Living in a City with Scarily Small Home Sizes? Here’s How to Make It Work Beyond Halloween

Share this article:

The specter of shrinking homes is starting to haunt America. Over the past decade, the average size of a home has become increasingly compact, with a chilling 4% decrease in home square footage. Eerily, lot sizes have also withered away, showing an 8% decline from 2013 to 2022. Nationwide, the median size of a new single family home is 2,299 square feet, according to the latest U.S. Census data cited by StorageCafe. Apartment sizes have followed suit, with a 9.6% drop over the last decade to an average of 849 sq. ft.

Naturally, home sizes vary significantly depending on location, with some cities making it more difficult to find elbow room than others and increasing the likelihood of cluttered interiors. We wanted to see which places come with the scariest home sizes – a combination of small yards and limited indoor space.

Our research examined data related to the sizes of single-family homes, apartments, and lots in the 50 most populous U.S. cities. We then established a combined index to pinpoint the cities where residents have the least space. Surprisingly, 30 of these major cities boast apartment sizes below the national average of 849 sq. ft. Moreover, single family homes provide less than 2,200 sq. ft. in a staggering 48 out of the 50 largest cities.

However, there’s a silver lining to living in a smaller space: Smaller quarters can offer both affordability and sustainability benefits, as long as you think things through. For those pondering a move to a smaller home or already living in one, we’ve also curated insights and tips from individuals who’ve successfully embraced this lifestyle in the second part of the article.

Without further ado, here’s how much space you can expect when moving to one of the US’s largest hubs.

Capitals of Small Home Living: Five of the Most Space-Constrained Cities Are on the West Coast

You’d be forgiven for thinking that living in a dark, cramped home could feel like something out of a ghost story! It seems that the West Coast is the prime region for such spookiness – not because of a lack of natural light there, but definitely in terms of space. The West Coast boasts a significant number of urban hubs with the smallest combined home and apartment sizes.

If you want to be double spooked – as a homeowner and apartment owner – head out to Portland, OR, which comes first for small living space among the 50 largest cities. Home lot sizes average close to 5,200 square feet, about half of what you’d get in Raleigh, NC, the city with the most spacious backyards. In line with the national trend, the backyards of newly-built Rose City homes have been slimming down in the last decade, being built at around a quarter the size of the overall lot in the city. Between 2013-2022, homes in Portland were built on residential lots that were no larger than 3,920 square feet, on average.

What's more, Portland homes come with a modest average size of 1,068 square feet in size, making them the smallest single family homes in our ranking. Over the last decade, new homes here lost even more living space, averaging 975 sq uare feet for the 2013-2022 period. Unsurprisingly, apartments follow suit. Rose City renters get to enjoy a mere 732 square feet of space.

Staying on the West Coast, San Francisco’s homeowners also have to contend with the challenges of smaller lots, as the city is strapped for construction space. While lot sizes now average around 2,660 square feet, homes are about 1,600 square feet, taking up 60% of the lots. Interestingly enough, lots have been shrinking in line with national trends, but living spaces have been getting bigger over the last decade in San Francisco. New homes built between 2013-2022 in the City by the Bay average 2,460 sq. ft., a 54% increase in size compared to the overall home sizes. As for apartments, San Francisco offers a modest 702 sq. ft. on average, the second smallest apartment size among the 50 most populous cities. That’s a whole bedroom less than most people get when living in a standard apartment.

luxury modern design of a cozy small Scandinavian-style apartment

In Oakland, CA, you’re also likely to enjoy less space than average if you’re contemplating living in a single family home, but you’d get a little more room outdoors than in San Francisco. Local home lots come close to 4,820 square feet, while home sizes hover at around 1,570 square feet. As Oakland gained about 30K people between 2010 and 2018, it’s only natural for local developers to adjust construction parameters to meet the new demand. During the 2013-2022 decade, home lot sizes were cut almost in half during the last decade, averaging 2,600 square feet. It’s not just homeowners who are looking at smaller living quarters, as apartment dwellers are also haunted by a similar prospect – an Oakland apartment offers a poky 725 sq. ft. of space, on average.

Still out West, Seattleites can consider themselves luckier on the single family home front – home lots are a little more generous than in California, and are currently standing at 5,270 sq. ft. Homes are also slightly larger at 1,690 sq. ft., but they’re eerily smaller than the national average of 2,200 sq. ft. However, it’s the renters that are living the spookiest living space scenario, as Seattle apartments are by far the smallest in the country, at an average of 676 sq. ft.

