Traditional housing is expensive and, on average, locks you into a particular location for 15-30 years. Many dream of relinquishing their traditional mortgage and embracing a life of freedom and discovery. If you are one of those people, RV living in Texas might be a perfect solution.
Texas offers a unique blend of affordability and endless adventure with its welcoming community and incredible landscapes. The state provides several opportunities for RVers, but you need to understand a few things before embarking on this life-changing journey.
Is Texas an RV-Friendly State?
The Lone Star State wholeheartedly welcomes RVers and boasts a thriving RV community. Many towns and cities have accessible dump stations, propane refill locations, and dedicated RV supply stores. Beyond the supportive infrastructure, you can find several rallies and events celebrating the RV lifestyle and providing ample opportunities to meet fellow RVers. Several RV parks host socials and gatherings to help create a sense of community.
The state has thousands of RV parks and campgrounds in prime locations. The parks range from basic locations with only essential hookups to luxurious resorts with amenities like swimming pools, fitness centers, and a social scene. Meadow Lane RV Park is in Austin, Texas, and it offers a casual atmosphere and hosts the SXSW Film and TV Festival. The city also provides fun live music, food, and bar scenes.
Wherever you park your home, you must know several things to make RV living in Texas comfortable. From legal restrictions to wardrobe selections, RVers must become excellent planners.
Can You Legally Live In an RV in Texas?
Texas has no state law prohibiting full-time RV living, so you can legally live in your RV. However, you must understand how local ordinances and zoning regulations might affect your chosen location. Counties, cities, and towns might have specific rules and regulations about where and how long you can park your RV. Some areas restrict RVers to overnight stays, while others may have designated zones for longer-term RV living.
RVers must also recognize that Texas has several HOA communities governed by homeowner associations. These neighborhoods may have additional rules that specifically address RVs, limiting parking and living. It is always best to review community and neighborhood guidelines before settling down for the night.
If you want to establish yourself as a resident while RV living in Texas, you’ll usually need a Texas driver’s license, vehicle registration, and a physical address. In some cases, an RV park can provide a physical address for proof of residency, but more often than not, you will need to sign up for a mail forwarding service, which provides a physical address that receives your mail.
Claiming domicile in an RV park is possible, but you likely need to take several additional steps. Some of the steps may include:
- Staying in the state for a specified period each year
- Opening bank accounts in the state
- Filing taxes as a Texas resident
Remember, while the state does not have laws prohibiting full-time living, individual counties, cities, and neighborhoods might. Residence in a licensed RV park is typically the safest way to ensure the legality of your stay.
What Do You Need To Know Before Trying RV Living in Texas?
Beyond the legal aspects of RV life in Texas, there are several practical considerations unique to the state that you should prepare for. While the greater state can experience a wide range of weather conditions, Austin has a temperature average of 70.7 degrees Fahrenheit. The city experiences hot summers, with temperatures between 90 and 100 degrees during July and August, and mild winters and minor cold snaps, with infrequent temperatures of 30-40 degrees. Because of the temperature fluctuations throughout the year, buy or lease an RV with excellent insulation and a climate control system.
As for wardrobe, you want a combination of jeans and shirts, t-shirts and long-sleeve lightweight sweaters, dresses and skirts, and blouses and jackets. Focus on cotton and linen fabrics because they are breathable. Temperature can fluctuate drastically between day and night, so having loose and accessible layers is a must.
When RV living in Texas, staying at campgrounds and RV parks is in your best interest. While Texas is RV-friendly, finding overnight parking can be tricky, especially when boondocking, unless you like camping on public lands with limited amenities. A typical RV park or campground can cost anywhere from $20-$50 per night, depending on the hookups, amenities, and services provided. Meadow Lake RV Park offers long-term monthly rates to save you money.
What Are the Benefits of RV Living?
RV life is not for everyone; it requires patience and commitment. If you’re willing to put in the work for RV living, you can experience a sense of freedom and adventure you rarely get to experience in this life.
Living that RV life in Texas means being exposed to an incredible variety of landscapes, from the rugged deserts and mountains in the west to the lush forests in the east. You can also experience the scenic coastline of the Gulf of Mexico.
Beyond the scenery, Texas has a rich history and vibrant culture. From the historical monuments like the Alamo to the thriving music scene of Austin, there is something for everyone in the Lone Star State.
Still, affordability is one of the primary drivers of RV living in Texas. While costs vary based on lifestyle and location, RVs are usually more affordable than traditional housing, especially in some state’s primary markets. RV living eliminates mortgage payments, property taxes, and some utilities, providing significant monthly and yearly savings.
Ready for RV Living in Texas? Visit Meadow Lane RV Park
RV living in Texas offers endless possibilities to those seeking adventure, affordability, and a more straightforward way of life. With its welcoming attitude, stunning destinations, and supportive infrastructure, Texas is a fantastic place to embark on your RV journey. If your travels bring you to the Austin area, Meadow Lane RV Park provides a convenient and comfortable base camp for your long-term stay. Book your stay with us today!