One would think with gas prices soaring daily, RV interest would be on the decline. Gas guzzling land yachts , known for poor fuel economy 8-10 mpg, are commonplace sights in Florida. Made popular by retired Baby Boomers seeking freedom on the open road after escaping years of structured routine, home maintenance, and conventional lifestyles, empty nesters made motor coach living fashionable.  Some of these units cost more than starter homes.

But lately, despite the bleak news at the gas pump, a new trend is emerging. Victims of the economy the exponential casualties of the mortgage crisis appear to be young renters displaced by foreclosure of their rental homes.  They are Innocent victims of the mortgage crisis in America.  They paid their rents on time, only to discover their landlords have pocketed the profit and not paid the mortgage on the rental home when the eviction notice gets nailed to their front door. 

Seeking affordable remedies, as an alternative to homelessness  many of these former renters are looking at older RV's as an alternative way to live inexpensively.

 AN AFFORDABLE ALTERNATIVE

For roughly the equivalent of first and last month's rent plus a security deposit, renters are looking at older, larger Motor homes as a viable alternative for permanent living.

  
Many of these older units, are nicely appointed, have been refurbished, and can comfortably provide a couple or small family with a decent place to live on a short term or long term basis.

The larger units offer a "Living Room" couches that extend into beds.

Dinettes which convert to sleeping areas

Full kitchens with refrigerators, ranges, ovens and microwaves.

Pull out pantries for canned good storage.  Some even feature amenities such as central vacuum systems, built in appliances like blenders, and plenty of storage both inside the unit, and below it.

And bedrooms with either Queen size beds or twin beds. Many have full bathrooms although compact, they are purposeful including bath tubs, and showers.

The cost of these vehicles new, is staggering. Ranging from $40,000 to well over $100,000+  But the resale market on older units is rising fast.

And most are self contained. Utilizing three way power such as electricity, propane, and generator power.

  NEW DEMAND OF THESE OLDER UNITS, ARE LIKELY TOCREATE A NEED FOR PLACES TO KEEP THEM.

Many former Recreational Parks gave way to new construction of multi unit housing such as condos and Town Homes, many campgrounds, were sold off as a result of urban sprawl.  The agricultural lands that once graced Osceola County here in Florida, have subsequently fallen as a result of higher Property Taxes and the opportunity to cash in when the builders were seeking large properties to develop...that is until the boom went bust.

Most Home Owner Associations  forbid Recreational Vehicles.  This presents opportunity for the re-creation of the recreational park as an alternative for economical living. Could this possibly be the trend of the future?

 If the demand for RV's continue to grow as a by product of the housing crisis the demand for land may follow.