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PoliticsGulf Coast, USA

Flood-Soaked Homeowners Faced with Tough Decision: Raise or Raze

As climate change exacerbates flooding risks, many homeowners are creatively opting to lift their houses rather than tear them down.

By Gregory BarberSource: nytimes.com1 min read

In brief

With climate change leading to more frequent flooding, homeowners across the U.S. are faced with the difficult choice of either lifting their homes to safety or demolishing them. In St. Petersburg, Florida, Meghan Martin and her husband grappled with the flooding risk in their neighborhood, ultimately deciding to raise their home after experiencing multiple floods and costly repairs. Their experience echoes a growing trend among homeowners in flood-prone areas, as lifting homes becomes increasingly common in response to climate-related threats.

In a coastal community like St. Petersburg, homeowners initially viewed house lifting as an unusual option. However, as storms and flooding become more prevalent, more residents are considering this costly yet protective measure. For many, raising homes is not just about safety; it’s also preserving property value in an era of climate crisis where traditional safety measures may no longer suffice. Flood-prone regions are witnessing a shift in mindset as rising waters prompt innovative solutions against nature's increasing unpredictability.

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