A cross between tiny homes and van life could help solve America's shortage of affordable starter homes

Tech Insider : Business, Travel
Julie Lennox outside her tiny home on wheels near Missoula, Montana.
Julie Lennox outside her tiny home on wheels near Missoula, Montana.

Courtesy of Julie Lennox

Are tiny homes worth it? Here are the pros and cons.

Tech Insider : Business, Style

For homebuyers priced out of the traditional market, tiny homes can be a lifeline. But they can also come with big problems, like HOA rules and zoning laws.

I paid $250 to stay in a plastic tiny house in New Zealand in the middle of winter. I thought I'd freeze, but by morning, I didn't want to leave.

Tech Insider : Travel, Travel
Insider's author in front of the geodesic dome she spent a night in during a trip to New Zealand.
Business Insider's author in front of the geodesic dome she stayed in during a trip to New Zealand.

Monica Humphries/Business Insider

I live with my partner in a 399-square-foot tiny home on wheels that cost $90,000. Take a look inside.

Tech Insider : Travel
the couple and their dog in front of tiny home
We prefer owning a tiny home on wheels instead of paying to rent an apartment.

Destiny DeJesus

We moved from a 3-bedroom house in Nashville to a 500-square-foot studio north of Rome. There are downsides, but we love it here.

Tech Insider
View of Italian countryside
The view from our terrace in Italy is amazing.

Zeneba Bowers

I'm 25 and live on a 30-foot sailboat in Southern California. It's much easier than I thought it would be and costs $820 a month.

Tech Insider
Mikaella's boat
Mikaella and Brandt on their boat in the Pacific.

Kyle Buckley.

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