Nguyen Van

ADUs don't just house families, they raise them.

Growing up in California, I didn't realize I was living in an ADU, just that I had a place to live. It was just home to me, not a "secondary unit" or a policy answer. It wasn't until much later that I realized how uncommon and priceless that type of housing is, particularly in a state where so many families find it difficult to afford stable housing. Here are some reasons, based on my own experience, that I think more ADUs should be built in California. 

When you grow up in an ADU it isn't a temporary solution, it is just your home. We had our own front door, bedrooms, and kitchen. The rooms were well designed and simple to maintain. I learned from living in an ADU that a meaningful and significant home didn't have to be big or fancy.

While people I knew while growing up moved from apartment to apartment or to different states, I remained in the same community, school district, and area. My early years were shaped by such stability. In a state where families were more frequently disrupted by rising rents and relocations, ADUs offer stable housing for a fraction of the price.

Growing up in a cosier place taught me how to live more effectively and mindfully. ADUs make better use of the land and infrastructure already in place while consuming less energy and resources. In California, where sustainability is becoming more and more important, that way of life feels particularly significant.

California requires not only additional housing, but also housing that promotes family stability and community. My upbringing in an ADU serves as evidence that these residences serve more than just a concept. They are practical and an ideal alternative. Building an ADU is more than just adding an extra space, it's building a home that has the power to shape a family's future.

I've learned by living in an ADU that they are real homes that real people depend on, not merely a policy solution. Building ADUs in California creates housing that’s flexible, affordable, and sustainable. For homeowners considering an ADU, know that you’re not just adding an extra space, you’re creating a place where someone can truly live, thrive, and stay connected to the community.