I think this is a risk no matter where we live. The current house is in a very nice, quite neighborhood, or neighbor and the guy next to him both drive truck (they are parked outside often). When we moved out here, Jacob had someone pick up the keys from us (as we were still across the country), and when we got here recieved the comment that the area was very “blue collar”. I’ve lived in a mobile home park before, when I was a kid. The one we were in was really nice, we were on the outside of the park, think there were police out there once on a domestic disturbance. Same with the park my grandmother lived in for years. I have been concerned about this though, since some that we looked at were quite run down and scary looking. The park we are moving to is very clean, well kept, and quiet seeming (at least so far the times we’ve been over there). The one neighbor we’ve seen looked like a nice old lady (she waved :D).

Think it’s just a risk you run, there are all those people, in all different areas. Some will be limited income, some with be scary. Just have to scout the parks ahead of time, do drive throughs at different times and days, see what it’s like when people are around on the weekends…

Looking forward to reading about life there. DH and I are still in the clutter removal process to successfully dispose of enough stuff to live in less space. Are you going to share pictures of the RV and park when you get a chance??

What type of RV did you get? Have you looked at resort type RV parks that offer site ownership?
That’s is what I want to do.
I can learned tips on how to make RV park living as low as popssible from some full-timing friends that are retired and travel from park to park.
Thanks for the blog. I enjoy it. Dr. Paul

It was easy to find a nice RV park that allowed year round residents in Arizona. There are so many snowbirds and after a while they get tired of travelling and just stay here. The year round rent was half of the month to month rent. Mobile home parks were scary. Too run down. But Jacob is right that it is easy to move out if the place is bad, much easier than owning a house or renting an apartment. I would recommend asking the police to find out how often they have to visit.

I considered buying a mobile home in a park once. It looked nice during the day. I didn’t do it and later on some residents got busted for a major theft, drug, and prostitution ring. If I had bought that mobile home I would have had a very hard time getting rid of it.

@llangolen19 – In many houses it is possible to break the window next to the front door and reach in to unlock it (not speaking from experience here 😛 ). Alternatively, one could walk around to the back of the house and be relatively unobserved. In contrast, although the door on an RV is flimsier, it’s generally out of reach of the adjacent windows. The windows are generally also higher up than house windows – about 6′ or so. Our RV has an additional tumbler lock on the door. If you are not hooked up to power and water and you have a class A or C (not a fifth wheel or a trailer), you could simply start the engine and drive away if you get hazzled. Also, RVs are closer to the neighbors than houses.

llangolen19, I lived in an RV park for 6 years. As a single female I was concerned at first but like Jacob said, my RV had an additional RV deadbolt lock and the windows are higher and the crank-out type. If you live in a park with retired or snowbird type folks they will look out for you (some have nothing better to do). There was also some security that drove a golf cart around the park. Walking in the early morning or late at night was not scary because the park was well lit and many others were out walking their pets. And the RV spaces being so close together fosters a family-type atmosphere.

My husband is one of those working and living in rv in trailor park..very unusual $75.00 per month plus electric opposed to $250.00 a month plus sewer. Once you get out there you have other rv’ers watching out for you and you keep in touch..This park is family ouned and has downsize entertainment…above ground pool, Ohio River is less than a mile, cookouts every nite and volley ball..
My cousin sold home and lives in motor home in winter in Fla.Sells pumpkins in Oct and Christmas trees in Dec.. picks up part time jobs .Has smaller Salem camper in the north. Would like anyone to touch their living expenses..They invented the word frugal.lol
Good life for them but not for me.

Hey Jacob,
RV living sounds appealing to me. Wondering how overall costs (from an ERE standpoint) would compare to living in an apartment at $5,000/yr. I’m single and basically just need 3 things out of it. Place to sleep, place to cook, internet connection. I do give a small premium to the added freedom of living on wheels – and I’m drooling at the possibility of snowbirding somewhere over winter. Also I would have to take on some debt to pay for the actual RV – but would be willing to do that if it beats $5000/year by a significant amount. Currently debt free. $24k in individual stocks. Income $20k. Consumption $9k. Plausible?

Thx. Jeff.

