Every time I’m close to a vacation, I start thinking about what it would be like to always be traveling. Don’t get me wrong, I love the work I do, but there are times (like now) when that wanderlust kicks in and my husband and I start casually internet stalking RV dealerships and DIY home-on-wheels blogs.
It also doesn’t help that so many social media people have so many cool skoolies, amiright?!
Someday, I may make the jump to #RVLife, but I think I’d always want a home-base for a lot of good reasons, like:
so. many. cool. skoolies.
Normalcy: Having a familiar space to return to is comforting. It’s where you can enjoy your routines and rituals that keep you grounded.
Security and Safety: Your home-base is a haven of safety and security, a known environment where you feel completely at ease.
Room to Host and Entertain: It’s the perfect spot for gatherings, celebrations, and those heartwarming family moments, not to mention maybe a few other RV’ers.
Space for Personal Projects: Whether it’s a hobby or a side hustle, having a dedicated space at your home-base allows you to pursue these passions.
A Financial Asset: While you’re exploring the world, your home-base, as a piece of real estate, could potentially increase in value, offering a financial cushion for the future.
So with all that in mind, if you’re like me and you can’t shake the wanderlust, I’ve set up a Northwest Arkansas property search here that incorporates some key characteristics of what a person might be looking for in a part-time home-base for folks living mostly on the road. Here are some of the things I’d be keeping in mind if (when) I was going to get on the bus (skoolie):
No HOA: Many HOA/POAs have rules against RV storage on-site, not to mention the additional fees you have to pay.
A Little Bit of Breathing Room: Look for a lot or acreage of at least half an acre so you’ve got a little bit of room to maneuver the land yacht.
Gas Is Expensive, And I’m Cheap: If I’m not sleeping here every night, I’m looking to keep my purchase price on the lower side – sub $200K. I will go ahead and look at houses up to this price point because I might think about AirBnb’ing the house while I’m gone to recoup some expense.
Toy Boxes: All this time spent on the road will eventually require some maintenance for my RV and whatever else one may be hauling. Having an outbuilding, barn, shop, or somewhere to store some of the tool and other accoutrements needed to keep the rig road worthy is something to look for.
Less Is More: If I were to buy a house or trailer (instead of land), I’d want to keep the utilities for it on the cheap-side, so I’d be looking for less square footage than if I was to be living there full time.
Whether one picks a cozy tiny home, or a spacious plot of land, Northwest Arkansas has the perfect blend of launch location, affordable properties, and four-seasons an RV’er could be looking for. Happy hunting, and maybe I’ll see you down the road… or in the neighborhood! 🚐🏡