70-Year-Old Woman Invests $150K to Build All-Women Tiny Home Community in Texas

CUMBY, Texas — What began as one woman’s bold idea has blossomed into a viral model for community living. Robyn, 70, used $150,000 of her retirement savings to establish The Bird’s Nest, an all-women tiny home neighborhood designed for women ages 60 to 80 seeking affordable housing, companionship, and support.

Building The Bird’s Nest

Robyn first lived in a tiny home herself before realizing she could build a community for women like her. After months of searching, she purchased five acres of unincorporated land outside Dallas, where zoning laws allowed her to develop the project.

“I had the need, and I knew the money in there would not help me in retirement,” Robyn explained. “So I just took a leap of faith.”

She built 14 tiny homes, each renting for about $450 a month, and today 11 women call the neighborhood home. The community quickly gained attention online, drawing over 500 applications for just a handful of spots.

A Culture of Support and Respect

Residents say The Bird’s Nest is more than just a housing solution. Women share daily routines — from coffee under the community pavilion to evening gatherings — and care for one another during illness or recovery.

“If somebody has surgery, we all take turns driving her to appointments, making meals, or just checking in,” Robyn said.

A strict “no drama” policy helps maintain peace. Disagreements are addressed openly, with conversations ending on mutual respect. “We have to respect each other, and we all do,” Robyn said.

Demand for Affordable Options

The Bird’s Nest has struck a chord nationally, especially as housing costs climb for seniors. Robyn says her project proves alternative models can work, though she believes its closeness stems from the shared life stage of its residents.

“The majority of tiny home dwellers are retired women,” she noted. “That’s who this works for.”

Looking Ahead

While she hopes others will replicate her model elsewhere, Robyn admits she isn’t sure what the future holds for The Bird’s Nest once the founding residents are gone.

Still, she sees the community as a success. “We are a community,” she said. “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.”

Would you consider joining a tiny home community like The Bird’s Nest, or do you prefer traditional retirement living? Share your thoughts in the comments on SaludaStandard-Sentinel.com.