When I first became a mom, I lived in a studio apartment. It wasn’t ideal, but it was all we could afford at the time. Then when I lost my daycare subsidy, things became even more difficult financially. It’s no secret that rent is high and housing costs are rising. Finding affordable housing is becoming more difficult, especially if you’re a single mother. Luckily, there are affordable housing options for single moms or anyone currently looking for a safe place to raise their family.
Tiny Home
A tiny house is under 400 square feet. They’re often more affordable than regular houses because they cost less to build and maintain. You can personalize your home with a lofted space, and it’s large enough to hold your necessities, making them a great option for single moms who want to live in a certain area but may not have the financial means to purchase a traditional home.
Find a Roommate
Sharing costs can help relieve financial stress, so one affordable housing option as a single mom is to find a roommate. This option is perfect if you know someone you trust and would like to live with. Search for other single moms who may be looking to move. Remember, roommate situations don’t come without their drawbacks. I’ve had several heated discussions about utilities. Set ground rules and respect each other’s space to avoid conflict.
Habitat for Humanity
Habitat for Humanity is a nonprofit organization that builds homes for people in need. In addition to building houses, Habitat also has an affordable housing program. If you qualify, they will work with you to find a suitable home at an affordable price. You will volunteer your time to assist in the build of someone else’s home, and then construction begins on your new house, and you will own it in the end.
Modular Home
Modular homes are a great option once you’ve reached the point where you would like to own property. These homes are typically less expensive than traditional homes because they are built in a factory and then transported to the site. This process can cost less and typically takes less time than building a home on-site. Modular homes are different from manufactured homes and are an often-misunderstood home buying option.
Rent Controlled Apartment
If you live in a smaller city or a rural area, rent-controlled apartments may be available. You can investigate this by contacting your local housing authority to see if they have these types of programs available.
These apartments are only available to those who meet specific criteria. If you make too much money, your application will probably be rejected. The goal here is to keep the cost affordable.
Your Home Is Waiting
Consider moving to the suburbs for a lower cost of living. This can also mean cheaper childcare options. You will, however, most likely need to own a car. Commuting by car is expensive, so some careful planning is required to determine if this option is right for you based on your situation and budget.
There are plenty of affordable housing options for single moms. You just need to investigate all the options available before deciding what type of living situation will work best for your family.
