Living out of a van can be a lonely, cramped existence — yet some people are choosing it over life in a standard home. As real estate becomes more expensive in cities such as New York and San Francisco, young tech workers, retirees, and even families are turning to converted vans as a way to save on rent.
The phenomenon has taken off across numerous social channels. It’s now easy to find glamorous shots of van living on Instagram or idealistic blog posts touting a mobile lifestyle.
Though van dwelling may be a viable option for some, the reality is far less seductive than it’s made out to be. Many photos of converted vans show little room for anything other than a bed and a few storage bins. Vehicles that have been lived in for a while are often a cluttered mess, packed with stray belongings and portable fans.
Check out what van living is really like for the urbanites who dare to tackle life on the road — and the many who rely on vans as an affordable housing option.
Some people choose to live in a van so they can travel all over the United States. Lyn Sweet, an artist who has lived in a van for the past two years, set out in her first vehicle after saving money for eight months. She worked five different jobs during that time.
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Many van dwellers stop by national parks as they make their way across the country.
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Some travelers capture beautiful images by state parks along the coast, such as Cape Kiwanda in Oregon.
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READ MORE: Ultimate Guide to Converting a Van into a Camper Van
