Architects and Urban Planners Question the American Dream of Larger Homes
The concept of the American Dream house has evolved over the decades, with a growing number of Americans, particularly Millennials and Gen Z, favoring smaller, more walkable communities over the traditional large suburban homes. This shift is partly due to the high cost of real estate, making homeownership a distant dream for many. The term 'missing middle housing,' coined by architect Daniel Parolek, highlights the lack of medium-density housing options like row houses, which are smaller and more affordable than single-family homes. Despite their benefits, such as reduced heating and cooling costs and efficient land use, row houses face zoning challenges and a perception issue, being seen as less prestigious than detached homes. Historically, the 20th century saw a trend towards larger homes, driven by government policies and the perception of homes as financial assets. However, the current trend suggests a preference for community-oriented living spaces. 
