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St. Johns County man joining the 'tiny house movement'

Home prices are going up, and for some local families, owning that part of the American dream is out of reach.

That’s why some people are going smaller instead of bigger when it comes to homes: It's called the "tiny house movement."

Joel Esposito is ready to live large in his small home. 

"I view this as my own little adventure," said Esposito.

The 25-year-old, who has studied computer art and design, is building a 450-square-foot home in Fruit Cove.

"Everyone that's been inside so far has said 'wow, this isn't what I think of when I think of a tiny house,'" said Esposito.

It will be compete with a fully functional bathroom and kitchen.

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People like Esposito are building these so-called "tiny houses" for many reasons, including environmental and financial concerns.

According to The Centers  for Housing  Policy most Americans spend up to half their income to keeping a roof over their heads.

"I just wanted the ability to lead my life the way I want to and live on my own terms and not be beholden to a traditional mortgage," said Esposito.

Esposito declined to say how much the home costs, but did say he had to pay about $9,000 in county impact fees, the same as any person who is building a single family house in St. Johns County.

"I could have gone to another county to build cheaper but I really wanted to be in a nice area," Esposito said.

Esposito said he expects the home will be completed by this November.