Buying an RV (65k) vs Renting in NYC ( ~60k for 2 years)

Have been thinking about this lately:

There are a lot of drivable RVs outfitted with everything I need:
AC
Laundry
Dryer
Dishwasher
Bathroom(s)
Shower(s)
Bedroom(s)
Kitchen
Tv area
Lounge
Pantry
Walk-in closet
Etc

I plan on only staying in NY for 2 years then moving to Europe or a LCOL city. I’ve been comparing costs of renting vs buying an RV and it turns out to be the same pretty much.

I also have the option to finance the RV and my monthly estimate obligation would be ~500 usd, with the choice to pay it off early too.

I’m strongly considering just buying the RV instead of renting a tiny ass apartment. A couple things I still need to figure out are, where in Manhattan could I keep an RV? Are RVs even allowed in Manhattan? Is there a permanent place I could leave it for free ?

Example of RV I could purchase:

https://www.optimumrv.com/product/used-2012-thor-…

Anything I’m missing ?

This makes incredibly good sense to me

Thoughts ???

 

If you plan on getting bitches or trying to have any version of a social life, I’d get an apartment. Though, since you’re asking this, I’m assuming those considerations may not apply for you.

 

Lmao I was (mainly) joking. But, in all seriousness, getting an RV will likely be a disaster. Get an apartment. 

 
Most Helpful

Have you ever been to NYC? This actually makes no sense at all. You won't be able to find parking, and if you find parking, it won't be permanent or legal or at all feasible to achieve your goals. 

 


Seriously lol, parking spots in the city for cars go for what? 300-400 a month? Can’t imagine for a fucking RV lmao.

Dude must be posting from some Midwest school that’s in the middle of a cornfield.

 
WalnutBrain


Seriously lol, parking spots in the city for cars go for what? 300-400 a month? Can’t imagine for a fucking RV lmao.

Dude must be posting from some Midwest school that’s in the middle of a cornfield.

RV parking is $149 per night in NJ.

"If you always put limits on everything you do, physical or anything else, it will spread into your work and into your life. There are no limits. There are only plateaus, and you must not stay there, you must go beyond them." - Bruce Lee
 

Man, life must suck when you’re short, fat and ugly or some combination of those things as a guy.

I can’t imagine just giving up on sleeping with chicks just to save a little bit of money.

And no, you can’t park an RV in Manhattan.

 

There is something seriously wrong with you if this is how you respond to this question, im praying for you

 

Where tf will you be parking a RV in Manhattan ??? Even if you find a space, it ain’t going to be cheap - don’t take that weirdo route, you’ve got a gf so you can split rent.

 

You are planning to park -- in Manhattan -- and you are trying to save money?

I have a car in the city (no, I don't need it); but, for what I pay monthly for parking (indoor parking garage), I think you could probably rent a room/studio somewhere in a different part of the country. It's not exactly cheap, and is not really saving money.

If you try to park on a street, you will struggle to find a spot large enough for an RV; not to mention that some streets would be tight, especially when turning. It often isn't easy to find a parking space for a car, let alone a larger RV -- if you look on Park Ave, you'll see a lot of the SUV drivers double-parked and waiting, because it would be effectively impossible to find parking.

Further, street parking, or parking lots, will get expensive... quickly.

I vaguely remember a video on YouTube (a few years ago) that someone attempted to park an RV in the city, similar to your plans; but I think it might have been somewhere in the Bronx or elsewhere. I doubt in Manhattan.

In Manhattan, you will likely end up towed, ticketed, or causing accidents when trying to squeeze around corners, or to squeeze into a parking space.

I am in the UES, and I remember a while back, a neighbor was taking a tour-bus style RV to a sporting event somewhere. Just watching them try to squeeze that down the street, and around the corner, made me curious how they would manage to leave Manhattan without issue. Is it possible? Perhaps... but not easy.

The point that captured my attention was that you intend to park an RV -- in Manhattan -- I think this will be your initial challenge, and it might inhibit your plan.

Something to keep in mind.

(Also, isn't this the 2nd person posting about a similar idea? I've seen it attempted several times; never has it succeeded, without a negative outcome)

Investor (30+ years); IB/RE/PE/Corp. Exp (MD level); currently, head of boutique private equity firm; principal of family office.
 

As said above, the cheapest RV parking you will find that's still a reasonable commute to the city is going to be $4-5k a month. Not intended for long-term stays either. Certainly nowhere you can park for free, even local campgrounds will require permits.

Join some of the FB roommate groups and just find an apartment with like 3 roommates. I regularly see people advertising rooms for $1500-1800; nothing fancy but if cost is the main concern you could keep that fairly low.

