Enter Steamboat Springs, the "little city" 17 miles down the road. For its small population of 12,000 it has a lot to offer a small family: two ski areas, two hot springs, a recreation facility WITH childcare, rivers, mountains, trains, trails, parks, an amazing library, and most importantly, other growing families. Yet, as with most desireable places, it is a very expensive place to make your life. In 2009 the median home value was $482,914, with the average wage around $30,000. Buying a typical 3 bedroom/2 bath home was way out of our league. So, we started brain-storming. Rent? We are always averse to this. Move somewhere else? Just for a house? That seemed dramatic.
We had a couple of things on our side: we bought an investment property (with a very dilapidated house on it) in town with my mom 5 years ago. We own a construction company. I have a background in sustainable construction. However, we had very little capital with which to build. And, we were not certain real estate is a great investment at this time. But, we needed a dwelling. Our company could use another home for the portfolio, specifically a sustainably built one. And the kids needed a construction site to cut their teeth on.
We decided to build the smallest, most sustainable dwelling we could afford. Scott designed a 629 square-foot apartment above a garage custom made for us. We entered it as the second home in the local Green Building Program. And we broke ground while holding our breath........
Congrats on the new blog! Glad there's someone as knowledgeable as yourself who is also walking the talk, that is writing on this stuff.
ReplyDeleteWhat have been the main differences so far about living in the new place in town?
Thanks George! The main differences are no driving, a richer social life, and the opportunity for spontinaity. We are more relaxed as a family because there are more options for everyone on any given day. On the down side, it is louder and more lit-up.
ReplyDeleteHowever, I really like the idea that I can give up my car!