In light of the current economy, families are re-prioritizing and finding ways to do more with less.  When it comes to housing, some families are also deciding that less is more.

The median size of  new homes, growing from less than 1,000 square feet in the 1950s to over 2,400 square feet in 2004, has trended back down recently.

In 2008, the median home size was 2,200 square feet. With the current recession, expect home sizes to shrink more.  According to a survey conducted by the American Institute of Architects (AIA), Americans are increasingly looking at smaller homes and lower ceilings, in part because of energy costs. “Home sizes have been trending down recently,” said AIA chief economist Kermit Baker. “The era of the ‘McMansion’ could well be over.”

This housing trend, along with other movements in the housing and building industries, such as geothermal heating and cooling, solar and wind generated power, recycled building materials, and nontoxic paints and carpets, is gaining momentum.  There’s never been a better time to really go green, and … just maybe… go off the grid too.