The Midwest also feels the squeeze, with Chicago and Detroit ranking high for the tightest living spaces

You won’t have much lawn to mow — or to fill with haunting Halloween decorations — if you’re a homeowner in Chicago, as the Windy City comes with an average lot size of about 1,700 square feet. Houses tend to take up the lion’s share of that space, averaging 1,460 square feet. What really pushes the spook factor over the edge is that Chicago renters get to enjoy only about half of that space in the average Windy City apartment.

Decorations in backyard for relax in autumn garden

In Detroit, MI, homes are similarly modest in size, averaging about 1,150 square feet. You might have more room to greet trick-or-treaters and entertain outdoors as lots come close to 4,500 square feet. With only 767 sq. ft. of space, Detroit apartments might give you the creeps if you’re used to living larger.

Philly and D.C. Put the East Coast on the Tiny Living Map

On the East Coast, it appears you may also live under the specter of tight living spaces, especially if you choose the bigger cities.

Homes in Washington, D.C., are on the small side as the city has been trying to accommodate an influx of new residents – mostly younger professionals who prioritize urban comfort over expansive spaces. In fact, the latest interstate migration trends show millennials to be the top generation relocating to D.C., making up roughly 55% of the total incomers. In order to enjoy expansive lifestyles, many locals need to settle for smaller abodes. Home lots provide an average of 2,670 square feet, with houses taking up more than half the space. The average home size in Washington, D.C., is now 1,570 square feet while an apartment sits at a hauntingly small 745 sq. ft.

Row houses of Mount Vernon Square in Washington, DC

Row houses of Mount Vernon Square in Washington, D.C.

Moving slightly north up on the East Coast, Philadelphia, PA, appears to be providing the least square footage for home lots among the 50 largest cities. The average lot in Philly stands now at around 1,420 square feet, while homes average around 1,280 square feet. This has much to do with the city’s lack of space, which has helped to create the townhouse building tradition. Apartments are also less generous in size, haunting the dreams of renters with an average of 772 sq. ft.

Both Philadelphia and D.C. saw their lot sizes go down by about 35% in properties built during the 2013-2022 decade compared to the city’s current average lot size. Philly’s backyards shrank from 1,420 to 915 square feet, while D.C.’s house lots went from about 2,680 to 1,740 square feet.

The lack of space in Philadelphia homes is one of the reasons behind the recent self storage boom locally. The city is in fact the 4th-most active self storage development market, with more than 500K square feet of space to be added to the Philadelphia self storage stock in 2023.

Southwest’s Albuquerque is also haunted by tighter living quarters

In the Southwest, Albuquerque, NM, home sizes are also creepily small. You’d get an average lot size of 4,000 square feet, with 1,400 square feet for a house, occupying 35% of the lot. Also, at 808 square feet, on average, Albuquerque apartments don’t leave much room for a Halloween party — or for a good haunting for that matter!

As much as we traditionally love living large, small living is entering the mainstream more and more. But, while this may sound all Halloween gloom and doom, it’s not all bad news. Less can be more if you take into account the benefits of living smaller. We've put together below a list of upsides to living smaller as well as a few guidelines that can help you turn your new living situation to your advantage.

Benefits of living smaller

While people have been singing the praises of bigger homes for decades, living smaller is having its moment, whether we’re thinking about tiny home living or simply looking into a more minimalist lifestyle. Here are some perks of living in a smaller home:

A smaller home price

Going for a smaller residence means you will pay less for your home. That includes either a lower rent or lower mortgage payments and lower taxes, as these expenses are usually correlated with the size of your home. Before moving to another area, research how your taxes will change, as rates are typically determined locally.

Lower utility prices and environmental footprint

It makes sense that living in a smaller space comes with lower utility prices as there is less space to heat/cool or power. You are likely to use less energy, which will be reflected in your monthly expenses too. What’s more, that also means it takes fewer resources to keep them running, which benefits all of us and the environment. Ryan Fitzgerald, realtor and owner of Up Homes also sees the merits of lower energy consumption in smaller homes: “One often overlooked advantage of smaller homes is their potential for sustainability. Contrary to popular belief, a well-designed compact space can be just as energy-efficient, if not more than its larger counterparts.”

Man scanning the QR code with app and paying utility bills using his smartphone

More disposable income

If you’re cutting down on your largest expenses – such as housing-related costs – you’re more likely to have a higher income to use as you please. You could use your extra savings to make an investment, save up for your pension or add it to your children’s college fund.

Less upkeep

If you’ve lived in a large house before, you’re probably aware of the time, effort and energy it takes to keep a home clean and in good shape. Living in smaller quarters equals a much easier time accomplishing the sometimes dreaded household chores and the usual upkeep that comes with owning a home.

