The Start of Modern Suburbia
Abraham Levitt was known for building custom homes on Long Island for the upper-middle-class. After WWII, Abraham, and his sons William and Alfred focused on mass produced homes. These homes could be quickly constructed. In Levittown and Hicksville, due to a potato blight, most of the homes were built on potato farms that farmers were happy to sell. It took 27 steps to complete one home. In the beginning, 18 houses a day were being built. By 1948, there were 30 homes built each day. A 1948 Harper’s article stated that by July of 1948, Levitt was building 150 homes a week. The homes were a single floor with expansion attics. All homes were built on slabs and cost around $8,000. The G.I Bill, which helped veterans transition from soldier to citizen, assisted veterans who qualified get a low-interest, no money down loan for a home.
Waiting on Line: First Day of Levitt Home Sales
