Thinking About A Mobile Retirement – No RV (divorce, move, divorced)

[AKJohn]

Here is what I’m considering.

I’m in my late 50s, divorced, the ex got the house. At this point buying a house is not an option. Nor do I want one.

There are a lot of areas I want to see in California, Arizona, Alaska, Utah, etc. Retirement might be about 7 - 8 years from now and assuming I’m still in good heath, one idea is to rent rooms from other seniors in these areas. This will allow me to remain mobile and see and live in these places. I understand the logistics could be a challenge.

Feedback welcome.

[Dollydo]

I do have a motorhome, am on a 60 day trip right now. I have thought about spending a year investigating the East
coast and staying here and there, not in my motorhome but driving in my CRV, I may do it next year.

If this is what you want to do, do it.

[Curmudgeon]

Originally Posted by AKJohn

Here is what I’m considering.

I’m in my late 50s, divorced, the ex got the house. At this point buying a house is not an option. Nor do I want one.

There are a lot of areas I want to see in California, Arizona, Alaska, Utah, etc. Retirement might be about 7 - 8 years from now and assuming I’m still in good heath, one idea is to rent rooms from other seniors in these areas. This will allow me to remain mobile and see and live in these places. I understand the logistics could be a challenge.

Feedback welcome.

Challenges are good. The spice of life. They keep the brain active and can be fun, especially when you overcome them.

Go for it!

[accufitgolf]

Originally Posted by AKJohn

Here is what I’m considering.

I’m in my late 50s, divorced, the ex got the house. At this point buying a house is not an option. Nor do I want one.

There are a lot of areas I want to see in California, Arizona, Alaska, Utah, etc. Retirement might be about 7 - 8 years from now and assuming I’m still in good heath, one idea is to rent rooms from other seniors in these areas. This will allow me to remain mobile and see and live in these places. I understand the logistics could be a challenge.

Feedback welcome.

I might suggest a fifth wheel? tow along. I know a fellow and his wife that travel the country for the company he works for. They are in a place 3 to 6 months. They set the fifth wheel up in a camp ground and use the truck as transportation. The fifth wheel is spacious and very comfortable. They can also dry camp (no utility hookups) for about 3-5 days which works well when they move from place to place.

I knew a fellow that worked for a major office supply store. He spent 6 months up north. Renting a furnished apartment and working at the local office superstore (they were always hiring), then went south for six months and did the same thing with the same office superstore. A bit different but one might could do it in different parts of the country.

Hope this helps.

[Giesela]

I think that sounds like a fine idea but I guess you realize the problem is finding seniors with rooms to rent and security for both parties. Europeans seem to do this sort of thing more, it never seems to take off in the U.S.
House sitting websites may be a place to start.

[HappyTexan]

One idea is to look at college towns. You just might find older folks with big homes that live near the college that rent out rooms for the semester.

[MrRational]

Originally Posted by AKJohn

...one idea is to rent rooms from other seniors in these areas.
I understand the logistics could be a challenge.

Feedback welcome.

You're not alone.

There are a LOT of people who would like to do this sort of thing...
most only seasonally (the migrating snowbird type) but quite a few would
love to do the "temporary assignment" gig for at least a few years.

The biggest problem is "security"... from both ends.
You need some fairly transparent way to check out the prospects.

On a small scale... venues like this (or the local forums) might be all that
one person might need to find a good fit every 6-8 months or so.

Good luck.

[AKJohn]

Great feedback. Appreciate it. Security is a major concern. Have to give it some thought. My target might be to stay in each place for about 6-12 months then move on. I'll be living on a limited budget so this way of life will be my best chance to see my target spots.

[MotleyCrew]

You might try housitting for people while they snowbird to other areas. May mean camping for 5 months in the heat of the desert or the cold of the mid west, but you would still be on an adventure. Best of luck to you.

[mastequila]

Try an ad on craigslist, see what kind of response you get.