 

Your idea of living in an RV in Manhattan for a couple of years is definitely interesting one. It's important to carefully consider both the pros and cons before making such a decision. Here are some my thoughts and considerations:

Pros:

  1. Cost Savings: Living in an RV can potentially save you money compared to renting an apartment in Manhattan, which is notorious for its high rents.

  2. Mobility: You have the flexibility to move around and explore different parts of the city and surrounding areas, which can be a unique and exciting experience.

  3. Amenities: Modern RVs are equipped with many amenities, making it a comfortable living space with everything you need.

  4. Ownership: Buying an RV can be seen as an investment, and you have the option to pay it off early.

Cons:

  1. Parking and Regulations: Finding a place to park an RV in Manhattan can be extremely challenging and expensive. RVs are not typically allowed to park on city streets for extended periods.

  2. Maintenance: RVs require maintenance and can come with unexpected repair costs.

  3. Limited Space: While RVs are designed to be comfortable, they are still relatively small living spaces compared to traditional apartments.

  4. Utilities: You'll need to consider where you can hook up to utilities like electricity, water, and sewage. Campgrounds or RV parks usually provide these amenities but can be costly in urban areas.

  5. Community: Living in an RV might limit your ability to establish a sense of community compared to living in an apartment.

  6. Weather: Extreme weather conditions in New York, especially in winter, can pose challenges for RV living.

  7. Legal and Regulatory Issues: Research local regulations and zoning laws regarding RV living in Manhattan, as they can vary.

Before making a decision, just research all aspects of RV living in Manhattan, including parking options, local regulations, and the practicalities of day-to-day life. Additionally, consider your long-term plans for moving to Europe or a lower-cost city and how RV living fits into those goals.

It's an unconventional choice, but if it aligns with your lifestyle and financial objectives, it could be a viable option. Just be prepared for the unique challenges that come with it and make sure you have a solid plan in place.

Peace.

 
Stell

Your idea of living in an RV in Manhattan for a couple of years is definitely interesting one. It's important to carefully consider both the pros and cons before making such a decision. Here are some my thoughts and considerations:

Pros:

  1. Cost Savings: Living in an RV can potentially save you money compared to renting an apartment in Manhattan, which is notorious for its high rents.

  2. Mobility: You have the flexibility to move around and explore different parts of the city and surrounding areas, which can be a unique and exciting experience.

  3. Amenities: Modern RVs are equipped with many amenities, making it a comfortable living space with everything you need.

  4. Ownership: Buying an RV can be seen as an investment, and you have the option to pay it off early.

Cons:

  1. Parking and Regulations: Finding a place to park an RV in Manhattan can be extremely challenging and expensive. RVs are not typically allowed to park on city streets for extended periods.

  2. Maintenance: RVs require maintenance and can come with unexpected repair costs.

  3. Limited Space: While RVs are designed to be comfortable, they are still relatively small living spaces compared to traditional apartments.

  4. Utilities: You'll need to consider where you can hook up to utilities like electricity, water, and sewage. Campgrounds or RV parks usually provide these amenities but can be costly in urban areas.

  5. Community: Living in an RV might limit your ability to establish a sense of community compared to living in an apartment.

  6. Weather: Extreme weather conditions in New York, especially in winter, can pose challenges for RV living.

  7. Legal and Regulatory Issues: Research local regulations and zoning laws regarding RV living in Manhattan, as they can vary.

Before making a decision, just research all aspects of RV living in Manhattan, including parking options, local regulations, and the practicalities of day-to-day life. Additionally, consider your long-term plans for moving to Europe or a lower-cost city and how RV living fits into those goals.

It's an unconventional choice, but if it aligns with your lifestyle and financial objectives, it could be a viable option. Just be prepared for the unique challenges that come with it and make sure you have a solid plan in place.

Peace.

image-20230928094354-1

Remember, always be kind-hearted.
 

Thank you. It blatantly looked like AI and bad AI and he denied it being ChatGPT.

"If you always put limits on everything you do, physical or anything else, it will spread into your work and into your life. There are no limits. There are only plateaus, and you must not stay there, you must go beyond them." - Bruce Lee
 

Parking for that will cost you more than rent.  We rent truck parking at $30/foot NNN in the city.  That doesn't evne take into account where you will have to park, easily 1 hour plus from midtown. 

