Priced out of traditional housing, more Americans are living in RVs
5 hours ago
- #RV-living
- #housing-crisis
- #financial-struggles
- Dante Reynolds, nearly 12, lives in a 22-foot RV with his mom and sister after losing their home due to financial struggles.
- The family faces challenges like limited space, no Wi-Fi, and conserving water, often camping on federal lands without amenities.
- Dante has adapted to outdoor living, learning new skills and spending more time with family, despite missing friends and video games.
- A growing number of Americans are living full-time in RVs due to rising housing costs, with about 486,000 people in RVs, many earning under $75,000/year.
- RV living comes with unexpected costs like repairs, depreciation, and difficulty finding stable jobs or childcare.
- Kat Tucker, a disabled veteran, faced financial strain after her RV needed costly repairs, leaving her paying for a non-functional vehicle.
- Andrea Stitt’s family moved into an RV after a medical emergency led to eviction, downsizing belongings and struggling to find affordable campgrounds.
- Debbie Williams, 66, chose RV living over a mortgage, paying $550/month for a park spot to stay close to family while saving money.
- Gus Francis, 66, improvises in his older RV, using a bucket for showers and a microwave for cooking, after failing to find affordable housing.
- Stitt reflects on the loss of middle-class stability, while Dante appreciates the outdoor lifestyle and newfound skills.