The concept of the single-family home has long been a cornerstone of American culture, offering privacy, space, and a sense of permanence. However, in many of the nation’s fastest-growing cities, the traditional single-family home is being pushed out of the market. Rising housing costs, changing preferences among buyers, and new housing policies are all contributing to this shift. Let’s take a look at 15 cities where the single-family home is becoming increasingly scarce.
1. New York City: Space Comes at a Premium
New York City is one of the most densely populated cities in the U.S., and the demand for housing has made single-family homes increasingly scarce. According to The New York Times, developers in the city are focused on high-rise buildings and luxury condos, with zoning laws that limit the development of traditional single-family homes. As a result, the few single-family homes remaining in the city are typically found far from the central areas or come with a hefty price tag. This shift has led to fewer affordable options for those looking for a typical suburban-style home in the city.
With the limited availability of space in the city, the housing market has been forced to evolve, and this trend shows no signs of slowing down. As Curbed notes, the high cost of living in New York has pushed many people to consider alternatives like townhouses or apartments. The remaining single-family homes, particularly in neighborhoods like Manhattan and Brooklyn, are often priced well beyond what the average homebuyer can afford. As a result, the dream of owning a single-family home in New York is becoming more elusive by the day.
2. San Francisco: A Housing Crisis with Limited Supply
San Francisco’s housing crisis is one of the most pressing in the nation, with skyrocketing home prices pushing single-family homes further out of reach for many residents. According to The San Francisco Chronicle, the city’s zoning laws heavily favor multi-family unit developments, which has made single-family homes increasingly rare. Developers have been focusing on constructing apartment buildings and condos to meet the demand for housing, leaving few single-family homes available. This shift has made owning a traditional home in San Francisco a dream that’s quickly slipping out of reach for the average person.
With the constant rise in home prices, even small, older single-family homes are often priced in the millions. As Business Insider points out, this trend is exacerbated by the city’s growing tech sector, which has increased demand for housing. As a result, even in the more residential neighborhoods, like the Richmond District or Sunset District, single-family homes are becoming more scarce. This push for high-density housing is making it difficult for many people to buy homes in the city.
3. Los Angeles: Urban Sprawl Takes Over
In Los Angeles, urban sprawl is taking over, with the development of sprawling apartment complexes and multi-family units becoming more common. The Los Angeles Times highlights that due to the city’s growing population, developers are focusing more on building high-density residential areas rather than traditional single-family homes. As a result, many neighborhoods that were once known for their single-family homes are now increasingly dominated by apartment buildings and condos. The demand for real estate has led to a significant shortage of land for single-family developments.
Despite the increase in apartment and condo complexes, the price of the few remaining single-family homes in Los Angeles continues to rise. According to Forbes, areas like the Hollywood Hills and Santa Monica, once home to single-family dwellings, now see fewer homes available as developers target higher-density properties. With the city’s zoning laws encouraging urbanization, the dream of owning a traditional home is becoming less attainable for many Angelenos. The shift toward multi-family housing is driving home prices higher, further pricing out middle-class buyers.
4. Seattle: Limited Land Forces Shift to Multi-Family Homes
Seattle has also seen a shift in its housing market, where the availability of land for new single-family homes has been limited by geographic constraints and increasing demand. The Seattle Times explains that developers are now focusing on building multi-family units, especially in the city’s urban core, where land is in high demand. As the demand for housing grows, single-family homes are becoming a rarer commodity, particularly in sought-after neighborhoods such as Capitol Hill and Ballard. As more families flock to Seattle for its tech job opportunities, the availability of traditional homes continues to dwindle.
Additionally, zoning laws in Seattle are increasingly restrictive, making it difficult for developers to build new single-family homes in high-demand areas. Curbed notes that many new construction projects are centered on apartment buildings or duplexes instead of single-family properties. This trend has resulted in a further increase in property values, with even smaller homes in neighborhoods like Queen Anne and West Seattle commanding high prices. For many would-be buyers, the dream of owning a standalone house in Seattle is becoming less and less likely.
5. Washington, D.C.: Gentrification and Housing Shortages
Washington, D.C. has been experiencing rapid gentrification, which has led to an increase in housing prices and a reduction in the number of single-family homes. As older neighborhoods are revitalized, developers are replacing single-family homes with multi-unit buildings. This trend is being driven by the city’s rising population and the demand for more affordable living spaces.
The expansion of multi-family housing is part of a broader trend toward urbanization, as more residents opt for smaller living spaces closer to work and amenities. While single-family homes are still found in certain areas of D.C., they are increasingly out of reach for most potential buyers. With prices continuing to climb, it is likely that this trend will only accelerate.
6. Boston: Historic Homes at a Premium
Boston is another city where the single-family home is becoming a rarity. As one of the oldest cities in the U.S., Boston has a large stock of historic single-family homes. However, the high cost of land and the city’s desire for more sustainable housing options are pushing developers toward multi-family units.
