Home ownership proved elusive for my spouse and I due to our limited finances, leading us to opt for mobile home living instead.
Living the Motorhome Life in Nashville: A Cost-Effective Adventure
In the heart of Music City, a unique living situation is taking root. For the past five and a half years, a pair of residents have called a motorhome their home, parking it on a private lot in Nashville. This unconventional housing choice offers a blend of cost savings and mobility, but it also presents certain challenges.
The couple pays approximately €432 per month for their motorhome's parking spot, which includes essential amenities such as Wi-Fi, water, and sewer. This figure is a significant reduction compared to the high costs associated with traditional urban housing in Nashville.
Living in an RV offers several advantages. The lower housing costs allow for financial freedom, enabling the couple to work part-time and save for a future home purchase. Moreover, the mobility and flexibility of RV living allow them to travel at will or relocate to spots with better affordability or lifestyle.
The minimalist lifestyle encouraged by RV living also contributes to reduced expenses. With limited space, the couple has learned to downsize and prioritise essentials, leading to a simpler way of life. Modern RVs come equipped with amenities such as kitchens, bathrooms, heating, and air conditioning, providing comfort while on the move.
The RV community is another benefit, offering a welcoming group for socialising and mutual support. However, the compact living quarters can limit comfort, privacy, and storage, and finding legal and affordable long-term parking spots in or around Nashville can be challenging.
In addition, RVs require regular maintenance, servicing, and sometimes costly repairs. Utilities and hookups can also be a concern, depending on the location and campground infrastructure. Choosing to stay stationary may limit travel benefits, while constant travel can disrupt work or social life. Weather sensitivity is another factor, as RVs may not offer the same insulation or protection from extreme weather as a traditional home.
The couple has documented their motorhome experiences on social media platforms since 2018, starting with Instagram and later adding TikTok. Their accounts have amassed a combined following of approximately 830,000, and they began monetizing them in 2022. To protect their mental health, they have hired someone to filter comments on their social media pages.
Their latest motorhome, a 2021 Riverstone 391FSK, comes equipped with a full-size washer and dryer, a refrigerator, a dishwasher, a microwave, and a four-burner stove on an island. Despite their success with RV living, the couple keeps an eye on the Nashville real estate market but has no immediate plans to buy a house to renovate and rent out.
In summary, living in an RV near Nashville can provide financial freedom, mobility, and a minimalist lifestyle, but it involves sacrifices in space, convenience, and stability. It's essential to weigh these factors based on one's lifestyle and needs.
[1] Pros and Cons of Living in an RV [2] The Truth About Full-Time RV Living [3] The Pros and Cons of RV Living
"What about exploring the financial aspects of our lifestyle and home?""RV living offers benefits in terms of personal-finance through reduced housing costs, allowing us to save for future investments like a home-and-garden, but it also requires regular expenses for maintenance and repairs, which are part of the finance considerations."
