Our Principles

MicroLife specializes in developing “Pocket Neighborhoods”. We believe there is room for homes that come in all shapes and sizes, that meet the needs of all kinds of people in a way that creates complete neighborhoods, reduces carbon footprints, brings our communities together, allows people to age in place with dignity, and adds critical missing middle housing stock to the market.

Naturally Affordable

LEVERAGING MISSING MIDDLE PRINCIPLES TO SPEND EFFICIENTLY

Pocket Neighborhoods utilize low-cost residential construction techniques with shared use of land that yield naturally affordable units without subsidy. This allows us to achieve quantity AND quality, and increase access to existing desirable neighborhoods.

Spatial Efficiency

ALL THE SPACE YOU NEED, NONE YOU DON’T

Our projects aren’t always “Tiny Houses”, but they do strive to eliminate wasted space and encourage doing more with less. Whether it’s individual cottages, attached dwellings, or apartments— we strive to pack great experience into a small package.

Connecting Community

GENTLE DENSITY NATURALLY YIELDS A SENSE OF COMMUNITY

Pocket Neighborhoods tend to be “just right” sized to allow connection, collaboration, and shared ownership of common spaces without the overwhelming anonymity of large scale multi-family developments. Neighbors know and can support one another.

Walkability & Transit

REDUCING OUR RELIANCE ON CARS & DISCOURAGING AMENITY DESERTS

Our ideal projects make more efficient use of existing infrastructure and municipal services. Residents have improved access to amenities—such as parks, schools, and retail—and development in areas that put transit and other amenities in walkable distances.

A Commitment to Inclusivity and Equitability.

Creating Equal Opportunities in Homeownership

Our naturally-affordable cottages sell well below average home prices, even without subsidy. This increases access to homeownership for people who may otherwise be stuck in a multi-generational cycle of renting. Our buyers can build equity in their homes and invest in the future of their families for generations to come.

Improving Access to High-Demand Neighborhoods

Our more efficient use of land and the lower costs of constructing small cottages introduces naturally affordable homes in existing desirable neighborhoods. People who have been prevented – through policies or pricing – from living in the neighborhood of their dreams have an opportunity to purchase a home there.

Preventing Disruption & Displacement

Atlanta has numerous neighborhoods experiencing pressure from growth and development. Existing homeowners and residents are often displaced – and communities are fractured – by rising property taxes and a strong incentive to sell their homes. Adding new naturally affordable housing creates options to remain in their communities and share in the success of their growth.

Strengthening Communities

MicroLife developments are built to encourage a sense of community and collaboration between residents. Residents of pocket neighborhoods know and support each other. People with similar cultural backgrounds can build stronger ties, and people from different cultures, household composition, and ages can build stronger ties through shared experiences and central amenities.