70-Year-Old Woman Invests $150,000 and Builds All-Female Tiny Home Community in Texas

In the quiet town of Cumby, Texas, something remarkable is taking shape: a tiny home village exclusively for women seeking connection, independence, and a sense of belonging.

Spread across five acres, the property features compact homes arranged like pieces of a puzzle, each one representing a story of resilience and new beginnings — and the concept is capturing attention online.

At the heart of it all is 70-year-old Robyn, who turned her retirement savings into a bold experiment in community living.

“I bought a tiny house and lived in a tiny house community, and then decided, hey, I could do some passive income with my 401(k),” Robyn tells PEOPLE, recalling the idea that would eventually evolve into The Bird’s Nest.

The Bird’s Nest now shelters 11 women, ages 60 to 80, most of whom are single, divorced, or widowed. Rent starts at $450 a month, but the real value lies in companionship and a built-in support network, something rarely found in traditional retirement options.

Finding the right property was a challenge. “Tiny houses are not allowed in many areas… it has to be unincorporated land,” Robyn explains. She spent months looking for a location that was affordable yet accessible, eventually zoning the land as an RV park.

Robyn invested $150,000 from her 401(k) to build 14 tiny homes — a leap of faith fueled by a belief in her vision. “I’m not a person that dwells on what ifs,” she says. “I had the need, and I knew that the money in there would not help me in retirement… so I just took a leap of faith.”

Today, mornings at The Bird’s Nest begin with coffee under a shared pavilion, the community’s heart and “kitchen.” Robyn, an early riser, tends to the property while her neighbors ease into the day. Evenings are reserved for gathering, checking in, and sharing meals.

Central to the village’s harmony is a simple rule: no drama. “Anything that we have, you have to come out and discuss it,” Robyn says. “We end the conversation with, ‘No feelings hurt. This is just my perspective.’ ” This approach fosters open communication and mutual respect, creating a strong foundation for friendship.

The appeal of this lifestyle has far exceeded expectations. Of the 14 homes, only one was available at the time of the interview, and more than 500 women were on the waiting list. “It’s almost like a first-come, first-served that has all the boxes checked,” Robyn says.

Once a resident joins, the care extends beyond shared chores. “If somebody has surgery, we all take turns providing meals, rides, and support,” Robyn shares. “We can read each other. Someone will come out and ask, ‘Hey, are you okay?’ ”

Robyn admits that running the community has revealed new aspects of herself. “I don’t ever think I was an empath, but being here, I think I am,” she reflects. At the same time, she balances empathy with honesty. “If people ask a question, I tell the truth,” she laughs.

The Bird’s Nest has also become a model for others considering similar ventures. “I think it can be replicated absolutely for other age groups,” Robyn says, noting that the mix of retirement-age women contributes to a unique closeness and low-drama environment.

For those living there, The Bird’s Nest is more than affordable housing — it’s a second family. Neighbors check on each other, share meals, laugh together, and embrace the quiet beauty of Texas evenings.

“We are a community,” Robyn says. “It’s all about women empowering women. We can’t knock women down. We have to embrace each other and take the extra step to be kind.”

Robyn is realistic about the future. “I hope that others see all of this and try to replicate it. But when we’re gone, the original OGs… I don’t think it will be maintained because I won’t be here.”

Even the name of the community carries Robyn’s personal touch. “Because of my name. I’m Robyn. What else could it be?” she says with a smile.

The Bird’s Nest is now a symbol of courage, connection, and compassion — a testament to one woman’s leap of faith and the thriving community that grew from it. For its residents, it’s more than a collection of homes. It’s home.