In 2015, the median size of a new single-family house was 2,467 square feet, the biggest on record, according to Census Bureau data released in June. Yet in recent years, Americans have become increasingly infatuated with tiny home living.

The small home trend has captivated folks with a variety of rationales: young people with enough student loan debt to make a traditional home purchase impractical, those who want to make less of an impact on the environment, people who can’t or don’t want to pay traditional home prices, older people who are ready to downsize for their retirement years, and young people who want to spend their money on adventure rather than housing.

For the most part, the people embracing the tiny house movement say it’s a matter of simple living and being more mindful about how we live. Advantages such as financial and emotional freedom, a greener lifestyle, and the satisfaction of building your own refuge are more valuable than square footage.

“Most of our customers are downsizing as a means to attain more independence, more self-sufficiency, and a more simplified lifestyle,” said Coles Whalen with Colorado Springs-based EcoCabins. “Downsizing means less stress, less responsibility, and less upkeep which results in more free time and more money for the things that they want to do.”

Tiny houses first became news in Colorado Springs last year when the 390-square-foot “Morrison Home” model built by EcoCabins was entered in the 2015 Parade of Homes. The one-bedroom, one-bath cabin with a loft and front and back porches was voted a People’s Choice Award.

“EcoCabins enjoys helping people transition to tiny,” Whalen said. “Whether they are downsizing from 2,500 square feet to 1,000 square feet, or into a tiny home with less than 400 square feet, they are choosing to live a more intentional lifestyle and we want to support that.”

There are really only two varieties of tiny houses, and some are bigger than others. The tiniest houses are less than 200 square feet and are basically stylish recreational vehicles, built on wheels and able to move from place to place. Although tiny house villages, cozy communities of tiny homes grouped together, are actually popping up all over the country.

The tiny home living crusade also includes homes of less than 1,000 square feet, built in a conventional manner and intended for a permanent location. Some very appealing versions of these homes include creative design features that maximize the use of the space while also being more environmental, more economical and requiring less upkeep.

If you’d like to get an up-close and personal look at some tiny house options, take the family out to the National Tiny House Jamboree August 5 – 7, 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., on the Air Force Academy Campus.

Meet with people already drawn in to the movement, speak with leaders in the industry, and learn about the latest developments.  Keynote speakers will be on-hand along with book signings and some amazing models from professional builders.

Fun for the whole family includes food trucks, music and prizes, as well as a builder award competition.