N
estled 65 miles northeast of Dallas in Cumby, Texas, the Bird’s Nest is a tiny‑home enclave that has captured the imagination of many, especially women. Eleven residents—mostly single or retired, ranging from 33 to 78—pay $450 a month for a 10‑by‑30‑foot concrete pad that already includes water and a host of amenities. The community’s guiding principle is simple: no men, no drama.

    Founded in 2022 by 70‑year‑old Robyn Yer ian, the project began when she invested her retirement savings to buy five acres for $35,000 and spent an additional $150,000 to build the site. Yer ian, a former radiology tech and divorced mother of two, had lived in a $57,000 tiny home for five years and sought a way to generate passive income. She zoned the land as an RV park, installed electric, water, septic, and paved roads, and moved her own tiny home onto the property.

    The Bird’s Nest now hosts nine dogs, each in a secure setting, and the homes feature decks and flower gardens. The entire compound is gated, preventing uninvited entry. Residents share a communal outdoor kitchen, and maintenance is handled by neighbors. The selection process is thorough: prospective tenants first have a phone interview, then a multi‑day visit, ensuring they fit the community’s ethos. Once accepted, residents support one another—driving each other to appointments, checking on those ill or recovering, and serving as informal therapists.

    Although the community began without a gender focus, it naturally evolved into a haven for women facing retirement challenges. Yer ian hopes her model will inspire others to build similar spaces. “Invest in a community instead of hoarding a little extra,” she says. “It won’t make you rich, but it offers a financial cushion and an invaluable sense of belonging.”