RVs Becoming the Only Affording Housing Around Washington

Escalating housing prices in northern Virginia force some into very mobile homes.

1 minute read

April 6, 2005, 1:00 PM PDT

By Peter Buryk


RVs used to be the vehicle of choice for those touring the United States by road. Now they are becoming the only affordable housing option is a region that continues to experience some of the most severe real estate price increases in the nation. The Washington region is also home to the nation's largest job growth. According to some estimates, over 70,000 jobs were created in the area last year, with the largest percent occuring in the professional and business sectors. Government contracting is at an all-time high, and some of these new workers cannot find an affordable place to call home except local campsites that offer long-term RV facilities. "Around here, you have to go so far for a $150,000 house, forget it," said Remi Bergeron, a a computer systems support engineer. "I don't even think there are any." Some campsites have become so popular as homes that they have had to start waiting lists. A similar phenomenon occured in Silicon Valley in the late 90s. "It's gotten old," said one RV homeowner in northern Virginia. "It's not how we expected to spend our life at this age."

Thanks to Peter Buryk

Tuesday, April 5, 2005 in The Washington Post

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Historic homes in St. Augustine, Florida.

Florida Considers Legalizing ADUs

Current state law allows — but doesn’t require — cities to permit accessory dwelling units in single-family residential neighborhoods.

March 18, 2025 - Newsweek

Aerial view of suburban housing near Las Vegas, Nevada.

HUD Announces Plan to Build Housing on Public Lands

The agency will identify federally owned parcels appropriate for housing development and streamline the regulatory process to lease or transfer land to housing authorities and nonprofit developers.

March 17, 2025 - The Wall Street Journal

Close-up of traffic congestion from behind cars on a freeway in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Conservatives’ Decongestion Pricing Flip-Flop

When it comes to solving traffic problems, the current federal administration is on track for failure, waste, and hypocrisy.

March 17, 2025 - Todd Litman

Lava visible in crater with steam coming out in Hawaii.

Can Geothermal Energy Fuel Hawaiʻi’s Future?

Gavin Murphy, a New Zealand-based consultant with experience in indigenous-led geothermal projects, argues that Hawaiʻi is poised to achieve energy independence and economic growth by respectfully developing its untapped geothermal resources.

March 24 - Honolulu Civil Beat

Purple, orange, and yellow wildflowers in a field in California.

Climate Gardening: Cultivating Resilient Landscapes in Los Angeles

TreePeople’s 4th Annual Urban Soil Symposium explored how climate gardening, soil health, and collaborative land management strategies can enhance urban resilience in the face of climate change.

March 24 - TreePeople

Close-up on charging port for electric cars.

Electric Surge: EV Chargers Outnumber Gas Nozzles in California

California now has 48% more electric vehicle chargers than gasoline nozzles, reflecting its rapid shift toward clean transportation and aggressive zero-emission goals despite federal pushback.

March 24 - Inside EVs