The housing costs in Boulder are skyrocketing, so for many people, owning a home seems like something that won’t happen unless they win a jackpot. Some move to more affordable places, but others just can’t seem to part with Boulder and it’s not hard to see why. But what to do if you can’t find a decent place to live?

Well, there’s renting, although you probably don’t want to do that forever. But then there are park model homes. It’s a creative alternative to a traditional house. It’s more affordable, and sustainable, plus it gives you the chance to live a minimalist lifestyle that really resonates with Boulder’s outdoor-loving community.

A park model home will shift your lifestyle; it will become simpler and more in harmony with the environment and doesn’t that sound amazing?

Living in a Park Model Home: What to Expect

Yes, park model homes have their benefits, but definitely not everyone would accept these homes simply because they stand out from the ordinary, the familiar. If you do wonder what it’d be like to live in a park model home, then we’ll list a few things you can expect.

1. Connection to Nature

If you’re looking to connect to nature, apart from living a hermit’s life in the woods, park model homes bring you to the center of it. There are hiking trails, parks, and the most happening scenic views that form the characters of Boulder. Just imagine: early morning strollers by Boulder Creek Park followed by an afternoon exploration of Flatirons. Or, drinking your morning coffee/tea while having a spectacular view that never gets boring. This is how you could connect your life with nature.

Usually, these types of homes are designed to complement the environment, and you’ll find large windows on them or decks that let you be outside and enjoy everything your surroundings have to offer.

2. Minimalist Lifestyle

What do you see when you open TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, or when you go to a shopping mall? Overconsumption. Not only is this completely unnecessary, but overconsumption keeps you living from paycheck to paycheck. Go through your stuff and you’ll see that you only need about 30% of what you have.

If you live in a park model home, you’re forced to live in a simpler manner and without clutter. And decluttering your environment means a healthier mindset and a fuller bank account.

3. Community and Social Aspects

This is one of the best things about living like this – the sense of community you get from it. A lot of people choose to live in shared spaces like RV parks or co-housing developments that have a lot of amenities and communal activities.

You get the opportunity to make some friends who share your values and priorities, and you get to do it in the fresh air! If you’re after making some closer relationships, it would be better to choose a smaller community, but if you’re the more, the merrier kind of person, you’ll have a few good options to choose from.

4. Potential Problems

It’s not all fun and games, unfortunately. One of the biggest challenges is adjusting to living in a smaller space. Over time, you’ll probably appreciate it, but in the beginning, you’ll need to learn to make it work with modular furniture, vertical storage, and being careful with organizing your belongings.

Then there’s the climate which, in Boulder, means warm summers and cold winters. You’ll need to insulate your walls, invest in an energy-efficient heating system, and install good ventilation to stay comfortable throughout the year.

Legal and Zoning Factors to Pay Attention to

Before you can go enjoy your minimalist lifestyle and fresh air, there are some legal and zoning rules you should understand.

Park model homes are usually treated as RVs (recreational vehicles), which means you can’t just place them anywhere you want. In Boulder, you’re typically allowed to park in RV parks or areas that are zoned for temporary dwellings, but as far as traditional neighborhoods go, that can be a no-no.

You’ll also need permits for preparing the site and connecting utilities and your home will have to pass inspections to meet local building codes. Some neighborhoods and HOAs can also have restrictions on park model homes, so you’ll want to check those before you make any plans.

Conclusion

When you choose your park model home, you’re not just finding a place to live, you’re changing your entire lifestyle. But when you put it all on paper, you’ll agree that it’s a change for the better: both easier and more conducive to sustainable living and closeness with nature, collecting moments instead of things.

There’s quite a bit of paperwork to navigate; once you get through that, though, the only thing left is living on your terms, free and peacefully.

Heaven!

John Mali Director of Media Relations

Director of Media Relations at AboutBoulder.com

john@aboutboulder.com