Where to Live in Different Seasons as a Nomad?

By Joseph

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Ever since I purchased my Prius in North Carolina, I've started living in it. I've spent time in both Dallas and Austin, enjoying country dancing and visiting shooting ranges. However, I must admit, Texas summers can be unbearably hot.

If you had the choice, where would you live to maximize both your luck and life experiences?

Summer

Austin is great from October to April. During this period, you can comfortably sleep in your car without needing air conditioning. But as soon as May arrives, the heat intensifies significantly.

So, when summer rolls around, I usually head either north or to the coast.

Personally, I prefer living in a city that hosts a large university which offers community gym memberships. (In fact, I've compiled a list of universities that provide this: Community Gym Memberships).

My ideal city criteria include:

  1. A vibrant social dance scene
  2. Tennis facilities
  3. Jiu Jitsu gyms
  4. Access to a piano
  5. Outdoor sports opportunities (such as surfing, skiing, shooting, horse riding, etc.)

San Diego ticks all these boxes for the summer. The city is home to numerous renowned Jiu Jitsu gyms, and surf spots are conveniently located near the university.

Winter

In winter, the choice boils down to either opting for a warm locale or a ski paradise.

Austin is ideal for winter—it's not too cold, allowing for tennis and shooting activities. Plus, there are several renowned Jiu Jitsu gyms available.

Truthfully, if you can manage the cost of living in California, it could be a fantastic year-round residence.

How to own car for 3 months?

This part is a bit challenging.

If I plan to stay in a city for just three months, I need to strategize whether to buy a car.

The options include:

  1. Renting a car, which is easy but costly.
  2. Buying a car, which is more affordable but comes with the hassle of selling it later— not to mention the need for registration and insurance.
  3. Renting directly from individuals selling old cars on Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist.

The third option is intriguing, but it requires sending numerous messages and securing a proper contract to avoid scams.

Once I secure a car, I'm all set.

You might wonder why I don’t simply drive to different cities like other car dwellers. The truth is, I detest driving. I much prefer flying and then renting or buying a car in my destination city.

All I need to bring along are my tennis racket, gi, and some clothes. Everything else can be purchased locally.

I'm currently finalizing the leasing contract. Hopefully, I can get it done soon and share my experiences with you.

What's your ideal city to live in during the different seasons? Share your thoughts in the comments below.