Van Life

What is Van Life?

Van life is a lifestyle choice where individuals live, travel, and often work out of a van or camper van, embracing minimalism and mobility. People who adopt van life usually convert their vans into small, functional living spaces, complete with essentials like a bed, kitchen, storage, and sometimes a bathroom. This lifestyle allows for freedom of travel, the ability to explore remote areas, and reduced living expenses. Van life has grown in popularity due to the flexibility it offers, and many people document their journeys through social media or blogs.

What is a Van Lifer?

A van lifer is someone who chooses to live and travel in a van Van lifers often converting their van into a Class B motorhome. This lifestyle allows for mobility, adventure, and a minimalist way of living.

Is van life legal in the US?

Yes, van life is legal in the US. You can live in a van, but parking overnight or camping in certain areas may be restricted. As long as you’re following local laws and parking in legal places, van life is legal in the US.

Is it realistic to live in a van?

Yes, it is realistic to live in a van. And many people successfully live full-time in vans. Same time vanlife requires adapting to smaller living spaces, limited access to amenities (like running water and electricity), and finding safe places to park. It also means being prepared for things like maintaining the van and staying comfortable in different weather conditions. But with good planning living in a van can be both realistic and rewarding.

What states allow you to live in an RV (or camper van) on your property?

Texas, Florida, Arizona, Oregon, Michigan, and Colorado permit people to live in an RV on their own property. But each state-and sometimes each county-carries its own set of rules and regulations. Here is more info for each of the states:

Texas ⭑: It is perfectly acceptable to live in an RV or a camper van on your own property in Texas, as long as you are in compliance with local zoning laws. Have access to water, sewer, and electricity. In some places, you may also require a septic tank permit, so it is worth checking the details in each location.
Florida 🏖: Florida permits RV living on your land, though does have a few conditions: your RV needs to be parked to the side or behind your house, and you have to have utilities available.
Arizona 🏜: Arizona doesn’t have statewide restrictions working against van living, even though counties can have their rules. If you are in rural areas, you’re most likely to find relaxed regulations, which means you can easily set up your mobile home.
Oregon 🌲: Recent changes to Oregon’s law have made it easier for people to live in an RV on private property. However, the rules can vary from one county to another, so it is essential to check the local zoning ordinances before settling in.
Michigan 〽️: Michigan permits living in RVs in certain areas; however, zoning laws do vary a great deal from town to town. You will need to consult with the local government to see if you are abiding by the correct set of codes and ordinances.
Colorado 🏔️: Living in an RV is allowed in many rural areas with fewer zoning restrictions. Local laws should be checked for compliance.

❗A Friendly Reminder. It’s always a good idea to check with your local zoning office before making the transition to full-time RVing. Always be in compliance with local ordinances to avoid some surprises later on.