Let's say you have a 30 foot RV, requiring a 40x10 foot space.  So 400 sqft at $30/foot/year + utilities + managemet + taxes + everything else you are looking at a parking cost around $17,500 per year, that doesn't even cover the cost of the RV it self.  So you are now all in around 110K for 2 years, yes you can sell the RV after but that will likely take a 40% hit on value.  So you will recapture about 30K, so 80K final costs.  The lost time and headache of living in a fucking industrial park will make the "savings" not worth it at all.  

 
PEarbitrage

Parking for that will cost you more than rent.  We rent truck parking at $30/foot NNN in the city.  That doesn't evne take into account where you will have to park, easily 1 hour plus from midtown. 

Let's say you have a 30 foot RV, requiring a 40x10 foot space.  So 400 sqft at $30/foot/year + utilities + managemet + taxes + everything else you are looking at a parking cost around $17,500 per year, that doesn't even cover the cost of the RV it self.  So you are now all in around 110K for 2 years, yes you can sell the RV after but that will likely take a 40% hit on value.  So you will recapture about 30K, so 80K final costs.  The lost time and headache of living in a fucking industrial park will make the "savings" not worth it at all.  

Where do you find parking for only $17,500 per year? The place I saw in NJ is $46,488 per year. 

"If you always put limits on everything you do, physical or anything else, it will spread into your work and into your life. There are no limits. There are only plateaus, and you must not stay there, you must go beyond them." - Bruce Lee
 
PEarbitrage

Parking for that will cost you more than rent.  We rent truck parking at $30/foot NNN in the city.  That doesn't evne take into account where you will have to park, easily 1 hour plus from midtown. 

Let's say you have a 30 foot RV, requiring a 40x10 foot space.  So 400 sqft at $30/foot/year + utilities + managemet + taxes + everything else you are looking at a parking cost around $17,500 per year, that doesn't even cover the cost of the RV it self.  So you are now all in around 110K for 2 years, yes you can sell the RV after but that will likely take a 40% hit on value.  So you will recapture about 30K, so 80K final costs.  The lost time and headache of living in a fucking industrial park will make the "savings" not worth it at all.  

There is truth in that. But compared to renting an apartment in New York and paying all utilities, this way looks less difficult and expensive.

 
Stell
PEarbitrage

Parking for that will cost you more than rent.  We rent truck parking at $30/foot NNN in the city.  That doesn't evne take into account where you will have to park, easily 1 hour plus from midtown. 

Let's say you have a 30 foot RV, requiring a 40x10 foot space.  So 400 sqft at $30/foot/year + utilities + managemet + taxes + everything else you are looking at a parking cost around $17,500 per year, that doesn't even cover the cost of the RV it self.  So you are now all in around 110K for 2 years, yes you can sell the RV after but that will likely take a 40% hit on value.  So you will recapture about 30K, so 80K final costs.  The lost time and headache of living in a fucking industrial park will make the "savings" not worth it at all.  

There is truth in that. But compared to renting an apartment in New York and paying all utilities, this way looks less difficult and expensive.

Bro what utilities are you talking about? You don’t even make sense. My utilities are probably $170 per month. You still have to pay for utilities in an RV. So you’re saving what $20 bucks? The price to park the RV is still $46K per year.

"If you always put limits on everything you do, physical or anything else, it will spread into your work and into your life. There are no limits. There are only plateaus, and you must not stay there, you must go beyond them." - Bruce Lee
 

This is ridiculous, crazy, and impossible, and I say that knowing a guy who lived on a boat in Newtown Creek for a while.  (he also spent a couple years living at Cal. State--Not the college, so that might give you an idea about the guy)

Finding a parking spot for a car is notoriously difficult in Manhattan, and alternate side parking means that you'll have to move it a minimum of twice during the week. (realistically 4x, because IF you can find a spot during ASP it'll have a different schedule and you'll have to move the following day.)

If you put a gun to my head and said I HAD to park an RV in Manhattan I'd probably try the Riverside Drive Viaduct.  It's one of the few places where you can routinely find the 3-4 open spots next to each other that you'd need to park it.  You'd need to spend about 8 hours a week making it work even trying there though.

The only difference between Asset Management and Investment Research is assets. I generally see somebody I know on TV on Bloomberg/CNBC etc. once or twice a week. This sounds cool, until I remind myself that I see somebody I know on ESPN five days a week.
 

Not sure which thread is dumber:

- Buy a full size RV for NYC

- Sleep in an ‘04 Chevy Tahoe when making $1M per year with net worth of $33M (he was trolling though)

"If you always put limits on everything you do, physical or anything else, it will spread into your work and into your life. There are no limits. There are only plateaus, and you must not stay there, you must go beyond them." - Bruce Lee
 

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