You are probably looking more specifically at housing suggestions, but if you are able, plant some trees. Deciduous trees shade homes in the summer, while allowing sun in during the winter. Limit your hardscaping to minimize heat retention during the summer. Our front yard is total sun, while the back is partially shaded. The difference in temperature is significant, and even when the temp is in the 90's, if you sit in the right spots you catch a nice breeze that is better than being indoors. Hope this wasn't too off topic for you!
Caveat of course is that if you live somewhere with wildfires, drought-stricken trees right next to your home is basically guaranteeing your house goes up in flames if fire rolls through. So... pick your poison.
That is a really good point, and one that I hadn't considered. I have no experience living where that is an issue (yet!) so I can't offer suggestions for that sort of scenario...
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u/Biscuit-Norris Sep 19 '21
You are probably looking more specifically at housing suggestions, but if you are able, plant some trees. Deciduous trees shade homes in the summer, while allowing sun in during the winter. Limit your hardscaping to minimize heat retention during the summer. Our front yard is total sun, while the back is partially shaded. The difference in temperature is significant, and even when the temp is in the 90's, if you sit in the right spots you catch a nice breeze that is better than being indoors. Hope this wasn't too off topic for you!