Tiny-home builder Escape Homes' Escape Tampa Bay neighborhood has become a warm-weathered haven for lovers of downsized living. Its units, mostly under 400 square feet, are sprawled across a lush, gated property filled with community spaces, front lawns, and neighbors who share the same passion for tiny living.
The only difference between this community and the average American neighborhood is the size of the homes.
And this appeal has spurred a buying and renting frenzy: Most of the homes have been snatched up right as they've hit the market, Dan Dobrowolski, the founder and CEO of Escape Homes, told Business Insider in 2023.
Last year, all six of the neighborhood’s rental-only units were claimed within 36 hours of being listed, Dobrowolski said.
Before that, almost all of the other over 25 homes at Escape Tampa Bay were sold within two months, starting at $95,000. There are no more units available for purchase.
But tiny-home enthusiasts now have another shot at moving to Escape’s sunny community — so long as they’re ready to pay $1,395 a month for a furnished 213-square-foot box.
At least this rent also includes water, sewage, garbage, landscape maintenance, and access to neighborhood amenities like the pool.
To compare, the average monthly rent for a Tampa studio apartment — at an average of 503 square feet — is $1,575, according to Apartments.com.
Escape Tampa Bay's apartment has a loftier cost per square foot than its neighboring city's average (the community is technically located outside Tampa in Thonotosassa, Florida).
But before you write it off, let’s look around the recently listed unit — and see why it could still be rented out fast.
Just be warned, this tour won't take long. The home, based on Escape's Boho XL Wide 213-square-foot tiny-home model, is exactly as its name suggests: tiny.
Unlike the previous six rentals, the original buyers still own this home, opting to rent it out instead.
Outside, the unit flexes an outdoor deck and driveway.
Inside, there are only two rooms: the bathroom and the living room.
Despite Florida's infamously warm weather, the pine-lined interior evokes the feeling of a cabin in the mountains.
The queen bed, kitchen, dining table, closet, and couch all fit in the living room.
It may be small, but the kitchen still has the typical amenities — minus a dishwasher.
To save space, the table can flip up while the couch can fold flat, according to its builder.
And yes, the home comes with a TV.
Onto the second room: the bathroom.
This one has the expected features plus a bathtub and a combination washer-dryer.
And that’s it. As promised, it’s a small home.
A house this size isn't for most renters. But given how popular the other units in Escape Tampa Bay have been, there's a chance it could be snatched up within the next several days.
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