Energy Costs May Begin To Influence Home Size

Some younger families and retirees are choose to "downsize" their homes. The decision comes with several lifestyle benefits.

1 minute read

May 24, 2006, 1:00 PM PDT

By Chris Steins @planetizen


"The average size of a house in the U.S. increased from 1,905 square feet in 1987 to 2,450 in 2005. Still, some home buyersâ€"young families as well as empty-nesters and retireesâ€"are deciding that bigger isn’t always better. Here’s why four families started thinking smaller:"

  • Less Financial Stress
  • Less Maintenance
  • More Freedom
  • More Comfort

    The article also includes a summary, "How Big Is Too Big?" of recent decisions by local governments to restrict large houses or lots and encourage smaller-sized development.

    Thanks to Ashwani Vasishth

  • Sunday, May 21, 2006 in Parade

    Young Professional

    I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban and Environmental Planner

    I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

    Mary G., Urban and Environmental Planner

    Get top-rated, practical training for planners

    "Planetizen federal action tracker" logo superimposed over black and white image of US Capitol dome.

    Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

    A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

    October 14, 2026 - Zachary Whalen

    Cars driving under automatic congestion pricing toll machines on Broadway next to the Trump International Hotel in Manhattan, New York City.

    Data reveals that NYC’s bet on congestion pricing has paid off

    After almost two years of the program, reports show positive impacts on traffic and air quality and no disruptions to parking.

    October 13, 2026 - Marcelo Remond

    A crane lifts a manufactured house, with is rectangular and does not yet have a roof.

    HUD modernizes 50-year-old manufactured housing framework

    The Next Generation Manufactured Housing Action Plan establishes new energy-efficiency standards for manufactured homes, and new guidelines for anchoring them.

    October 8, 2026 - Boston Real Estate Times

    People bike and jog through a park in Florida.

    Florida could lose billions in funding for infrastructure, parks

    If Amendment 3 passes, Miami-Dade would lose about $445 million annually by fiscal year 2028-29.

    October 19 - NBC Miami

    A rendering of Meta's proposed data center. We see the large gray buildings from above.

    New Mexico spent millions drafting climate goals. Data centers are unraveling them

    Three data centers in New Mexico and El Paso will release more emissions yearly than 2 million cars in the same timeframe.

    October 19 - El Paso Matters

    An aerial view of Dayton with a river and many trees visible

    This Ohio town is using AI to speed up transit analysis

    The Greater Dayton Regional Transit Authority’s new AI tool correctly determined riders’ preferred ways to reach key commuter routes.

    October 19 - Cities Today