RV Park Living: What Could I Save?
RV Park Living: What Could I Save?
Hi — I’m April from April On Her Own ~ Later In Life. A year ago I made a bold move: I left a tiny 10th-floor bachelor suite with ever-increasing rent and moved everything I own into a one-bedroom RV parked in an RV community. The result? I cut my housing costs roughly in half and freed up nearly $9,000 in the first year alone. This article breaks down why I did it, the real numbers, the practical steps I took, and tips for other single women over 40 who might be considering the same change.
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Why I Made the Change
My apartment was small, expensive, and the rent kept climbing. At the time I worked out that if rents continued, by 2030 I could be paying almost $2,000 a month just to keep a roof over my head. That felt like a loss of freedom.
I also spend a lot of time in Mexico and now hold Mexican residency, so I needed a place in Canada to return to. Keeping an apartment just to hold a spot while I traveled didn’t make financial or emotional sense. Moving into an RV gave me a home I love, a yard for my dog, and the flexibility to travel without wasting thousands on rent.
The Numbers: Rent, RV Cost, and Savings
Here are the real figures from my situation so you can see how the math worked out:
Old apartment rent: $18,720 per year.
New RV site rent and utilities combined: about $9,234 per year (and even a bit less because I don’t pay for parking or hydro separately here).
Estimated first-year savings on rent: roughly $9,400 to $9,500.
RV purchase price: about $12,000 for an older model (I found a nearly 20-year-old trailer in good shape).
Yes, I spent money up front to buy the RV, so it took a little time to recoup that cost. But once the RV was paid for, the monthly savings were real and ongoing — money I could reallocate to travel, self-care, and building a more secure future.
How I Did It: Practical Steps
If you’re curious how to make a similar move, here are the practical steps I followed:
Calculate your current annual housing costs (rent, parking, utilities) so you know your baseline.
Decide the type and size of RV that fits your needs — I chose a one-bedroom, roughly 30-foot trailer that functions like a cozy apartment.
Find an RV park that allows long-term placement and fits your lifestyle. Some parks have rules about RV age, space requirements, and appearances.
Shop for an RV. Many parks prefer RVs less than 10 years old, but some allow older models if they’re in good condition and well-maintained.
Plan the move and transfer the essentials. I moved everything I own into the RV and arranged for my dog to have yard access.
Park Rules, Financing, and Reality Checks
Living in an RV park long-term isn’t for everyone. Here are the realities to consider:
Location matters. Not every region or city allows full-time RV living — check local bylaws and park rules.
Many RV parks require vehicles to be under 10 years old. However, parks sometimes make exceptions for well-kept, visually appealing older RVs.
Financing is possible for many people, but read the small print. As a former mortgage broker, I can tell you there are lots of ways to overspend on financing if you’re not careful.
Winter living requires planning. I live on Canada’s west coast where winters are more temperate; a different climate may need more insulation, better heating, and winter preparedness.
Maintenance and upkeep of an RV are ongoing costs — budget for repairs, seasonal maintenance, and site fees.
Unexpected Perks
Beyond the numbers, several surprises made the switch worthwhile:
My dog finally has a yard to run in — that alone changed day-to-day life.
I ended up with a beautiful view and a one-bedroom-feel home that I genuinely love.
Freeing up monthly money allowed me to prioritize travel and experiences rather than simply paying rising rents.
We deserve lives we love—without the financial stress.
Tips for Women Over 40 Considering RV Living
If you’re a single woman over 40 or 50 weighing this option, here are a few targeted tips:
Do the math first: compare all costs, not just rent — include site fees, utilities, maintenance, and travel expenses.
Find community: RV parks can be social places; look for parks or online groups that support women and solo travelers.
Think long-term: consider resale value of the RV, potential appreciation or depreciation, and how easy it will be to move on when you’re ready.
Plan for emergencies: have a contingency fund for unexpected repairs or medical needs.
Be intentional about comfort: packing smart, organizing for small-space living, and creating routines makes RV life cozy and sustainable.
Next Steps — Updates and Community
I plan to post an update after I’ve lived through a full winter in the RV so I can share how it held up and what adjustments I made. If you’re thinking about making a similar change, consider connecting with others — a community or mastermind can help you problem-solve, find resources, and stay inspired.
If you’re on the fence, remember: this isn’t about sacrificing quality of life. It’s about designing a life that fits your values and gives you more freedom and security instead of handing your money over to rising rents. If downsizing and RV park living could help you reclaim time, money, or mobility, it’s worth exploring.
Final Thought
This move saved me almost half of my housing costs in the first year and gave me a home that finally fits my life. If you’re trying to figure out ways to make life better or save money, start small, do the research, and look for communities that support women creating change. You don’t have to do it alone.
For more tips and resources, check out:
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