Young adults are the fastest-growing group of RVers in the country. They are ditching the sticks and bricks and opting for a nomadic life, traveling the country in a house on wheels. With remote work becoming increasingly common, young adults are finding fewer reasons not to join more than 1 million people living full time in an RV in the U.S. For those considering making the move, it’s important to know some of the pros and cons before taking the leap.
Living Full Time in an RV Has Its Perks
RVing is no longer just for snowbirds or vacationing families. There are several perks for young adults who choose this lifestyle.
Save Money
Approximately 66% of high school graduates attend college right after finishing their secondary education, racking up an average of $37,000 in student loan debt. One of the appeals of moving into an RV is the ability to save some cash.
Though it can get expensive to rent a campground spot on a nightly basis 365 days per year, many people find parks that offer monthly long-term rates. These rates make living full time in an RV much cheaper than paying a mortgage or rent. Additionally, RV parks often offer additional amenities, including:
- Free Wi-Fi
- On-site laundry
- Shower and restroom facilities
- Community use facilities
- Walking trails and dog parks
- Exercise facilities
With these kinds of perks, you get the benefits of living in a residential community at a more reasonable rate. You can take the money you save and stash it away or use it to pay off debt or have more fun.
Spend More Time in Nature
One of the biggest draws to nomadic life is spending more time in nature. Often, living full time in an RV allows you to explore the country’s most scenic environments. Whether you prefer mountains, deserts or beaches, you can find a place to park your rig. There is no better way for an adventure-loving young adult to see and experience it all than by living in a home on wheels.
Follow the Good Weather
In Texas, the phrase, “If you don’t like the weather, wait five minutes,” is appropriate. In most areas, you don’t want to wait around for weather you like. Winters in the Northeast can be harsh, while summers in the Southwest are brutal. When you’re living full time in an RV, you don’t have to wait. You can chase your idea of perfect weather around the country.
Find Freedom
Many young adults who choose the RV life wax poetic about the freedom life on the road affords them. When you opt for minimalism, you aren’t tied to the trappings of consumerism. You don’t have to earn as much money to maintain the traditional, modern lifestyle, which means you can work less and have more free time to do what you love. What’s more, it takes a lot less time to clean a rig than it does a house!
Work With a View
For most young adults, living full time in an RV doesn’t mean you don’t have to have a job. It just means you have more freedom to choose where you work. With today’s technology, remote work is getting easier to find. Your rig becomes the ultimate office with a view, and when you get bored with one view, you can change it without looking for a new job.
Full Time RV Life Has Some Drawbacks
If you look at social media to learn about RV living, you may get the idea that there are no downsides to this lifestyle. Before you decide whether living full time in an RV is the right choice for you, you should have a clear picture of what the cons are.
Connecting Isn’t Always Easy
While it’s great to get away from the hustle and bustle of modern life, it’s still important to make connections with other people. When you move your home from location to location regularly, it’s harder to build a network of friends and people you can trust. Many young adults rely on social media or organized RV groups to connect with fellow nomads.
Breaking Down Is a Risk
When your home has an engine and other mechanical parts, it’s going to break down. Living full time in an RV requires the patience and flexibility to cope with the inevitable flat tires, worn-out parts and mechanical failures. Some repairs you can learn to take care of yourself, but others may require you to find someplace else to stay while your rig is in the shop.
Sticking to a Schedule May Be Hard
When you work from home, and you can take your home to the most beautiful spots in the country, it can be challenging to make a schedule and stick to it. With the outdoors calling, you may be tempted to take to the trails rather than attend to your job. Living full time in an RV requires some degree of self-motivation and -discipline.
Working Remote Presents Challenges
Remote work doesn’t work without a good Wi-Fi connection and cell signal. Remote locations often have neither. However, most modern, full-service RV campgrounds have Wi-Fi in the park, making it easier to log in to your job. You’ll also appreciate the Wi-Fi on those rainy days that keep you inside your rig.
Finding a Place To Stay Can Be Challenging
Living full time in an RV usually means changing your home base regularly. With so many people taking to the roads these days, it can be hard to find your next campground. During the summer months, America’s top destinations book up early. In the winter, snowbirds and full-timers alike flock to the southern and southwestern regions of the country, where winters are mild. Be prepared to plan ahead.
Living Full Time in an RV Is Possible With Texas Campgrounds
Many young adults living full time in an RV choose to spend time in Texas. This state offers a wide range of environments to suit every taste. The Boston Group manages campgrounds in some of the most desirable locations in the Lone Star state, and we offer monthly rates and numerous amenities that appeal to full-timers. Get in touch with us today to find out more about our campgrounds.
Sources:
https://www.businessinsider.com/data-millennials-are-now-more-interested-in-buying-rvs-2020-12
https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2018/11/12/million-americans-live-rvs-meet-modern-nomads/