By Nicole Rotschi
If you have tried to book a visit to a campground in Texas over the last year, you may have noticed something different. If you were lucky enough to get your favorite spot over at Pedernales Falls State Park, you might find it odd that a growing number of campers are living in their vans and RVs and even taking up semi-permanent residences.
While you are enjoying a week-long respite from the concrete jungle, your van life campground neighbor is simply going about their day-to-day life including working remotely, taking care of chores and responsibilities, and utilizing the facilities. The fantasy of ditching modern social constructs for a more whimsical lifestyle may be a real possibility, but let’s explore the reality of becoming part of the mobile homeless.
Why are 25,000 people homeless in Texas?
There are three major reasons people are becoming homeless in the Lone Star state of Texas. Drug and alcohol addiction, mental health issues but largely the lack of affordable housing. Section 8 housing is available in Texas.
READ | Apply for Texas Section 8 Housing
The van life community in Texas can be divided into two main categories. On one end of the continuum are the nomadic spirited adventurers who have chosen to follow their minimalist boho dreams of experiencing life to the fullest.
On the other end of the continuum are people who became vehicle dwellers out of necessity; some of which would be living in shelters or the streets if not for their vehicles.
With rising interest rates, economic uncertainty, and the soaring cost of living, people are having to get creative. Each year, Texas sees a multiple percentage increase in the number of people taking shelter within their mode of transportation.
Although Instagrammers and YouTubers often display very glamorized views of van life, there are some consistent pros and cons to the lifestyle as well as very real dangers.
Pros of van life in Texas
Pros include many people can save money by not paying the fees associated with renting or owning a home, and people can work from the road, affording a multitude of opportunities to explore and experience a wide variety of living conditions.
Cons of van life in Texas
Alternatively, a downside to van life is that there are different laws in each municipality regarding camping and parking. Also, some find it stressful figuring out where to park, use the restroom, and shower. More commonly now, people are buying their vans professionally built with running water, backup generators with solar paneling, and even full kitchens.
Dangers of living in vans in Texas
Texans face possible dangers living in vans: attempted car theft, sketchy encounters, and even wild life attacks. The likelihood of encountering dangerous situations can be mitigated but, it is impossible to ignore that tornadoes, hurricanes, and extreme seasonal temperatures can pose a serious threat to life. Awareness of weather and having a plan is imperative for success.
With the increasing cost of living and desire to explore, many experts predict that more people will migrate to Texas in vans and even more people will trade in sedentary living for that of a life on the road. Texas is regarded as the number one state in the nation for van life so if you’regoing to do it, you should get started here and see where the road leads you.
