When people say they are best friends forever, they don’t always mean forever. It’s fun to think of that, especially when you’re younger, but can it always be a reality?

One group of Texas BFFs decided to try and make sure they could follow through on that pledge, and it began 30 years ago, when life was busy and their futures were farther away.

They asked themselves how they would want to spend their retirement? And their answer was simple – with each other.

So the friends made themselves a tiny town full of tiny vacation homes, to guarantee that they would always be able to spend time with one another once they retired.

The neighborhood, known as the “Llano Exit Strategy,” is made up of four tiny homes that face the Llano River, in Texas.

The bedroom of one of the tiny homes in the retirement community. Photo by Alexander Stross.

The four couples told Outside magazine that over dinners and wine, their plans were hatched out. Originally ranging from purchasing pricey trailers to buying land, they narrowed their choices down to the more practical, and nearby.

According to Jodi Zipp, who co-led the search with her husband, Fred, they needed to create a space where they could all spend time with one another, but be able to get away and have time to themselves, as well. 

After finding and buying 10 acres of land, the group found architect Matt Garcia to help them refine their retirement plans.

“Everything just clicked,” Garcia said. “I mean, there are only so many ways to arrange a queen-size bed, loveseat, and bathroom, so we had the basic concepts in hours. You can move quickly with these kinds of projects and have a lot of fun.”

The homes are 400 square feet, and cost nearly $40,000 each to build. The couples said their goals were to be environmentally friendly and easy to keep up on, as well.

The bedroom of one of the tiny homes in the retirement community. Photo by Alexander Stross.

The homes, according to Bored Panda, all had:

• Reflective walls to block off desert heat, 
• Slanted roofs
• Water barrels that hold up to 5,000 gallons of rainwater
• Insulated windows
• Queen-size bed

They also built a 1,500 square foot shared space, which has a kitchen and dining area, a TV room fit with wifi, bath and a living room. They also have a guest room for anyone who joins them at their homes.

The families were shocked when their little ‘town’ went viral.

“All the attention was a surprise but also an affirmation,” Jodi said

It made us realize how many people really love the idea of having a dedicated place where you can spend time with your friends as you get older.”

Her advice to younger people wanting to make their dreams a reality, plan, save money, as well as find a shared goal with your friends.

“Always be honest with your friends,” she says. “If you can successfully navigate everyone’s ideas for what this can be, this kind of project can be an amazing experience and the perfect way to stay connected.”

For a look at the group’s unique retirement community, check it out below.

Sources: My Positive Outlooks | Outside