House size is measured by square footage, not all of which is usable. The average house size in all of the United States is 2,500 square feet – but that doesn’t mean that it’s the right size for you.
Aiming for the right house size means weighing a lot of variables. For some, a single-bedroom condo could be perfect. For others, a few extra bedrooms will do the trick.
How do you determine your ideal house size? What factors should you take into consideration before looking at local listings?
Read on to learn everything you need to know about picking the perfect house size for you.
Design vs. Square Footage
You can’t choose the perfect house based on square footage, alone. For example, a 3,000 square foot house may sound like plenty of room for your family of five, but what happens if the house only has two bedrooms?
Square footage can give you an indication of how big a house is, but it doesn’t disclose its function. When you’re in the market for a new home, you’re going to need to see pictures and a layout (and take a tour of the home in person) to really get a feel for how that space is working.
Think about your ideal lifestyle and how space plays into that. If you love to cook, you may want to prioritize a larger, up-to-date kitchen. If hosting large gatherings is your thing, you’ll need to make sure that all that square footage isn’t quartered off into private bedrooms.
Ultimately, size isn’t everything if the design and function of the home don’t meet your needs.
Understanding Your Local Real Estate Market
Taking an average of house sizes across the United States won’t give you a great idea of what’s available in your local real estate market–or what’s affordable.
For example, 2,500 square feet in a city like New York or Los Angeles is a rare find. The price per square foot in a highly-populated area, where real estate is always in demand, isn’t going to come cheap.
However, 2,500 square feet may be considered small in a more rural or suburban area where the price per square foot is low and single-family homes are more popular than condos or duplexes.
The best way to find out more about your local real estate market and how much “house” you can get with your housing budget is to work with a real estate agent. They can go well beyond the national average to tell you more about the types of properties available in your area and the designs that tend to work best for people with your needs and taste.
View more here about what a real estate agent can do for you, with Craig Mullins also explaining how superb SEO can help get your home sold quicker than the average rate.
Does Bigger Mean Better?
As the average home size continues to grow in the United States, some homeowners are wondering if a bigger house is really better. Nashville real estate expert Matt Ward helped us out with the question. He said, “While a larger home may have more space and amenities, it also comes with increased costs, including higher utility bills and property taxes. Some experts say that the key to happiness is not necessarily a bigger house, but a well-designed one that meets your needs. Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to buy a bigger house depends on your specific circumstances.”
Is the Average House Size in the US Right for You?
The average house size in the US is 2,500 square feet, but that doesn’t mean that you should expect a home of this size in your area. Depending on where you live, your budget, and your needs, you may find that a house that’s 2,500 square feet doesn’t fit the bill.
Looking for more tips and information about the real estate market? Take a look at our content and learn everything you need to know about making an informed decision.