I found an older Class A RV on Crag’s List here in Spokane, WA. in October and towed it into a storage lot. It has begun to get warm and I just pulled out the old carpet and the dinett seats and table moved the couch from one side to the other had a mechinic help get it started and we will get the breaks bleed this weekend.

I was not looking for an RV, but when I saw it I did a Google search and found that this brand of RV A 1969 Travco 270, a 27 footer with full head, shower, stove-oven, full size refrigerator and a huge 5.500 watt generator, two roof air systems and forced air heating and is very collectible with a strong cult following. It was built of a dodge truck frame and looks like a classic Airstream trailer but is a fiberglass body on four wheels with a big V-8, and the truck frame is designed to travel 1 Mill. Miles.

A brand new Class A, RV that has the same amenities and “style” as this RV Would cost well over 100 K, and be used up with 150 K miles on it !

After I install new carpet, an ext.(cheep) paint job I will park on a lake beach front lot for $250 a month for the summer. I just signed a lease for 6 months at a lake side camping “resort” where I can have a boat slip for $25 extra a month. If I go back to CA for the winter I can store the Motor Home over the winter for free at the resort……..or drive it South and camp in Palm Springs, for around the same per month or stay for free on BLM land out that way.

I paid a few bucks for the RV and will only have maybe $1,500 to $2,000 K in repairs, tires, paint and carpet. I can over time replace anything that needs replacement when I want to and purchase the best parts as I do not have a payment on the RV. I will own it the rest of my life for only the cost of maintenance. At 40 years old now it is built to last, is not like the new junk people pay way too much for. I will post how it goes and how I like living in an RV later.

Seeing the price of land in your area (gathered from the resort plots and other land rent you discuss), which is so different than mine, I am awful interested in this question, Jacob, so I’ll just ask it. If you lived in an area where you could buy a solid 50-year old, 1800 sq.ft., detached home for 120K and half an acre, with neighbors you love (I do, in nowhere PA), do you think you would do that as opposed to your RV?

I know there are obviously additional ‘expenses’ (time, effort, and money) that come with the ownership of a detached home over an RV. I’m also in a bit of a different situation with 3 kids. But just curious, thx. I am in no way asking if you are willing to move to nowhere PA as opposed to where you want to live (I would never move to a big city if someone paid me to), so its not that preference that I’m talking about.

We’re lookin’ forward to doing this some day when the kids are older. Should be a blast. One of those memorable, yet affordable vacations!

I lost my house, my credit because of illness in my family, I became the caregiver full time and didn’t work for a while, now I am living overseas in a 350 sqf house and I am used to crowded little spaces, soon I would be able to buy a cheap rv and a used car. I am 47, single woman. I won’t be able to buy a home nor do I want to. EVER. My main concern is maintenance, what things do you need to do to to clean the toilet and what about water and stuff? I basically, like somebody wrote, need a place to sleep, cook, watch tv and work online. That’s it.

Questions, lots of them, because I’m new at this and floundering. I am at a horrible point in my life, struggling because change is not coming, but HERE. I have to move and rent out my house because of finances. I am in the process of going through my life and giving away/selling/downsizing. Life changes have come fast and hard. This is a great site and I’ve heard little pieces of my story in almost every entry.

I know an RV is my way out, but I’m butting my head against the wall right now. I live in a small city in Colorado and would prefer to not have to go too far. I have lots of animals (a miniature horse and dogs) so a campground is probably out the question for me, right? I need to live frugally for at least a year.

The problem is that all the land I’ve found that is affordable needs well and septic (which of course makes it no longer affordable after installation) or has no power, etc. The land that does have well and/or utilities dictates no RV living. So… it looks like unless I’m ready to move to the top of Pikes Peak and freeze to death when my generator quits, I’m outta luck. 🙂 I’ve also looked in NM, AZ, and TX at online sites.

Any suggestions as to what should be my plan of action? Whatever I do, it must be done quickly. If you’re thinking of suggesting that I get rid of my animals, please back up a few steps because I’m going to kick you. 😉 The biggest concession I would ever make is to board my horse temporarily (and even that would kill me because she is a child, not a horse.) I mean, this is a miniature horse that kisses on the lips, does the wave, says please and thank you and picks up my cane in her teeth when I drop it and hands it back to me. She is NOT a horse. 🙂

How I do blather, huh? Anyway, are there people with land and hookups that would do a lease-type situation or something if I construct semi-perm fencing? Is there even a way to do such a thing and still have elec, waste disposal, etc.? How do I find people that might let me do that? I’ve heard some of you talk about annual sites at membership campgrounds. Do any of these have attached boarding facilities for horses? Is it just a better bet for me to continue my search for cheap land w/ utilities and septic?

