Freedom in Wheels: Why Mobile Homes and Trailer Parks are Preferred Over Apartments or Houses
As a seasoned Recreational Vehicle (RV) owner, my choice to live in a mobile home and trailer park has offered me a freedom I never experienced in apartments or houses. This article explores the reasons behind choosing a mobile lifestyle, highlighting the benefits and the allure of having a home on wheels.
Why Live in a Mobile Home or Trailer Park?
For many, the reasons to choose a mobile home or trailer park over a traditional home or apartment are rooted in both practicality and personal freedom. The reasons vary from financial considerations to a taste for adventure, and each case speaks to a unique set of circumstances that drive people to embrace the mobile lifestyle.
Practical Considerations:
Lower Cost of Purchase and Living: One of the most compelling reasons for choosing a mobile home is the lower cost of both purchase and maintenance. A mobile home or trailer can often be purchased at a fraction of the price of a house, and the monthly expenses such as utilities and property taxes are significantly lower. This financial relief allows people to live more comfortably without the burden of high mortgage payments or costly renovations. Flexibility and Freedom: Unlike conventional homes, mobile homes and trailer parks offer the luxury of mobility. Renting an RV or living in a trailer park means you can leave your home without the constraints of a traditional neighborhood or community rules. The freedom to travel, explore, and change locations based on your needs or preferences is unparalleled. No more worrying about what the Homeowners Association (HOA) demands or the opinions of neighbors.Personal and Emotional Reasons:
Adventure and Travel: The potential for travel is one of the most appealing aspects of the mobile lifestyle. Whether you're looking to experience different parts of the country or the world, RV travel can turn everyday drives into thrilling adventures. The spacious living environment of an RV allows you to maintain a home base while exploring new places. You can decorate your space to your own taste, set up a kitchen for cooking, and enjoy the comfort of a full bathroom without the limitations of a fixed location. No Demand for Time or Ownership Opinions: Life in a mobile home or trailer park means no more demands on your time like regular house cleaning, maintenance, and social obligations. No schedule to follow or neighbors to appease. The satisfaction of owning and maintaining your living space without the additional responsibilities of property maintenance or community management is a significant benefit.The World of Recreational Vehicles
The world of Recreational Vehicles (RVs) is vast and filled with endless possibilities. What starts as a weekend getaway can evolve into extended trips, and eventually, a life of full-time RVing. The decision to fully commit to an RV lifestyle often comes after carefully considering the countless benefits and challenges. For some, the transition might take years, as they gradually scale up their RV from a small coach to a larger, more luxurious model. The excitement of beginning a full-time RVing journey can last for many years, with some RVers even passing the decade mark in their travels.
My Journey with RVs
For three years, my wife and I lived a full-time RVing lifestyle. We sold our house and embarked on a journey across the country, relishing the freedom of travel and the charm of exploring new places. We found that this lifestyle was significantly less expensive than staying in hotels or motels. RV parks, when fully equipped, typically cost around 20 dollars per night, which is remarkably cheaper than hotel room rates. The cost of food in an RV, prepared in the fully equipped kitchen, is also considerably lower, making this lifestyle an economically sound choice.
After our three-year stint, we chose to build a house in another state, but we continued to travel in our RV for the next five years, typically spending 3-6 months each year on the road. This blend of stationary life and mobile adventures provided us with a unique and rewarding existence. The pride of ownership, the ability to explore new places, and the freedom from external demands made full-time RVing a highlight in our lives.
The choice to live in a mobile home or trailer park is a personal one that depends on individual circumstances and preferences. Whether driven by financial reasons, a desire for adventure, or a taste for a different way of life, the mobile lifestyle offers a distinct set of benefits that can transform a person's living experience.