Updated January 2, 2024
Van life has become an increasingly popular lifestyle choice in recent years, with people opting to trade in the traditional bricks and mortar home for the freedom and flexibility of living in a van. One of the major appeals of van life is the ability to travel and explore new places, and this means that the best cities for van life are those that offer a range of attractions and amenities to keep van dwellers entertained, as well as being van-friendly in terms of parking and overnight accommodation.
Here are ten of the best cities for van life:
Portland, Oregon
Portland is often cited as one of the best cities for van life, and it’s easy to see why. The city has a strong DIY culture and is known for its sustainability and eco-friendliness, which makes it a great place for van dwellers who want to live a self-sufficient, off-grid lifestyle. Portland is also home to a thriving food and drink scene, with an abundance of craft breweries, coffee shops, and food carts offering a wide range of local and international cuisines. In terms of accommodation, Portland has a number of dedicated van parking areas, including the Portland Loo, which is a public toilet that allows overnight parking for self-contained vehicles.
Austin, Texas
Austin is another great city for van life, with a laid-back, bohemian vibe and a strong live music scene. The city is home to numerous outdoor spaces, including Lady Bird Lake, the Greenbelt, and the Barton Creek Wilderness Park, all of which are great for hiking, swimming, and picnicking. Austin also has a number of van-friendly parking options, including the Austin Lone Star RV Park, which offers spaces for vans and RVs. In terms of amenities, Austin has a range of grocery stores, laundromats, and other amenities that are essential for van dwellers.
San Francisco, California
San Francisco is known for its liberal, open-minded attitude, which makes it a great city for van life. The city has a number of van-friendly parking options, including the San Francisco Overnight Parking Program, which allows self-contained vehicles to park overnight in designated areas. San Francisco is also home to a number of van-friendly campsites, including the San Francisco Bay Trail Camping Program, which allows van dwellers to camp overnight at selected sites along the San Francisco Bay Trail. In terms of attractions, San Francisco has a range of cultural and natural attractions, including the Golden Gate Park, the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, and the Presidio, a former military base that has been transformed into a national park.
Denver, Colorado
Denver is another great city for van life, with a range of outdoor activities on offer, including hiking, biking, and skiing in the nearby Rocky Mountains. The city also has a number of van-friendly parking options, including the Denver Overnight Parking Program, which allows self-contained vehicles to park overnight in designated areas. In terms of amenities, Denver has a range of grocery stores, laundromats, and other essentials for van dwellers. The city is also home to a number of breweries and distilleries, making it a great place for craft beer and spirits lovers.
Seattle, Washington
Seattle is known for its rainy weather, but that shouldn’t put van dwellers off, as the city has a range of indoor and outdoor attractions to keep them entertained. In terms of accommodation, Seattle has a number of van-friendly parking options, including the Seattle Overnight Parking Program, which allows self-contained vehicles to park overnight in designated areas. Seattle is also home to a number of van-friendly campsites, including the Lakefront RV Park, which offers spaces for vans and RVs. In terms of amenities, Seattle has a range of grocery stores, laundromats, and other essential services for van dwellers. The city is also home to a thriving food and drink scene, with an abundance of coffee shops, breweries, and restaurants offering a wide range of local and international cuisines.
Santa Barbara, California
Santa Barbara is a great city for van life, with a Mediterranean climate and a laid-back, beachy vibe. The city has a number of van-friendly parking options, including the Santa Barbara Overnight Parking Program, which allows self-contained vehicles to park overnight in designated areas. Santa Barbara is also home to a number of van-friendly campsites, including the El Capitan Canyon Resort, which offers spaces for vans and RVs. In terms of attractions, Santa Barbara has a range of cultural and natural attractions, including the Santa Barbara Museum of Art, the Santa Barbara Zoo, and the nearby Los Padres National Forest, which is a great place for hiking and camping.
Salt Lake City, Utah
Salt Lake City is another great city for van life, with a range of outdoor activities on offer, including hiking, biking, and skiing in the nearby Wasatch Mountains. The city also has a number of van-friendly parking options, including the Salt Lake City Overnight Parking Program, which allows self-contained vehicles to park overnight in designated areas. In terms of amenities, Salt Lake City has a range of grocery stores, laundromats, and other essentials for van dwellers. The city is also home to a number of breweries and distilleries, making it a great place for craft beer and spirits lovers.
New Orleans, Louisiana
New Orleans is a great city for van life, with a vibrant culture, rich history, and a unique blend of French, African, and American influences. The city has a number of van-friendly parking options, including the New Orleans Overnight Parking Program, which allows self-contained vehicles to park overnight in designated areas. New Orleans is also home to a number of van-friendly campsites, including the French Quarter RV Resort, which offers spaces for vans and RVs. In terms of attractions, New Orleans has a range of cultural and natural attractions, including the French Quarter, the Garden District, and the nearby Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve, which is a great place for hiking and birdwatching.
Las Vegas, Nevada
Las Vegas may not be the first city that comes to mind when thinking of van life, but it is actually a great place for van dwellers. The city has a number of van-friendly parking options, including the Las Vegas Overnight Parking Program, which allows self-contained vehicles to park overnight in designated areas. Las Vegas is also home to a number of van-friendly campsites, including the Las Vegas RV Resort, which offers spaces for vans and RVs. In terms of attractions, Las Vegas has a range of cultural and natural attractions, including the Strip, the Bellagio fountains, and the nearby Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, which is a great place for hiking and rock climbing.
