The decision to live in the city, live in the country, or to live in an RV is a deeply personal choice that depends on individual preferences, lifestyle, and goals. Each lifestyle offers unique advantages and disadvantages that should be considered before deciding.

For example, the initial costs of owning an RV may make it difficult for some people to chose this option.

However, the cost to own a home are increasing, making it more difficult for some to afford home ownership, while the rental market is also becoming tighter in many places, making harder for some to find affordable rental homes.

And country living also may have drawbacks – again around the initial costs of country living.

In this article, we will compare and contrast the three options, and let you know why we think that RV living is a better choice than city or country living.

City Living

Living in the city is often associated with convenience, diversity, and access to resources. Cities are usually densely populated and offer a wide range of services, including hospitals, schools, and shopping centers. Urban living also provides greater access to entertainment, cultural events, and nightlife. However, city living also comes with a higher cost of living, noise pollution, and air pollution. Urban dwellers often struggle with finding affordable housing, dealing with traffic, and coping with high levels of stress.

In addition, there have been many reports recently about the quality of life slipping for city dwellers.  Random attacks, increasing threats of violence over seemingly minor disagreements, and a general lack of common courtesy for neighbours is increasing.  In fact there are many cities and towns where people don’t feel safe going out after dark.

Country Living

Living in the country, on the other hand, is often associated with peace, tranquility, and a slower pace of life. Living in a rural area means having more space, fresh air, and a connection with nature. Country living also provides opportunities for outdoor activities, such as hiking, fishing, and camping. However, rural areas often have limited access to services and resources, which can be challenging for those who require medical care, education, or job opportunities. Additionally, living in rural areas can be isolating, with fewer social events and entertainment options.

Even simply living “out of town” can be harder for some people.  Access to basic services such as power, water and sewer can sometimes be difficult, or costly to install if they don’t exist. For example, when a good friend moved out of town it cost several thousand dollars to run electricity to their new home, as the company had to run a new line over 1 kilometer through the bush to be able to connect their home “to the grid”.  Similarly, drilling a well doesn’t always guarantee fresh drinkable water.  In some places, water softeners or industrial filters are needed to help make groundwater sources drinkable.

Full Time RV Living

Full time RV living, however, offers the best of both worlds. RV living allows individuals to have the freedom to travel and explore new places, while also enjoying the comforts of home. Living in an RV means having the ability to change your location whenever you want, without having to worry about finding new housing. RVs are equipped with all the amenities of a traditional home, such as a kitchen, bathroom, bedroom, and living room, but with the added benefit of being mobile.

Benefits of “Living the RV Life”

One of the major advantages of RV living is the cost savings. Living in an RV can be significantly cheaper than living in the city or the country. With no property taxes, mortgage payments, or utility bills, RV living allows individuals to save money and live a more financially stable lifestyle. Additionally, RV living allows individuals to downsize and simplify their lives, reducing the amount of stuff they own and the amount of money they need to spend on maintenance and upkeep.

Another advantage of RV living is the ability to be more environmentally friendly. RVs are designed to be energy-efficient, with features such as solar panels, LED lighting, and low-flow water systems. Additionally, RV living encourages individuals to be more mindful of their consumption habits and to live a more sustainable lifestyle. RV living can also reduce your carbon footprint, as individuals can easily move to different locations without having to travel by airplane or car.

RV living also offers a sense of community and camaraderie. The RV community is known for being friendly and supportive, with many RV parks offering social events and activities for residents. RV living provides opportunities to meet new people and make lifelong friends, with like-minded individuals who share a love for travel and adventure.

Potential disadvantages to RV Living

Despite the many advantages of RV living, there are also some drawbacks that should be considered. One of the biggest challenges of RV living is the limited living space. While RVs are designed to be functional and comfortable, they are still significantly smaller than traditional homes. RV living requires individuals to be creative with their storage solutions and to be mindful of the amount of stuff they bring with them.

Additionally, RV living requires individuals to be more self-sufficient. While many RV parks offer amenities such as electricity, water, and sewage, individuals must be able to handle basic maintenance and repairs themselves. RV living also requires individuals to be able to adapt to changing conditions, such as weather, road conditions, and park availability.

Further, the initial start up costs may be high.  If you don’t own an RV, or have one which requires repairs or modifications to make it ready, you could see increased costs in the beginning.  In addition, simply the cost of moving your RV to a new location may be prohibitive for some people.

There are also some potentially negative side effects of RV living as well – such as the cost of fuel & potential negative impact on the climate.  While RV living does generally encourage you to lower your overall carbon footprint – driving a Class A motorhome with a large engine, for example, may contribute more to the environment than a city dweller who drives an electric vehicle, bikes to work, or uses transit to get around.

Conclusion

In spite of the challenges, many people find that the advantages of RV living outweigh the disadvantages. RV living allows individuals to have the freedom and flexibility to live life on their own terms. RV living provides the opportunity to see new places, meet new people, and create lifelong memories. It allows individuals to live a simpler, more sustainable lifestyle, while also providing all the comforts of home.

Ultimately, the decision to live in the city, the country, or an RV depends on individual preferences and goals. Each lifestyle has its advantages and disadvantages, and individuals must weigh their priorities and preferences to make the best decision for their situation. For those who value freedom, flexibility, and adventure, RV living can be an excellent option. With the ability to travel and explore new places, while also enjoying the comforts of home, RV living offers a unique and fulfilling way of life.