Do I sound like I’m floundering? Could be because I’m foundering.

I have to admit that most Realtors have been less than helpful after hearing my needs. One emailed me a list of properties (none under $250,000 and the most expensive house was 495K! — after talking with me about the little piece of land I sought.) Really?? It may sound a little bitter, but it seems that I don’t have enough money to matter to most of the agents I’ve spoken with.

I’ve read versions of my story here and then the results saying, “Wow, life is good.”, and it brings me hope. I know there exists such a place for me too, but I’ve no idea how to find it. And then I stumbled onto a site of “professionals” in this field… 🙂

Anyone feel like bouncing around some opinions/suggestions/leads?

Thanks!
Dusty

My wife and I have been in a 5th wheel now for 4 years. We started out wanting to go to Florida (where our daughter was), but they are not to favorable to Fultimers on their own property. So, We came back to Missouri. We had a lot in Mo in a small village,and as soon as they saw us set-up on our own land on a permanent basis they tried to run us out of town. After six months of fighting they had to give up. Next we sold that lot and bought six acres with an unlivable Mobile home, but the property had no restrictions. Mobile Home gone, had everything we needed. Sewer, Water, Elect. service. and peace. We decided that property was hard on a couple of old folks. so we sold that one and bought an acre with a little flatter ground and all the same utilities. I must mention at this point that the six acre parcel was a foreclosure, purchased from the government, (very cheaply I will add). The last parcel we bought from a previous RVer that was moving back to Wisconsin and had not done his due diligence in advertising. He listed it with elect. and water close, when it fact it was on the property. Cost of acre, 1/2 of market value. My point being, you have to do your DUE diligence in searching. Live in areas where restrictions to property are more relaxed. Resort areas are nice, but most are looking to get your money. Out of the beaten path areas are better, and you are more likely to find a bargain. Old Mobiles, Burnout homes,Foreclosures, places people don’t want to clean-up. Property that can be had at the right price. $5000+up.

The place port susan is only owned by a tribe not a tribal area anyone can live there.
they might have rules like in Mexico you might not be able to pass it on to your love one after so many years,jenae

@rendog – Look for mobile home parks that also have RVs parked (not RV parks which are aimed at tourists). They offer the best rates.

Hey Y’all

My husband & I have been thinking about purchasing 5 acres around the corner & making it into a RV/ trailer park. We live out in the country (not many restrictions) on 8 acres &
am wondering “what would you like to see/have in
your RV park” if you could design it? How wide would you make the lots? Amenities? There is already a baseball field near the entrance now.Would you keep that for the families or is it taking up valuable space? How much is the average monthly rent for an RV lot?Any awesome websites I can go to for planning/design ideas?
Any info you could share would be greatly appreciated! I want it to be top-notch and am thinking Long-term. Thank you for your help

My time is nearing, that is to say my youngest is a senior in HS and is off to college in the fall. I own and operate a seasonal ice cream shop in MN march-September. Last fall I flew to AZ and bought a 37′ Moho I plan to full time in with my girlfriend. I plan to semi retire work as needed and snowbird of coarse.

I am hoping to stay on site at my shop, but don’t know if zoning laws will not permit. It would be very cheep living for seven month out of the year.

2/15/2014

We sold our house and purchased our first travel trailer this past September. My husband had promised me a year of travel, as soon as he retired. That was supposed to happen the end of last November, but after 7 weeks, he decided we needed a bigger trailer and traded for a 39′ fiver. We love it! Of course, since there was a considerable price difference, he decided to keep working a few more months. (We had saved the money for the TT and truck, but borrowed from our house money to trade up. Hubby insists he pay it back before we pull out.)

We sold a 2100 sq. ft. house and I can say, I don’t care if we ever get another house. The downsize hasn’t bothered me at all. We do have all of our furniture in storage.

