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

Young Professional

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 and Environmental 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 and Environmental Planner

Get top-rated, practical training for planners

"Planetizen federal action tracker" logo superimposed over black and white image of US Capitol dome.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

October 28, 2026 - Zachary Whalen

A car drives through a puddle, making a large splash. Rain pours down.

California plans to bury El Niño’s downpour

If the state plays its cards right, it may be able to store a billion acre-feet of El Niño’s water in aquifers.

October 28, 2026 - Grist

Lake Powell with much of the water evaporated.

Desperate measures: Advocates weigh draining Lake Powell to fill Colorado River

Draining the reservoir could reduce evaporation losses by a couple hundred thousand acre-feet.

October 30, 2026 - Yale Environment 360

The Chicago Avenue Bridge when it was open, a dark red bridge in front of downtown.

Chicago Avenue bridge construction delays enrages city leaders

The bridge has been closed since 2025. The city originally aimed to re-open it in December, and now expects to finish construction in 2027.

6 hours ago - Block Club Chicago

People walk to a bus in Queens

NYC bus network redesign speeds up Queens buses

Rush routes have seen a 4.6% speed increase after the redesign.

7 hours ago - Mass Transit

A rendering of the California high speed rail Fresno station. Two escalators leading into the station are visible.

California High-Speed Rail Authority picks trainset manufacturer

The California High-Speed Rail Authority aims to start servicing passengers by 2033.

November 1 - Railway News