Portland, Maine
Portland, Maine may not be as well-known as Portland, Oregon, but it is still a great city for van life. The city has a number of van-friendly parking options, including the Portland Overnight Parking Program, which allows self-contained vehicles to park overnight in designated areas. Portland is also home to a number of van-friendly campsites, including the Portland/Westbrook KOA, which offers spaces for vans and RVs. In terms of attractions, Portland has a range of cultural and natural attractions, including the Portland Museum of Art, the Portland Head Light, and the nearby Acadia National Park, which is a great place for hiking and sightseeing. Portland is also known for its food and drink scene, with an abundance of seafood restaurants, breweries, and coffee shops.
In conclusion, these ten cities are all great choices for van life, offering a range of amenities, attractions, and accommodation options for van dwellers. Whether you’re looking for a laid-back beach town, a bustling city, or a scenic mountain getaway, there is a city on this list that is sure to suit your needs.
Of course, these are just a few of the many cities that are suitable for van life. Other cities that are worth considering include:
Charleston, South Carolina: This charming Southern city is known for its historic mansions, beautiful beaches, and delicious seafood. Charleston has a number of van-friendly parking options, including the Charleston Overnight Parking Program, which allows self-contained vehicles to park overnight in designated areas.
Nashville, Tennessee: Nashville is known for its country music scene and has a range of van-friendly parking options, including the Nashville Overnight Parking Program, which allows self-contained vehicles to park overnight in designated areas. The city is also home to a number of van-friendly campsites, including the Nashville KOA, which offers spaces for vans and RVs.
Key West, Florida: This tropical paradise is known for its crystal-clear waters, sandy beaches, and laid-back vibe. Key West has a number of van-friendly parking options, including the Key West Overnight Parking Program, which allows self-contained vehicles to park overnight in designated areas. The city is also home to a number of van-friendly campsites, including the Key West Campground, which offers spaces for vans and RVs.
Missoula, Montana: Missoula is a great city for van life, with a range of outdoor activities on offer, including hiking, biking, and fishing in the nearby Rocky Mountains. The city has a number of van-friendly parking options, including the Missoula Overnight Parking Program, which allows self-contained vehicles to park overnight in designated areas.
Boise, Idaho: Boise is another great city for van life, with a range of outdoor activities on offer, including hiking, biking, and skiing in the nearby mountains. The city has a number of van-friendly parking options, including the Boise Overnight Parking Program, which allows self-contained vehicles to park overnight in designated areas.
No matter which city you choose, it’s important to do your research and plan ahead to ensure that you have a safe and enjoyable van life experience.
While living in a van can be a rewarding and fulfilling experience, it’s important to remember that it can also be challenging at times. Here are a few tips to help make your van life journey a little easier:
Stay organized: When living in a small space like a van, it’s important to stay organized and make the most of the available storage. Use bins, baskets, and other storage solutions to keep your belongings organized and tidy.
Find a good parking spot: One of the key considerations when van life is finding a safe and secure place to park. Look for parking lots or other areas that are well-lit and have a good level of foot traffic. Avoid parking in secluded areas or in neighborhoods where you don’t feel comfortable.
Stay connected: It can be difficult to stay connected when living in a van, especially if you’re constantly on the move. Invest in a good quality mobile hotspot or satellite internet connection to ensure that you have reliable internet access.
Stay healthy: Living in a van can take a toll on your physical and mental health, especially if you’re not used to the confined space. Make sure to take care of yourself by eating a healthy diet, getting enough exercise, and taking breaks to get some fresh air and sunshine.
Be prepared for unexpected expenses: Living in a van can be cheaper than living in a traditional home, but it’s important to be prepared for unexpected expenses. Make sure to set aside some money for emergencies, such as unexpected car repairs or medical bills.
By following these tips, you can make your van life journey a little easier and ensure that you have a safe and enjoyable experience.
FAQ
Q: Is van life right for me?
A: Van life is not for everyone, and it’s important to carefully consider whether it is the right choice for you. Some people thrive in the freedom and flexibility that van life offers, while others may find it too challenging or isolating. It’s a good idea to spend some time researching and planning before making the decision to live in a van full-time.
Q: How much does van life cost?
A: The cost of van life can vary significantly depending on a number of factors, including the type of van you choose, your travel and living expenses, and your level of self-sufficiency. In general, van life can be cheaper than traditional home ownership, but it’s important to budget carefully and be prepared for unexpected expenses.
Q: How do I find a place to park my van?
A: Finding a place to park your van can be one of the biggest challenges of van life. Some cities have dedicated van parking areas, and it’s always a good idea to check with local authorities to see what options are available. Other options include parking lots, rest areas, and campgrounds. It’s also a good idea to check with other van dwellers or online communities to get recommendations for good parking spots.
Q: How do I stay safe while living in a van?
A: Safety is a major concern when living in a van, especially if you’re on the road a lot. Some tips for staying safe include:
Park in well-lit, well-trafficked areas
Lock your van when you’re not inside
Keep valuables out of sight
Use a security system or other security measures
Keep a close eye on your surroundings and be aware of any potential dangers
Q: What are some common challenges of van life?
A: Some common challenges of van life include:
Finding a place to park
Limited space and privacy
Lack of access to amenities
Difficulty staying connected to the outside world
Maintaining the van and dealing with unexpected expenses
Coping with the isolation and loneliness that can come with living in a small space
It’s important to be prepared for these challenges and have a plan in place to deal with them.