Granny pods, which is another name for Tiny Houses, have become popular for older women looking for an affordable and safe way to downsize. They are perfect for a single granny and that’s how they got the name.
What are Granny pods?
Granny pods are usually no bigger than 400 square feet and are not attached to a larger home. They may sit in someone’s backyard or possibly in a trailer park. Some are prefabricated and others are built from scratch. Unlike a mother-in-law apartment which is attached to a home and may share a kitchen or bathroom, a Granny pod is self-sufficient, However, because of its small size, the kitchen and bathroom are compact as well.
A small space of your own
In some cities, like Los Angeles. a tiny 400 square foot studio apartment is enormously expensive to rent. On top of that, you would have to put up with rent increases, weird neighbors, or possible changes in ownership. A tiny house can be owned, but the owner may have to rent the land it sits on like they would a trailer.
Why a tiny free-standing home is a good idea
One of the advantages of Granny pods is that you can live next door to your relatives or friends but you don’t have to invade their space. It would be your own separate place where you could come and go as you please. But, the advantage is, help would be nearby in case of an emergency. The advantage to them is that you could be available for baby, pet, or house sitting.
The cost of a Granny pod varies depending on where you live. Some are between $100,000 – $250,000 while others are much less. You will still need to have utilities and electricity hooked up but if you’re able to set it up in a relative or friend’s back yard, they may allow you to connect services and only charge you for your share.
Some Granny pods are specifically designed for older people and have Universal Design accessibility features like wheelchair ramps.
Ready to move in?
Imagine a cluster of granny pods in a space with other women of the same age. It would almost be like living in a commune but each woman would have her own space and could look out for each other. To see some other ideas for tiny homes click here. What do you think?
Does anyone want to host a group of old farts? Just thinking about my options.
I know someone whose sister lives on her property in a small house. Not sure it would be called a “granny pod” but it is about 400 sq ft. It was built for her (for much less than $100K but then again it was in rural New York State). I haven’t been inside it. This women is medically fragile and my friend is able to be close if there is a health emergency. I think it’s a wonderful idea if you are able to swig it. My son lives in a mobile home park and he’s been encouraging my husband and I to buy a trailer and move to his park. I’m not anywhere near ready to do that, though.
It’s good to know about your friend, Alane. We rented a mobile home for a while but the park wasn’t typical. It was way up in the hills and our home was 1400 square feet. We loved it but the manager was a creep so we moved. The people who owned some of the homes had to pay a steep land rental fee. Some mobile home parks are for people 50 plus and have clubhouses with all sorts of activities. Ours was for all ages. It was like being in the country in the middle of Los Angeles.
I’d love to live in one if I was alone in my later years – not sure that either of my kids want me in their backyard though!
It’s better than living in their house though, Leanne. Maybe they’ll warm up to the idea if you find yourself alone.
I love the idea of a cluster of Granny Pods, each supporting each other. You have a built-in community and that is so important as we age.
I thought so too, Jennifer. You wouldn’t be right on top of each other but nearby so you can have a glass of wine together. LOL
Hi Rebecca! I think it is exciting that possibilities like granny pods are becoming available. There is definitely a housing shortage happening everywhere. That and the cost of housing is crazy, especially here in So Cal. But even though I like the idea of them, most of them are so very expenseive when they are really just a fancy mobile home or park model. In fact, if you look at park models (400 sq. ft. and they fit into any RV park) you can usually get one for a much better price. The trend is “tiny homes” but there are lots of ways to enjoy independent living if you can’t find a back yard to park in. I’m a big fan of cohousing but again, the pricing is often prohibitive. Finding a way to have affordable community is something I think we all should plan for in the future. ~Kathy
Hi Kathy, good points. Putting a small mobile home in a backyard is an option too if they’re permitted. Mobile home parks, especially in California, charge a lot for land rental as we experienced and may not be as safe. I think it depends on how they’re built. Some are prefab and others are projects someone handy builds from scratch. They’re basically a guest house, which we have a lot of here in LA. People are even living in rehab shipping containers, although I’d want windows. There are affordable coop communities for older people in New York that I heard about during an aging conference at The Atlantic. That’s a great idea too.
I need about 700-900 sq. feet because I have hobbies that require space and I like to entertain and don’t like a laundromat. Our neighbor thought they could put one in their yard, take out the play structure, but zoning said no. They could however add on to their home with a separate entrance. There is a pod in town I know of that share the rent of the lot and have a common front area. While the idea is good, I know it is not for me.
Interesting Haralee. I can imagine they’re not for everyone. Space is always nice and having a washer and dryer makes a difference. They’re kind of like having a little cabin or small hotel room. For me, I’d rather spend money on travel rather than things. but in Los Angeles, even small spaces are costly. Having a separate entrance to a home is nice, although I’d rather have my own kitchen and bathroom. Just weighing the options.