The following is a report from GOBankingRates.
For many retirees, it’s easy to romanticize RV living. Imagine hitting the open road, setting up home pretty much wherever you want, getting into adventures… Throw in the possibility of saving money, and it probably sounds even better.
RVing has grown in popularity in recent years, and not just for occasional trips. An increasing number of retirees are deciding to live in RVs year-round. According to a study by the RV Industry Association, RV ownership has spiked 62% over the last two decades. About half of the record 11.2 million households that own RVs include folks 55 and over.
If you’re considering living in an RV, check out this cost comparison of an RV versus a house in retirement hotspot Florida.
Why Retirees Opt for an RV
Roughly 1.5% of RV owners are living in them year-round, according to the study. There are tradeoffs, but possible slashed living costs are part of the appeal.
“RVing gives freedom and control to retirees looking to travel while also having all the creature comforts of home,” said Monika Geraci, a spokesperson for the RV Industry Association. “They are able pick up and take that bucket list trip to the Grand Canyon or go visit their grandchildren but not have to deal with the hassles of other forms of travel.
“They can also control their environment and budget by bringing everything they need with them. RV travel is particularly conducive to traveling with pets, something that many retirees do.”
That said, there are multiple factors to consider before you take the full-time RV plunge. Are you sure those smaller spaces won’t start to wear on you? Will you be able to maintain friendships and other social activities when you’re on the road? How much can an RV really feel like “home” to you? Are you ready to empty sewer tanks, deal with mail forwarding and sometimes struggle to find Wi-Fi access?
Click here to read the full report by J. David Herman at GOBankingRates.
