Do Bigger Homes Result in More Happiness?

Part of the traditional American dream is owning a big house, and data shows that homes in the U.S. have grown bigger, despite households getting smaller. But what size homes do Americans really want, and is bigger always better? 

The average newly built U.S. home now includes more than 940 square feet per person, up significantly from about 550 square feet per person in 1973, according to the Washington Post and U.S. Census data.  

However, the Washington Post reports that, according to the numbers, “After a brief initial burst of satisfaction with new homes, people typically report their life satisfaction returning to near its prior state. In many cases, it even declines.” 

When it comes to homes with higher square footage, homeowners can be especially unhappier. 

“Take features like home theaters, formal dining rooms and game rooms,” the Post says. “These often turn into expensive dead zones – pricey square footage that is very rarely used. Rather than social hubs, they serve as glorified storage for our stuff. Clutter is clearly equated with unhappiness.” 

In addition, larger suburban homes often come with more debt, longer commutes, more maintenance and other added stressors – not to mention an often-felt need to “keep up with the Joneses” and compare home sizes.  

In recent years, other data has shown that many Americans are seeking better homes instead of bigger ones, and builders often build bigger homes than buyers want.  

Still, bigger homes can bring a sense of lasting happiness to owners, and overall satisfaction often relies on other factors besides square footage – like family size, lifestyle, location and more. 

For many Americans, owning a larger home is an accomplishment to take pride in, a symbol of achievement, and a sign of what’s to come. Larger homes provide room to grow, host loved ones and create flexible spaces that support both work and relaxation. 

Ultimately, it’s up to each buyer to decide what size home best fits their needs, as what brings happiness and functionality to one household may not for another.