Tiny House Communities on the East Coast

Going tiny doesn’t necessarily mean going off-grid. Tiny home communities afford you the opportunity to live small while maintaining certain creature comforts and a community culture. Amenities such as additional storage and common areas (pools, weight rooms, etc.) are often provided by the community developer. And if you’re moving to a new area, joining one of these communities is also a fantastic way to meet like-minded people. While the tiny house movement may have originated out West, these East Coast communities are doing it in style as well.

Tiny Estates: Lancaster, Pennsylvania

Established in 2018, Tiny Estates features two ponds and a plethora of local attractions. This lovely location is set in semi-rural Lancaster, but is also just a short drive away from Hershey and Harrisburg. Since opening, it has quickly grown to be one of the largest tiny home communities in the United States, boasting almost 60 lots. The gated community also has a communal space with picnic tables, fire pits, and a couple of hot tubs.

• Community Member Ages: early 20s – 70s
• No minimum square footage
• No RV certification requirements (currently)
• Waiting list for a 6 month lot lease (currently)
• Pets allowed

Orlando Lakefront: Orlando, Florida

Looking for sunny weather without the beachfront price tag? The appeal of Orlando Lakefront is in its name. Additional amenities include two fishing docks, laundry facilities, and a community garden, plus downtown Orlando is less than a 10 minute drive away. There are currently over three dozen spaces within this community. With so much demand for affordable housing alternatives around the Orlando area, there is usually a waiting list, so definitely plan ahead for this location.

• Community Member Ages: mid 30s – 70s
• Tiny house on wheels (THOW) and RV friendly
• No minimum square footage
• No RV certification requirements (currently). Hurricane insurance is required.
• Tiny house on wheels (THOW) must have up-to-date title and registration
• Pets allowed

Little River Escape: Menlo, Georgia

Little River Escape is nestled in the backcountry of North Georgia, triangulated between Chattanooga, Huntsville, and Atlanta. This gated community of 48 lots has the scenic views, serenity, and privacy between residences that will make you want to put down roots—and the beautiful setting atop Lookout Mountain makes every lot a winner. Little River Escape also boasts its own nature trails, pool, grill, and fitness center, just to name a few amenities. For an adventure outing, take a kayak down the river or check out neighboring Cloudland Canyon State Park for mountaintop vistas, waterfalls, hiking, and mountain biking. Little River Escape also has three sister communities—Mentone Mountain Escape (19 lots), River Side Escape (11 lots), and Silver Hill Escape (41 lots).

• Community Member Ages: mostly 45+
• Tiny houses on wheels (THOW): inquiry needed for pre-approval
• Tiny houses on wheels (THOW) in Georgia must be RV certified
• No minimum square footage
• Not currently handicap accessible
• 48 lots (average ¾ acre), all currently leased. Lot lease minimum of 5 years.
• Sister communities with open availability

From these examples, you can see how different a community environment can be. Each community has its niche—from affordable housing alternatives in a big city, to a peaceful retreat in the mountains. With many diverse options, there’s bound to be a setting that suits your liking. While some communities only rent or sell their own tiny houses, each of the communities featured in this article allow you to bring your own tiny home. And by working with an experienced builder like Wind River, not only can you ensure your home is built to the standards required by your chosen community, you can know your home will last a lifetime.