Trailer homes have earned the unfortunate stereotype of being "trashy," and while many trailer parks do sadly live up to that trashy stereotype, it's unfair to paint all trailer homes and their occupants with the same brush. At a time when housing costs are higher than ever and the economy is in crisis, trailers can give low-budget homeowners the opportunity to enjoy all the comforts of home at a price they can afford.
It's a dire situation, then, when even the humble trailer home can go for near-luxury rent prices. In Laguna Beach, California, where the median home price is well within the seven-digit range, Brian and Jaclyn Westlake have made a modest home out of their 940-square-foot trailer, which they rent for the "low" price of... brace yourselves... $5,100 a month.
"I never imagined we’d end up living in the land of beachside cottages and sun-drenched ocean coves I’d seen on TV." Brian and Jaclyn Westlake wanted to make a permanent move to LagunaBeach, California. The only problem? The median home price in Laguna Beach hovers around $3 million and the median monthly #rent is over $8,000. Figuring out a long-term living situation in such a pricey area required them to get creative. They discovered a neighborhood filled with mobile homes, and now pay about $5,100 to live in a vintage 940-square-foot trailer. Tap the #linkinbio to look inside their "unconventional" home. #CNBCMakeIt #hometour
Picked your jaw off the floor yet? I know, reading that the first time knocked the wind out of me. Believe it or not, though, that's "cheap" for the area, as @cnbcmakeit reports that the median monthly rent in Laguna Beach is over $8,000 a month. But the Westlakes fell in love with Laguna Beach, despite the astronomically high housing costs, and were determined to make their dream home there. Having previously lived on a houseboat for several years, they were no strangers to "unconventional" housing, so why not a vintage trailer?
In fairness, it's a very nice trailer for its $5k+ a month rent. The couple occupies a 2-bed, 2-bath aluminum trailer from the 1960s, with an expansive backyard deck that has a hot tub , terraced landscaping, and a fire pit - a private oasis in the comfort of their home.
Best of all, their home is literally right across the street from the beach. Jaclyn likens their living arrangements to "living on vacation," making a compelling argument for paying such a high price for the privilege of living in a trailer home.
TikTok Talks $5k-a-Month Trailers
But... $5,100 a month? For a mobile home? That was too bitter of a pill for a lot of people to swallow.
"$5,100 a month? Um, that's a whole 'nuther tax bracket for a trailer home," commented @dishitup310 on TikTok.
"I was onboard till they said the price for it... that's crazy," said @tyroland1.
"Trailers in California are double the price of my home!" @niftynest exclaimed.
However, cost of living is relative, and SoCal locals weren't as shocked by the price.
"It's very expensive, but SoCal is a dream. My one bedroom apartment is 4k, and I wouldn't change it for anything. My quality of life is incredible," vouched @katsandiego.
"You all don't live in Orange County . That's a decent price at the beach," argued @ruthhernandez640.
And to be fair here, that $5,100 a month isn't just the flat rent, full stop. According to Jaclyn Westlake's full write-up for CNBC , the Westlakes own their trailer , but rent the plot of land it sits on. Right now, each month they pay $3,424 for the land lease, $394 on average for utilities, and $1,330 towards repaying the $150,000 home equity loan they took out to renovate their vintage trailer , which needed some work. They hope to have that loan paid off within the next few years, which will bring their monthly costs down considerably.
When you consider the great locale, plus the unique situation the Westlakes are in, the $5,100 per month cost seems less shocking than it initially did. Still, it's fair to say that the Westlakes are well outside the norm for trailer living!
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