70-Year-Old Woman Builds Affordable All-Female Tiny Home Community in Texas with $150,000 Investment

By Ronald Rodriguez Last updated Oct 1, 2025

Cumby, Texas – In a remarkable demonstration of vision and courage, 70-year-old Robyn has transformed her retirement savings into The Bird’s Nest, an innovative all-female tiny home community offering affordable and supportive living for women aged 60 to 80. Nestled on five acres in Cumby, Texas, this unique neighborhood is redefining senior living by combining independence with a close-knit network of companionship and care.

With only 14 homes available, The Bird’s Nest has attracted over 500 applicants, signaling a growing demand for alternative living arrangements that emphasize community and affordability. Robyn’s bold investment of $150,000 from her 401(k) has created more than just housing — it has built a model of empowerment, respect, and mutual support for senior women.

The Vision That Sparked The Bird’s Nest

Robyn’s journey began with a simple idea inspired by her own experience living in a tiny house community. She recognized an opportunity not only to generate income but also to fill a gap in senior living options. “I bought a tiny house and lived in a tiny house community, and then decided, hey, I could do some passive income with my 401(k),” she shared.

Determined to create a space where senior women could live affordably and with dignity, Robyn searched extensively for appropriate land zoned for tiny homes, finally settling on an unincorporated plot designated as an RV park outside Dallas. “Tiny houses are not allowed in many areas,” she explained, emphasizing the challenges she overcame to make The Bird’s Nest a reality.

Community Culture Rooted in Support and Honesty

The Bird’s Nest isn’t just about the size or cost of housing—it’s about building a sustainable community. With rent starting at $450 a month, the residents invest in more than roofs over their heads; they invest in companionship, shared errands, and mutual care.

Each day begins with morning coffee under their communal pavilion, a space the residents fondly call their “kitchen.” Robyn, often the early riser, describes the property maintenance work that keeps everyone connected: mowing, gardening, and simple acts of stewardship.

An essential rule of the community is maintaining a drama-free environment where open, honest communication is encouraged. “Anything that we have, you have to come out and discuss it,” Robyn explained. “We end the conversation with, ‘No feelings hurt. This is just my perspective.’” This practice has fostered a culture of trust and respect that strengthens bonds among neighbors.

“We have to respect each other, and we all do. To me, that’s a true friend.” – Robyn

A Model for Affordable Senior Living Across the Nation

The viral success of The Bird’s Nest has caught national attention, with many seeing it as a replicable model for affordable, supportive senior housing. Robyn acknowledges this potential but notes the distinctiveness of her community’s age and lifestyle dynamics. “I think it can be replicated absolutely for other age groups, but I don’t think it would be quite the same community,” she said.

She observes that the majority of tiny home residents in this demographic are retired women, citing that 80 to 89 percent of tiny home dwellers are women in retirement, which contributes to the tight-knit, low-drama community they enjoy.

The Bird’s Nest currently houses 11 women aged 60 to 80, primarily single, divorced, or widowed.
Monthly rent starts at $450, affordable compared to traditional senior living options.
The community offers companionship, shared responsibilities, and emotional support.
The property spans five acres in Cumby, Texas, zoned as an RV park to accommodate tiny homes.

The Heart and Future of The Bird’s Nest

Beyond practicality, The Bird’s Nest exemplifies female empowerment, kindness, and a shared commitment to uplift one another. “It’s all about women empowering women. We can’t knock women down. We have to embrace each other and take the extra step to be kind,” Robyn said passionately.

While the future sustainability of the community after the founding residents move on remains uncertain, the buzz and attention it has generated may inspire similar projects nationwide.

“I hope that other people see all of this, all the buzz, and that they try to replicate and do one.” – Robyn

Named playfully after Robyn herself, The Bird’s Nest stands as a testimony to what one person’s leap of faith, backed by kindness and resilience, can create. As thousands learn about this inspiring community, its message is clear: affordable, supportive senior living is possible—and powerful.

For more insights on this innovative community, visit the original People article.

What do you think about this inspiring senior living community? Have you ever considered tiny home living or know someone who has? Share your thoughts in the comments below!