[UNITED STATES] The skyrocketing cost of housing in the United States has created a broken market where many Americans find themselves struggling to afford a place to live, let alone one near their friends and family. The dream of living close to loved ones is becoming increasingly out of reach for many, leading to a growing sense of loneliness and isolation. However, some recent changes in housing laws and emerging trends in community-driven housing offer a potential solution to this crisis, allowing people to live near friends and build more supportive, connected communities.
The Impact of High Housing Costs on Social Connections
In cities across the U.S., the cost of housing has risen dramatically, making it harder for people to stay in the neighborhoods where they grew up or where their friends and family live. As a result, many individuals and families are forced to move further away from their support networks, creating a sense of isolation and increasing mental health challenges. Studies have shown that social connections are critical for emotional well-being, and when people are forced to live far from their loved ones, they often experience loneliness and a decline in quality of life.
Phil Levin, a real estate founder and behavioral scientist, discovered the impact of this issue firsthand when he and his wife, Kristen Berman, wanted to move out of their San Francisco group home to have more space for their growing family. One major obstacle was that they didn’t want to leave behind the friends they had built deep relationships with over the years. This struggle sparked Levin’s idea to start a company called Live Near Friends, which helps people find housing close to their social circles.
Levin’s business model is rooted in the belief that having a strong support network within a five-minute walk can significantly enhance a person's life. "We’re sort of opening up these new categories and types of real estate for people and trying to show them how they apply them to their own fantasy of living near friends and family," Levin explained.
Legal Changes Making It Easier to Live Near Friends
One of the key developments that is allowing people to live closer to their friends and family is the introduction of new laws in various states that promote denser, more affordable housing. In California, for example, new legislation has legalized "missing middle housing," which includes options such as duplexes, townhomes, small apartment buildings, backyard tiny homes, and even converted garages. These housing types offer more affordable living options and are better suited for communal living than the typical detached single-family homes that dominate much of American urban areas.
The rise of such housing solutions has led to a business opportunity for developers like Levin, who is working to meet the growing demand for affordable, community-oriented homes. Levin's company helps individuals find real estate options that allow them to live near their loved ones, such as buying a duplex or a lot that can house multiple small homes. This shift toward denser, mixed-use housing is not only helping to solve affordability issues but is also fostering stronger social connections and reducing feelings of loneliness.
A New Model for Housing: Building Communities, Not Just Homes
At the core of Levin’s approach is the desire to create communities where social connections are prioritized. This idea is exemplified by the Radish project in Oakland, California, which Levin helped inspire. Radish is a compound where about 20 adults and several babies live in various houses and apartments on a shared lot. The residents share communal spaces such as a hot tub, a guest trailer, and an outdoor space. By living close together, they are able to cook meals together, watch each other's children, and support one another in daily life.
This model, which focuses on shared living spaces and mutual support, stands in stark contrast to the isolating nature of traditional single-family homes in suburban neighborhoods. The communal lifestyle at Radish is not only helping to combat loneliness but also offering a more affordable way of living in urban areas. As Levin explains, "We want the people that build real estate and actually determine the physical form of our built environments to think of housing and neighborhoods as a web of social connection, rather than just a bunch of isolated, atomic housing units."
Moving Families Closer Together
Another example of how new housing laws are helping people live closer to their loved ones comes from Fremont, California, where Anjan, a Silicon Valley software engineer, is taking advantage of these laws to keep his multigenerational household together. Anjan and his wife are building a second home on their property to accommodate his parents, who want to be close to their grandchildren. This move is not only about convenience but also about improving the quality of life for the entire family.
Having his parents living steps away from their grandchildren has made a significant difference for Anjan’s family. “It really does help having the person close by or live right next to you,” he said. This proximity enables more frequent interactions and greater involvement in each other’s lives, creating a stronger, more supportive family dynamic. The ability to live near family is also a great relief for many people who may otherwise feel overwhelmed by the pressures of raising children without the help of extended family.
Addressing Loneliness Through Housing
Loneliness is a growing epidemic in the United States, with more and more people reporting feelings of isolation. The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated this issue, leading many to rethink the importance of social connections and proximity to friends and family. As individuals and families are increasingly priced out of their communities, moving away from loved ones has become a common occurrence, but the emotional toll can be significant. As studies show, living near supportive friends and family can reduce stress and improve mental health.
By focusing on communal housing solutions that prioritize proximity to loved ones, cities and developers can help alleviate the loneliness that so many Americans experience. The key is to offer affordable, denser housing options that allow people to live in close-knit communities, where they can enjoy the support of their social networks.
The Future of Housing: Creating Connected Communities
As the demand for affordable housing continues to grow, it’s clear that the traditional model of sprawling suburban subdivisions is no longer meeting the needs of many people. The future of housing in the U.S. will likely include more mixed-use, community-oriented living spaces where people can form deeper social connections and combat the loneliness that is so prevalent today.
Levin’s company, Live Near Friends, is paving the way for a new era in housing that prioritizes relationships and community. By embracing the idea of living near friends and family, individuals can not only enjoy more affordable housing options but also experience a higher quality of life through the support of their social networks.
In the end, it’s not just about having a roof over your head. It’s about creating a home where connection and community are at the forefront, where people can build stronger, more supportive relationships with the people they care about most.
As the housing market continues to evolve, the hope is that more cities and states will follow the lead of those introducing new housing laws and regulations that make it easier for people to live near the ones they love, thus improving the overall well-being of individuals and families across the country.
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