Retirement means different things to different people. While many dream of grand vacations or picking up new hobbies, some see it as an opportunity to simplify their lives. With grown-up kids and no need to stay close to work or family, downsizing becomes an appealing option.

For those on a fixed income, cutting expenses is a smart move. Sandy Brooks, at 77, chose a unique gift for her 75th birthday – a tiny home in a community called Escalante Village in Durango, Colorado.

This tiny house community has 24 homes, with some residents building their own and others getting them made. Sandy went for one made by Simblissity Tiny Homes.

The community is diverse, with retirees like Sandy, along with therapists, engineers, professionals, and woodworkers. Despite their differences, they share a common goal – to live simply and with intention.

The village lots are small, just 20 ft x 40 ft, but they can fit a tiny home, a deck, a garden, and two parking spaces. Unlike typical tiny homes, these houses are close together. Some people criticize the proximity, but residents don’t mind. They value their privacy but are also open to chatting with neighbors when outside.

Sandy used to live in a large home before retirement, but as she downsized her belongings, her 1,000 sq. ft. house felt too big. Intrigued by the tiny house movement, she chose Simblissity Tiny Homes after seeing a sample. Now, she has no regrets. Even her initially skeptical brothers, one an architect and the other an engineer, changed their minds when they saw how happy she is.

In her big house, cleaning took up a significant part of Sandy’s time. Now, she enjoys biking, hiking, and talking to neighbors outside her tiny home in Escalante Village.