Tiny Homes: Fad or the Ultimate Social-Distancing Solution? 

As Americans living in cities struggle with population density, some experts speculate there will be a rise in demand for suburban homes. But will the pandemic inspire people to escape it all in a tiny home? Some tiny home companies are already seeing it happen as inquiries have increased since the pandemic started, according to Realtor.com. The formerly off-beat trend had already been picking up steam before the pandemic hit thanks to the affordability crisis, but now tiny home enthusiasts are optimistic that this may be the point when the small abodes go mainstream. But the people who are buying tiny homes the most may surprise you. Hint: It's not young, adventurous Millennials who can't settle down.

Shannon McMillan Thompson has moved a dozen times over the past several years. Now she's prepping for what she hopes will be her last move for a long while—into a tiny house.

When the pandemic hit, Thompson lost her job taking care of a homebound elderly couple, whose relatives decided to take over their care. And since Thompson was living in an apartment off the couple's home, the loss of her job also meant she needed to find a new place to live.

Trying to make the best out of a lousy situation, she decided to take a leap she's considered for several years. She's buying a tiny home, which she plans to park on a piece of land owned by a friend.

Read More