The tiny home trend is taking off across the nation, but more people in the Austin area are turning to smaller dwellings as a way to combat the area's affordability issues. Relatively inexpensive, tiny homes can be an ideal alternative to cope with continuing rise in home prices, which have now reached a median price of $322,478 for a single-family residence.

Several communities designed to meet the burgeoning demand for affordable housing are underway in the Austin area. Here’s a look at four local tiny home 'hoods opening big doors to smaller living.

Constellation ATX

On tap along Old Manchaca Road in South Austin is Constellation ATX, which will accommodate more than 80 tiny homes on a little over six acres.

Prices for the “micro” homes — with preapproved models built by two companies, Kasita and I.M. Homes — start around $90,000. On top of that, monthly rental of a home lot ranges from $725 to $1,050. The rent includes HOA fees, trash and recycling services, and property taxes on the land. But you’re on your own when it comes to electric, water, internet, cable, and phone services.

Constellation ATX is taking reservations for home lots, with each future resident paying a fully refundable $500 deposit. According to the community’s website, the first phase is coming later this year.

Among the amenities set for Constellation ATX are bike racks, a “natural” swimming pool, an outdoor fireplace, and a clubhouse equipped with a commercial kitchen and Wi-Fi service. The site is about 10 miles south of downtown Austin.

Pecan Meadow Village

Stinson’s Tiny Dwelling Co. is also developing a tiny home community near downtown Kyle called Pecan Meadow Village.

Four hundred tiny homes are expected to be added over four phases; each home will measure 200 to 400 square feet. Home prices will range from $80,000 to $120,000, according to the Community Impact newspaper. In addition, homeowners will have to lease their lots.

Tiny Dwelling is accepting reservations for spaces at Pecan Meadow Village.

Village Farm

The Village Farm tiny home community, nestled in the far reaches of East Austin near Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard and Decker Lane, promises the “simple life” in a sustainable setting.

The hub of this so-called “agrihood” is a parcel of farmland. Residents enjoy eco-conscious features such as solar roofs, recycled building materials, composting, water-efficient fixtures, and rainwater harvesting.

Homes cost anywhere from $70,000 to $140,000. In addition, there’s a $600-a-month fee for lot rental. In total, six models measuring 399 square feet each are available. The developer is currently hosting weekly open houses where potential residents can tour homes and check out the neighborhood.

Manor Tiny Wildlife Resort

Manor Tiny Wildlife Resort is aimed at people who want to park their tiny homes for the short term or long term. The initial phase of the 75.5-acre project — northeast of Manor near U.S. Highway 290 and State Highway 130 — calls for 16 lots.

A “primitive” lot will rent for $350 a month for those who don’t need electrical or sewage hookups. A full-service lot will go for $500 a month. Every renter will have access to a small outdoor shed, parking for two cars, and a small fenced area for pets or gardening.

The goal “is to create a community with outdoor movies, walking trails, community barbecues, kennels, laundry facilities, and an amenity center,” according to TinyPortableCedarCabins.com.