Bigger Houses May Be Stealing Our Joy
For generations, the American Dream has increasingly been equated with owning a large suburban home. But in a recent Washington Post column, Michael Coren argues that bigger houses haven’t delivered bigger happiness.
Homes have grown dramatically over the decades. New houses now average about 940 square feet per person—nearly twice the amount typical in the early 1970s. Yet studies on life satisfaction suggest that while buyers may feel a short-term boost after purchasing a large home, that happiness quickly plateaus.
Coren’s argument isn’t that spacious houses are inherently bad. Rather, he says the problem lies in what people often sacrifice to obtain them. Long hours at work, heavier debt, extended commutes, and higher maintenance costs can leave homeowners financially comfortable but emotionally drained, with less time for relationships and community.
He also notes that people tend to misjudge what will make them happy over time. The tangible costs of homeownership are often minimized, while less obvious but crucial factors—such as time with family, friendships, walkable neighborhoods, and a sense of belonging—are undervalued.
Coren stresses that he’s not advocating for tiny houses or cramped living. Instead, he believes many people are asking the wrong question. Rather than focusing solely on how much house they can afford, he suggests considering what kind of home best supports the life they actually want to live. Read full piece
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