A minimalist-friendly lifestyle

A smaller home to live in can have a positive effect on your well-being. You’re suddenly freed of many non-essential possessions – we all know Americans have a knack for owning things, right? – which makes you stick to the household items you really need and use. A breezy home can be mentally freeing, a vision also shared by Ryan Fitzgerald: “Apart from the budget-friendly aspect during those days, there was also the allure of simplicity. Less space meant fewer possessions and a somewhat minimalistic approach. It’s an ethos I notice gaining traction nowadays.” He contends that smaller homes have a special appeal of their own. “A sprawling mansion may have its charms, but there's something intimate about compact spaces,” Ryan also added.

Opting for a more compact living space can initially feel daunting, especially when you’re downsizing from a bigger home. However, by recalibrating one's priorities and truly understanding the essence of minimalistic living, the choice to live smaller can pave the way to a rich and rewarding lifestyle.

Making the most of your square footage: an easy guide to creating functional spaces

More than just a matter of square footage, tiny home living is a multifaceted concept. It encompasses everything from necessity and affordability to sustainability. While it's true that you can live comfortably with less, smaller homes can easily become cluttered, affecting overall well-being. To truly thrive in a small living space, organization is essential, however clichéd that might sound. Here's what to focus on to get you started on your road to small home bliss:

Start by decluttering

Organizing your new, smaller space should start with decluttering to make sure you focus on things you really use and to make your living space feel breezy and tidy. Go through your belongings and decide which items you can part ways with. It could be kitchen appliances you rarely use, clothing you don't wear anymore or furniture and pieces of décor that are no longer to your taste. After all, holding on to things you don’t use creates clutter that can have an overcrowding effect on a smaller space.

Woman donating, decluttering and cleaning up wardrobe clothes

Pick a light color scheme

To make the best use of smaller quarters, pick a light color scheme for your furnishings and décor. For instance, neutral tones can create the illusion of a larger space. You might want to add texture with rugs and throws to create a point of interest in the room. If white is to your taste, you could go monochromatic throughout the entire home or at least in one room – white bounces light around the space, making your smaller home feel more open.

Separate areas of your homes

When space is not on your side, you need to make friends with it in a new way. That often presents itself as a welcome challenge – to make the most of the space you’re given, you can use pieces of furniture and décor to separate various areas of your home. For instance, area rugs can help better define zones, for example, if your living room and bedroom are within the same space. You can also turn to curtains or tall bookcases to achieve the same effect.

Be strategic with your furniture

Furnishing your home has a dual purpose and impact: It not only adds to the overall aesthetics of the place but it can also give you new organizational spaces so you can have a place for everything.

Pick smaller furniture

It only seems natural that smaller space calls for smaller furniture. For instance, instead of a rectangular table, go for a round one in the kitchen, if you’re looking to create a cozy breakfast corner. This way, it’s easier to slide it in and out if you need it in another room.

White kitchen with long, granite countertop, round table and chairs

Go for fold-up furniture

Fold-up furniture is versatile and fun to use in tight quarters. This includes fold-up chairs which you can put away when you don’t have company. Additionally, you can invest in a fold-up desk for your home office. Being able to fold it against the wall to free up the space – whether you need it for another purpose or simply to visually create more space – can be a true boon in a small home.

The perks of using fold-up furniture are also clear to John Frigo, eCommerce Manager at Best Price Nutrition: “I got a kitchen table from Costco that's a full size but basically folds up and turns into half the size so it’s essentially a buffet. This is nice as I can keep it folded up to save space but fold it out when I have company for dinner. I have some seating that has storage in the benches so that helps.”

Give multi-functional furniture a try

Multi-purpose furniture can also help you make the most of your space. Joel Efosa, the CEO of Fire Cash Buyers, shares a similar opinion: “Invest in furniture that serves more than one purpose. For instance, a bed with storage underneath or a coffee table with drawers can provide extra space to store items.” Moreover, a credenza that doubles as a work table or an ottoman that provides seating and storage for your magazines and more. The same goes for a sitting bench, which can provide extra room for linens.”

Find small home-friendly storage solutions

You might be strapped for space in your home, but here are some ways you can make the most of it to increase the storage possibilities:

Make the most of the home’s storage potential

Homes are built with the intention of sheltering us and our belongings. That’s why it might be wise to focus on what storage solutions come with the home’s design. For instance, if you live in a house with open spaces, you’re likely to find new ways to store and manage your things. “Open concept storage is great as we can store more in the same space compared to a space with a cabinet door; plus, it motivates us to keep things looking neat and tidy,” John Kernohan from United Tiny House Association told us. If your home doesn’t come with an open-concept design plan, you can always think about remodeling it if this plan suits your lifestyle better.

