A small neighborhood of tiny homes in Texas has become a safe haven for women looking for peace and independence.
In Cumby, Texas, about 65 miles from Dallas, a group of 11 women have built a unique lifestyle together.
They all live in small homes at a place called the Bird's Nest, where the secret to keeping things peaceful, according to them, is "no men and no drama.".
The women, who are mostly single and retired, range in age from 33 to 78.
Each pays $450 per month to rent a 10-by-30-foot concrete pad.
That price includes water and the benefits of living in what the founder describes as a "little utopia,".
The Bird’s Nest has been highlighted by Realtor.com for creating a close-knit community.
It’s not only affordable but also designed to be safe and empowering for women.
The setup allows them to maintain financial independence while also feeling supported.
Interest has grown quickly — when just one spot opened in August, 500 people applied to take it.
The community was founded in 2022 by 70-year-old Robyn Yerian. A former radiology technologist, Yerian used her retirement savings to purchase five acres of land in Cumby for $35,000.
Divorced and a mother of two, she realized living alone in retirement could be difficult financially. Having already spent five years in a two-bedroom tiny home worth $57,000, she was looking for a way to make steady income while creating something meaningful.
Yerian decided to invest $150,000 into developing the Bird’s Nest. She relocated her own tiny home onto the land and officially zoned the property as an RV park. Building the community also meant adding electricity, water, septic systems, and paved roads to support the homes.
Today, 11 women and nine dogs live there together. The houses are secure, each with its own deck and flower garden, creating a warm and personal touch to the shared environment.
"It really is paradise for us, it is completely gated – nobody can just drive in," Yerian explained in an interview with SWNS.
Every new resident goes through a careful vetting process. Prospective tenants first have a phone interview, then spend several days visiting to make sure they fit well with the community.
This step is crucial, Realtor.com reported, because the women often share meals in the outdoor kitchen and support one another with everyday needs like home repairs.
"We drive each other to doctor's appointments if needed," Yerian told Realtor.com. "We look in on each other if someone has the flu or surgery. We are each other's therapists and sounding board."
Originally, the Bird’s Nest wasn’t meant to be an all-women’s community. But over time, Yerian noticed how many women were facing challenges in retirement, and the community naturally evolved into a safe and supportive space just for them.
Yerian hopes her project can serve as a model for others who want to build similar communities in the future.
"I have encouraged others to just go for it," she said in her Realtor.com interview. "Quit saving that little bit of money and invest in a community. You will not get rich doing this, but it is a nice little cushion and the sense of community is everything."
