Tiny Homes, Big Dreams: Building Community in Atlanta


Imagine living in a cozy, modern cottage in a neighborhood where everyone knows your name. That’s the reality for residents of South Park Cottages, a unique tiny home community in Atlanta, Georgia.

South Park Cottages is the first Black-developed and Black-owned tiny home community in the United States. It was created by Booker T. Washington, a visionary developer who wanted to make homeownership more affordable and community-focused. His goal was to help people build wealth and strong neighborhoods through smart design and shared values.

Washington was a guest speaker at the Neighborhoods USA conference in 2025, which is where I heard him speak and also saw a video about this development.

The community features 29 stylish cottages, each ranging from 500 to 1,000 square feet. These homes are thoughtfully designed with modern touches like smart home technology, energy-efficient appliances, and sleek interiors. Despite their small size, the homes feel spacious and comfortable.

But South Park Cottages is more than just a collection of houses—it’s a place where neighbors connect. The layout encourages interaction, with shared green spaces and walkable paths. Residents often gather for events, share meals, and support each other, creating a true sense of belonging.

This tiny home community is also helping to address larger issues like housing affordability and urban density. By building smaller homes on smaller lots, South Park Cottages makes it possible for more people to own homes in desirable areas without the high costs typically associated with city living.

The success of South Park Cottages shows that innovative housing solutions can create vibrant, inclusive communities. It’s a model that other cities might look to as they seek ways to provide affordable housing and strengthen neighborhoods.

In a world where housing costs are rising and people crave connection, South Park Cottages offers a hopeful example of how thoughtful design and a focus on community can make a big difference. It reminds us that sometimes, living small can lead to big opportunities.

Written by David L. Burton

MORE INFORMATION

Take the Engaged Neighbor pledge and become part of a movement! The pledge outlines five categories and 20 principles to guide you toward becoming an engaged neighbor. Sign the pledge at https://nomoregoodneighbors.com. Individuals who take the pledge do get special invitations to future events online and in person. Contact the blog author, David L. Burton via email at dburton541@yahoo.com or visit his website at http://engagedneighbor.com.

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