My partner and I pursued full-time van life before transitioning to a remote off-grid property.
These lifestyles offered unique rewards and difficulties, leading us to a vibrant, walkable city environment.
Van dwelling was budget-friendly but often tense; our off-grid retreat was breathtaking yet profoundly isolated.

Fatigued by the 9-to-5 routine, my partner and I sold nearly all our possessions and transformed a 1996 Chevy Express into a cozy mobile home.

We had been residing in the St. Louis suburbs, yearning for greater adventure and novelty. About two years in, upon learning of our pregnancy, we sought stability and discovered an off-grid property spanning 40 acres in northern New Mexico. Both journeys proved exhilarating and transformative, though fraught with stress and fatigue.

Van Life Delivered Unmatched Freedom and Adaptability

Full-time travel and residence in a van lived up to its legendary appeal.

Our monthly costs plummeted compared to before: primarily gas, insurance, and sporadic campground fees.

We ventured wherever and whenever we pleased, working from laptops beside rushing streams or amid sunrises over Grand Teton.

We embarked on remarkable hikes with our dogs, uncovering America's hidden gems - remote areas hours from the closest airport.

We labored on our terms, played at will, connected with nearby friends and family, and bonded with fellow eccentric nomads reveling in such liberty.

Yet Van Life Fell Short of Perfection

We soon realized this path exacted steep non-monetary tolls. Routine nourished us, but weekly relocations across cities or states made it elusive.

Just as we settled into a groove, we packed up to begin anew, often with only vague plans for the next parking spot.

Steering clear of formal campgrounds saved funds but heightened anxiety. Sleep locations remained uncertain, as did their quality upon arrival. Reliable cell signal for work was hit-or-miss.

Van life also exposed our core traits under confinement. The tighter quarters intensified flaws: clutter spirals rapidly for the disorganized, while strong emotions echo within those thin walls.

We Exchanged Wanderlust for Off-Grid Roots

The surprise pregnancy signaled readiness for a fixed base to embark on parenting.

Remote acreage topped our list, though off-grid was unplanned. We struck gold with a complete off-grid setup in New Mexico - 40 acres plus a separate workshop.

Joy dominated, tempered by sorrow over shedding our roaming persona.

Off-Grid Life Granted Vast Space and Autonomy

We swiftly adored the property. Mountain vistas inspired, and unrestricted building fueled creativity.

Off-grid bonuses charmed, like the wood stove that warms thrice - stacking logs, chopping them, then burning.

We once cooked and streamed TV oblivious to neighbors' blackout.

Drawbacks mirrored van life's trade-offs. Our electric well pump faltered in a snowstorm with insufficient solar input.

Generator proved inadequate, forcing us to melt snow buckets stovetop-side for toilet flushes. Such are off-grid delights!

Two Years Later, a Fresh Pivot

Our son's arrival crystallized the isolation: distant hospitals and kin demanded change.

We cherish van escapades and off-grid seclusion alike. They tested and sustained us, imparting vital insights and campfire tales.

Today, we thrive in scenic St. Louis near a vast park, amid welcoming neighbors, playful children, and foot-accessible stores and eateries.

Unexpected, yes - but like prior phases, ideally suited to our present needs.