with tiny-home enthusiasts. It also ranks second for remote lifestyle.
The state's scenic beauty and vibrant communities provide an ideal backdrop for a fulfilling retirement in your tiny house. As with other northern states on this list, make sure your home has insulation and heating for those winter months.
Bottom line
One of the smartest money moves for homeowners in retirement is to downsize into a smaller home, especially a tiny house that is easy to maintain.
Some states have laws that make them more conducive to building a small home on a piece of land. Before you make the big jump, consider renting a tiny home to see if the lifestyle is truly right for you.
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