Deciding on the size of the living space actually depends on what its owner would consider a priority--a sprawling lot where an enormous provision and expansion can be expected, or a smaller one where a cozier and easier-to-manage abode can be erected.
Researchers from realtor.com® have analyzed 1.8 million listings of single-family homes and condominium units in major metropolitan markets in order to find out the biggest and smallest homes in the country, based on median square footage.
"Areas with the most population density have the least amount of developable land, and what you get for your money is usually least where land is most valued," says realtor.com® chief economist, Jonathan Smoke. "The size of newly built homes has grown over time. It's not surprising to see markets with old housing stock ranking highly for small homes," Smoke added.
Here are the places where you can find the country's smallest homes and their sizes:
1. Jersey City, New Jersey - Median square footage: 1,019
2. Honolulu, Hawaii - Median square footage: 1,024
3. Detroit, Michigan - Median square footage: 1,026
4. Des Moines, Iowa - Median square footage: 1,096
5. Yonkers, New York - Median square footage: 1,100
6. Washington, D.C. - Median square footage: 1,154
7. Boston, Massachusetts - Median square footage: 1,233
8. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania - Median square footage: 1,240
9. Oakland, California - Median square footage: 1,275
10. Baltimore, Maryland - Median square footage: 1,280
On the other hand, you can find the largest homes in these places:
1. Aurora, Colorado - Median square footage: 2,900
2. Plano, Texas - Median square footage: 2,817
3. Scottsdale, Arizona - Median square footage: 2,584
4. Colorado Springs, Colorado - Median square footage: 2,555
5. Gilbert, Arizona - Median square footage: 2,453
6. Chandler, Arizona - Median square footage: 2,289
7. San Antonio, Texas - Median square footage: 2,236
8. Houston, Texas - Median square footage: 2,208
9. Raleigh, North Carolina - Median square footage: 2,206
10. Portland, Oregon - Median square footage: 2,186