You might also need to get some elbow grease in to create more storage options, especially if DIYing is right up your alley. That’s the case if you’d like to create “built-in” shelves that look like they’ve always been part of the room. Ryan Fitzgerald took up this very challenge for his home: “I'm not a stranger to the challenges of smaller homes. I remember one time when I literally had to think out of the box (and inside the wall) by creating recessed shelving.”

Turn to tall shelving units

Walls are typically untapped real estate that can get overlooked when considering in-home storage options. You can add tall shelving units to create storage – this could be for your library as well – and you can also hide certain items in storage bins. Just make sure to buy matching bins for a cohesive look.

Interior of stylish living room with wooden cabinet, shelving unit and armchair

Embrace floating shelves

For a cleaner and more stylish appearance, go for floating shelves. You can use them in your living room for décor, and also in your bedroom. They can easily replace your nightstand if you don’t have room for both. A bathroom is also a great candidate for floating shelves, as they can keep your toiletries tidy without taking up any floor space.

Hooks can be your best friend

Add hooks to your walls in certain strategic areas to increase storage, whether it’s in plain sight at the entrance – hello, new key holder! – or whether we’re talking the inside of your closet. Hooks can hold your belts, scarves and much more.

Go digital

Your paper business records can amass over the years, as do all manner of personal paraphernalia from children’s artwork to important personal documents. “Digitize when possible: instead of keeping physical books, CDs, or DVDs, consider switching to digital versions to save space,” recommends Joel Efosa.

Turn to self storage for maximizing your space at home

After optimizing your space at home, you might discover that you still can’t fit everything in. In this case, renting a self storage unit can be a real life-saver, whether we’re talking about finding a place for bulkier items such as furniture, appliances and electronics that you might still use in the future or smaller things like outdoor gear that you only use seasonally. You can rent a 10’x10’ unit, the most popular unit size, or go for a 10’x15’ or 10’x20’ unit if you’re storing several large items. You can also turn to a small unit such as a 5’x5’ or a 5’x10’ if you intend to keep clothing or hobby equipment.

Furthermore, self storage scores high on affordability, often being more cost-effective than residential spaces. Prices fluctuate based on location and specific features like climate control or unit type. To provide a clearer picture of the costs, we've listed rates for 5’x5’ storage units in several prominent cities below.


Check out how the 50 most populous cities fare in terms of home space in the table below:

Methodology

This analysis was done by RentCafe Self Storage, an online platform that provides apartment and storage unit listings across the nation.

In this analysis, we ranked the 50 most populous cities (population of over 383K people) based on their home and lot sizes. The final ranking reflects a weighted score combining single family homes sizes, residential lot sizes and apartment sizes.

Data on home and lot sizes came from our sister division PropertyShark. We included single family homes, townhouses, duplexes, triplexes and quadrupluxes under the single family home category.

For data on apartment sizes and self storage, we turned to Yardi Matrix, a business development and asset management tool for brokers, sponsors, banks and equity sources underwriting investments in the multifamily, office, industrial and self storage sectors.

Fair use and redistribution

We encourage you and freely grant you permission to reuse, host or repost the research, graphics and images presented in this article. When doing so, we ask that you credit our research by linking to RentCafe Self Storage or this page, so that your readers can learn more about this project, the research behind it and its methodology.

Share this article:

Mirela is a real estate writer and lifestyle editor for Yardi. With an academic background in English and translation, Mirela now covers a range of topics including real estate trends, lifestyle and economy. Her previous experience in proofreading academic articles has inspired Mirela to choose a writing career path. In her free time, Mirela enjoys reading, but also hiking and creating art. You can contact Mirela via email.

Related posts

Red frozen pipe with icicles hanging from a bent section, attached to a red brick building during winter.

How to Prevent Frozen Pipes: Winter-Proof Your Apartment Like a Pro

When winter hits, it’s not just your hands and feet that get cold — your apartment pipes can feel the chill too. Frozen pipes can…

Furniture in carton containers.

Furniture Storage In NYC: Expert Tips & Top-Rated Facilities For Total Peace Of Mind

A bustling metropolis with abundant job opportunities and an ever-expanding population, the Big Apple seems to have it all, except for sufficient space. Despite leading…

A stack of boxes, piled one on top of the other, near the inner entrance of an apartment complex.

How to Navigate Apartment Package Deliveries

Online shopping has completely changed how we shop, offering amazing convenience. But this boom in e-commerce has also created some new challenges for those living…