We are in a mobile home/RV park and have great neighbors. Most may be of the “lower income” variety, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t good people. We have been here 5 1/2 months and there hasn’t been a single incident. We pay $345/month for full hook-ups. We are only charged for water and electricity, if there is excessive use. So far, we have only paid a few dollars extra for water. (We are in central Arkansas.)

Most of our traveling, we will be staying long-term, because we want to see as much as we can when we are in an area. We are planning on heading to FL for next winter and I have been doing internet searches for awhile. I know it will be more expensive, but feel pretty good about our options. I will go down to FL to check out some places before we actually head out with the rig. We don’t want to arrive only to discover it’s not what we expected.

I definitely recommend staying in your RV/camper for awhile before heading out on your adventure. It will give you time to fully know how everything works and fix any glitches. Both ours have been brand new, but there were still things that had to be corrected.

I used to say – If I was a single person, I would live in a camper. Now, I can say – I am married and live in a camper and I love it!

There are some great ideas here, and think most would also apply to tiny house as well. Like this site suggests.

http://tinyhousesonwheels.blogspot.ca/p/find-parking-for-your-tiny-house.html

I have been thinking about making his jump for some time and I think it’s about time. I am not old enough to retire, but really too to think about another 30 year mortgage. I am really leaning toward fulltime RV living, possibly in a little house (best of both).

Hello everyone ….I have come with a few questions in mind…first off to give some information..me and my husband are 26 years of age and have 2 small children ages ,4 and 5 their birthdays are coming up.anyhow I have been fantasizing about the rv life . To live free . Of course we would have to stay around a populated area for my children’s sake for schooling I would assume ? Here is my questions…have you ever seen families with children do such a thing ? I don’t like what society is doing to children these days and I want my children to value the right things…rather then valuing a ipod or game system. But to value and respect our wildlife and mother earth… another question would be is, is it possible to be in an rv in the winter months as we wouldn’t be able to go far due to my husband still having to work of course ….I’m open to thought…we do live in a low income of about 1500 a month I have rented homes, but the homes I could afford were in bad areas and I don’t want to go that path again, we finally have found ourselves a trailor in which we own in a park …but the people here disgust me with their habits…and the horror stories from the police is what freaks me out …atleast 10+ children are hit by speeding vehicles in the summer months…that is unacceptable…anyhow if anyone has any recommendations I would appreciate it or suggestions….I may live in the city but I am country at heart as is my husband…just don’t know if you can live such a life style with children…I refuse to let them grow up like the punks some of these parents are molding their children into. Please do not think we are bad people, this is only a thought …we are secure and not looking to do this tomorrow but perhaps sometime in the future. Thank you 🙂

I live in an old rv with 9 dogs & 3 cats. I look like an eyesore but I’m a good honest person. I nerd a cheap place cause I draw a small disability/ssi check. Id like 2 have 6 dogs outside chained ( not real short) & I have houses for them & a large pen. Id like spacious area with water, septic & elect. Cheap!! Good honest neighbors where I can get rides to store, laundry. I stay home mostly. My food stamps is only $95. but I dont beg for hep. I’m no thief, live alone, no drugs, except I would like to live in Colorado to get away from my perscription meds. I’m great security by the way because i m use to the graveyard shifts I use to work. A close Dr & Hosp would be nice. I have no transportation so I will pay for a haul. Can/will someone please help me?

Need to get out of Oklahoma — TORNADOS & RVs don’t go well together

@sue – Asking for a place here is likely a long shot. I would definitely never leave my phone number anywhere publicly on the net. I suggest writing down the URL address down on a piece of paper and checking back. Maybe someone will write a suggestion in the comments below.

Dusty,I know a woman who has 5 acres with 2 hookups that is looking for someone to help barter with helping her work on the property and just pay their electric and water and own expenses.I would look for the same in your area.Also check horse rescue organizations and see if they will let you park your camper and have a place for your horse as part of your volunteer work at their organization .Also check the horse riding stables in your area to see if you could barter to be the live on the property security and work riding the horses or clean the stables etc.you can put an ad on craigslist in your area offering up handy man skills to clean rake clear or whatever in exchange for a place to hook up a camper and keep your mini horse family….So I hope these give you some ideas…