The demand for single-family homes in Boston is driven by families looking for spacious, private living areas. However, with limited land and high demand, many buyers are being priced out. Multi-unit developments are increasingly becoming the solution to the city’s housing crisis, making single-family homes a rare find in many neighborhoods.
7. Miami: The Luxury Condo Boom
Miami has long been a hotspot for luxury real estate, but the trend toward multi-unit living is becoming more pronounced. With rising property prices and limited space, developers are building more high-rise condos and apartment buildings. This shift has made single-family homes less common in certain neighborhoods, particularly along the waterfront.
As a result, many of Miami’s wealthier residents are opting for luxurious condos instead of single-family homes. The city’s thriving tourism industry and influx of international buyers have only increased the demand for multi-unit housing. For those seeking single-family homes, it has become increasingly difficult to find affordable options in desirable areas.
8. Chicago: From Suburban Sprawl to Urban Density
Chicago has historically been a city of both suburban sprawl and dense urban development. However, as land in the city’s core becomes more valuable, developers are focusing on high-density housing. This trend has resulted in a decline in the availability of single-family homes, especially in areas that were once dominated by them.
As young professionals flock to the city for work and amenities, the demand for smaller, more affordable living spaces is growing. While some suburban areas still offer single-family homes, many are now seeing an increase in apartment complexes and townhouses. As the housing market continues to evolve, the single-family home is becoming less common in Chicago’s urban core.
9. Austin: A Growing City With Shrinking Space
Austin’s rapid growth and booming tech industry have made it one of the fastest-growing cities in the U.S. However, this growth has led to a scarcity of land for new developments. As a result, developers are turning to multi-unit housing to meet the needs of the city’s increasing population. The growing demand for affordable housing is pushing many residents toward rental options rather than single-family homes.
With housing prices continuing to rise, many prospective buyers are being priced out of the single-family market. While suburban areas around Austin may still have single-family homes, the central city has become increasingly dominated by apartment buildings and other high-density housing options. As Austin continues to grow, the trend of multi-unit living is likely to take over, making single-family homes even rarer.
10. Denver: Limited Space and Rising Demand
Denver, like many other growing cities, is facing a housing shortage that is making single-family homes harder to come by. As the city continues to expand, the demand for housing has outpaced the available supply. Developers are increasingly turning to high-density, multi-family units to meet this demand, leaving single-family homes less common in certain parts of the city.
Rising property values and limited land availability are pushing many would-be homeowners toward smaller, more affordable living spaces. This shift has led to a surge in apartment buildings and condos, particularly in areas like LoDo and Capitol Hill. As Denver continues to grow, single-family homes may become even less accessible for future buyers.
11. Phoenix: Expanding Urban Limits
Phoenix has seen an influx of new residents in recent years, driven by its affordable cost of living and thriving job market. However, this growth has led to a shortage of single-family homes in desirable neighborhoods. Developers are focusing on building multi-family housing to keep up with the demand for housing.
As property values rise, many residents are finding it difficult to afford single-family homes. This has led to an increase in demand for rental properties and shared living spaces. With limited space for expansion, the trend toward multi-family housing is likely to continue, leaving fewer single-family homes available in the future.
12. Portland: The Shift Toward Density
Portland, Oregon, has long been known for its laid-back lifestyle and ample green spaces. However, with the city’s population growing, the demand for housing has put pressure on the availability of single-family homes. Developers are increasingly building higher-density housing to accommodate the rising number of residents.
This shift toward multi-unit buildings is making single-family homes harder to find in central Portland. As the city becomes more urbanized, younger buyers are opting for apartments and townhouses closer to work and amenities. The demand for single-family homes continues to decrease, making them increasingly rare in the city’s core.
13. Dallas: More Units, Fewer Homes
Dallas is another city where the traditional single-family home is becoming less common. As the city expands, developers are focusing on building more multi-family units to meet the needs of an increasing population. Rising land costs and zoning restrictions have made it difficult to develop single-family homes in the heart of the city.
This trend has led to a growing number of apartment complexes and townhouses, particularly in popular neighborhoods like Uptown and Oak Lawn. As property values continue to climb, the availability of single-family homes in these areas is shrinking.
14. Atlanta: A Changing Housing Landscape
Atlanta’s housing market has experienced significant changes in recent years. As the city’s population grows, demand for housing has shifted from single-family homes to more affordable, multi-unit options. Developers are building more high-density housing to meet this demand, especially in the city’s expanding downtown and Midtown areas.
With rising housing prices, many families are opting for smaller living spaces. Single-family homes are becoming harder to find, particularly in the most desirable neighborhoods.
15. Houston: The Urbanization Shift
Houston has seen significant growth over the past decade, and with it, a shift away from single-family homes. Developers are increasingly focused on high-density housing to accommodate the city’s expanding population. As a result, single-family homes are becoming less common in central Houston, particularly in neighborhoods near the downtown area.
With property prices continuing to rise, many potential homeowners are choosing apartment buildings or townhouses instead of traditional single-family homes. This trend is expected to continue as Houston grows and urbanizes further.
