Van life has always had two very different reputations. On one hand, social media is full of scenic shots of people working from laptops in the desert, sipping coffee outside their sprinter vans, and chasing freedom on the open road. On the other, critics say living in a vehicle is simply another form of homelessness. That debate is heating up again in light of Trump’s July 2025 executive order on “Ending Crime and Disorder on America’s Streets”.
Where Van Life and Homelessness Overlap
Reddit threads about this question run hundreds of comments long, with some arguing that van life is just “homelessness on wheels” and others saying there’s a big difference between being homeless and being houseless. Publications like Green Builder Media have gone so far as to call van living “housing of last resort.”
At the heart of the conversation is choice. If you’re living in a van because you want to travel, work remotely, or save money while still having resources to fall back on, people often see it as a lifestyle. If you’re living in a vehicle because you’ve run out of options, it’s more likely to be viewed as homelessness.
What the Executive Order Could Mean
The new order doesn’t single out van life, but it does put pressure on cities to crack down on encampments and expand police authority. That has ripple effects for anyone living in a vehicle. Some of the likely outcomes include:
Stricter rules on overnight parking in cities
More fines and tickets for vehicle dwellers
Less distinction between a van lifer and someone living out of their car by necessity
For those who chose van life, this could make it harder to stealth camp or stay in cities. For those forced into vehicles by economic hardship, it could mean losing both shelter and transportation at once.
How Van Life Affects the Homelessness Conversation
The rise of van life has changed how people talk about housing insecurity.
Social media has glamorized the idea, but it often hides the challenges faced by people who don’t have a choice.
City policies rarely separate someone with a $70,000 converted van from someone sleeping in an old sedan. Both can face the same enforcement.
Public spaces like gyms, libraries, and community centers have become essential for showers, internet access, and a sense of stability for both groups.
My Perspective as a Former Van Lifer
I lived in a campervan for 1-2 years, so I’ve seen both sides of this debate up close. When I started, it was by choice. I wanted adventure, independence, and the freedom to work remotely while traveling. But even with a steady income, the lifestyle wasn’t always glamorous. I remember struggling to find safe parking, worrying about being ticketed in the middle of the night, and relying on gyms and libraries for basic needs.
What stood out to me most was how thin the line can be between “doing van life” and “being homeless.” I met people who started on the road for the same reasons I did, but when money ran out or their van broke down, they had no safety net. I also met others who were forced into vehicles when rent became unaffordable. The executive order worries me because it doesn’t really account for these nuances. It paints everyone living in a vehicle with the same brush, whether you chose this lifestyle or not.
That’s why I think this conversation matters. Van life may look like freedom from the outside, but for many, it’s survival—and policy changes could make that survival a lot harder.
Common Questions People Ask
Is van life considered homelessness?
From a legal standpoint, yes. If you don’t have a permanent address, most agencies consider you homeless, even if you have income.
Why are so many people leaving van life?
Rising gas prices, constant vehicle repairs, and the stress of moving every few days have made it harder to sustain. Some people also burn out from the lack of stability.
Is van life illegal in certain states?
Not outright, but many states and cities ban sleeping in vehicles overnight, parking long-term in public spaces, or camping outside of designated areas.
If I live in an RV, am I homeless?
If it’s your only residence and you don’t have a fixed address, you’re often considered homeless in the eyes of the law.
Final Thoughts
Van life isn’t going anywhere, but the way it’s treated under policy may shift dramatically. For some, it’s an adventure. For others, it’s survival. Trump’s executive order is likely to make life on the road more complicated for both groups.
Check out my YouTube video on the homelessness executive order for a quick breakdown of what it could mean for van lifers.