Living in an RV on Your Property: What States Allow it? A Full List

If you’re concerned about the legality of living in an RV on your property then sit tight while we answer your burning questions and eliminate your concerns. Understandably the situation may appear a tad confusing, the land belongs to you, and you want to live on it, but in an RV. The simplicity of the matter is that every location has its own rules under different circumstances.

Living in an RV on Your Property

Benefits of Living in an RV on Your Property

Hell bent on making the RV your permanent place of residence? Luckily for you, there are several advantages that might provide you with the extra nudge you need to make this happen. Some of the basic benefits of living in an RV include:

Can You Live in an RV Legally?

It is legal to live in an RV, but to remain within the law you will need to carefully follow local zoning laws and ordinances that might govern where you can park your RV. You could need access to water and sewer if you plan to linger in one place or on your own land, for more than a short period of time. You can securely stay put, living in an RV for weeks, months or even permanently. However, the local government could demand that you build a permanent place to reside in, like a house on your land. Essentially it’s illegal to live full time in an RV, even on land that is yours, because that place is meant for permanent occupancy.

can you live in an rv

In the USA (some states) it is possible to live full time in an RV as long as you have a postage address. So your next step would be to choose a state to stay in, and this is where you’ll pay your taxes, get a driver’s licence and a postage address. Wherever you park your RV, make sure you’re obeying the local laws, restrictions and zoning laws. If you choose to park the RV on a permanent piece of land, whether it’s yours or not, you must have access to sewer and water.

best places to live in an rv year round: florida

Massachusetts

Michigan

You should make sure that you’re following any zoning ordinances in place, then you can comfortably live in your RV on your own lands in Michigan, but beware that some towns allow this and not all. You might find yourself feeling more secure with the location you’ve parked at a mobile home park.

Texas

Although you can park and live in an RV on your own land in Texas, you shouldn’t get comfortable just yet, because this cannot be your permanent home on the property. You will have to register the vehicle in Texas and have your driver’s licence be from Texas. Most RV dwellers will choose one state to claim as their primary residence. You must have access to sewer, electricity and water to remain parked on your own land in Texas.

Best Places to Live in an RV Year-Round

Florida

Florida is a great choice for RV living especially if you’re a full-time RV domicile. Florida’s sunshine makes it a top pick for those who intend to live in their RV full-time. Try to avoid the spring time when the hurricanes are threatening to hit the state, you wouldn’t want your comfortable home on wheels to be tumbling across the state. Instead plan your visit to Florida in the late winter, when the temperature and humidity haven’t comfortably settled in.

Texas

Looking for a state to establish your domicile? A large state like Texas, with promising weather for most of the year, it’s a great place for those with an RV to reside. With Texas’ lack of income tax and easy access to mail-forwarding services makes it one of the best choices. Just be aware that the Texas auto insurance rates are a tad on the higher side.

North Dakota

While North Dakota might not be the most pleasant of places to live in an RV during the winter months, it makes up for this in the summer. With temperatures that aren’t nearly as scalding as the Southern states, and expanses of wide, open land, it’s a place to take a brief hiatus, stepping off the edge and inhaling the scent of naturalness, whilst glimpsing a perfect sunset.

Arizona

It’s a little complicated to create a bucket list of things to do on a whim. Regardless when planning trips in your RV Arizona should be at the top of the list, as it’s one of the most visited national parks in the country. For full time RVers, its a great place to spend the winter months that are too cold up north, and if the heat is too much up there, then spend the months of spring in Arizona.

California

Since California is so vast and varied, you could plan to spend an entire year here in your RV and not run out of places to visit. Since you’re bringing your home to a state that provides impeccable scenery below its peaks, you can live here for a while without having to worry about the sky-high cost of housing in the state.

Virginia

Hot summers are not always a bad thing in Virginia, temperatures being quite liveable in an RV. You’ll find yourself immersed in the beauty surrounding your mini home, with expansive beaches blessing your eyes, to lakes surrounded by green peaks, and varieties of impeccable landscapes that make it a great place to call home, for a few months – taking a break from the roads.

Washington State

Washington State has no income tax, which makes it an option for those seeking a domicile state. Washington auto insurance rates are also on the low side, which is great for those planning to use a domicile address for their RV. For full time RV inhabitants, its a great place to spend the mild season before hunting for warmer climates for the winter. Washington State is known for a lot of rain, particularly along the coast. With glorious summers that last into the fall, you’ll find yourself gravitating towards the hike on an active volcano! Adventure calling your name.

Montana

From wide-open ranch land in the east to snow-capped peaks in the west, Montana has something to offer everyone. Like North Dakota, the winters are cold, but the summers offer long days of warm temperatures, making it a great place for full-time RVers, who prefer to split their adventures between the northern and southern parts of the country.

Oregon

From jagged coastline to the snow kissed mountains, Oregon has a wide range of natural beauty for RVers to experience. It’s also a great place for big purchases, to upgrade your RV since there’s no sales tax, and a robust camping culture that’ll ensure a warm welcome to those that live on the road.

So What State Allows You To Live in an RV on Your Property?

There are some states that allow you to park your RV to live in permanently on your own lands, as well as on private properties. Depending on how long you plan to stay in some states, as long as you have access to running water, electricity and sewer, living in an RV can be quite a pleasant experience.