A Life on the Water: The Pros and Cons of Living In a Houseboat

Have you ever thought about ditching your life on the land and going to live on the water? Keira Knightley and David Suchet have all spent a considerable amount of time living in a houseboat so there must be something to it!

If you’ve been thinking about life on the water then you’ve come to the right place. Let’s take a look at some of the pros and cons of living on a houseboat so you can make a better-informed decision.

The Benefits of Living in a Houseboat

Driving miles for a weekend fishing trip will be a thing of the past. Just imagine waking up every morning and being surrounded by water! The benefits of living in a houseboat are rife… 

A Lower Cost of Living

When you think of living on a houseboat you might think of wealth and stature, but taking to the water can actually be a more cost-effective means of accommodation. House prices in the big-cities are constantly hitting all-time highs, and there’s no evidence that they’re going to fall just yet.

Life on a houseboat will cost you around half the price of a small apartment. This doesn’t include the price of the houseboat. An apartment in NYC might set you back, on average, $760,000 but you can pick up a good, used houseboat for under $100k!   

A Healthier Way of Life

Let’s face it, city life is pretty sedentary. Gym memberships are quickly growing to be the only thing keeping us moving. Exercise and movement are paramount to your wellness, and living on a houseboat will provide you with plenty.

With longer walks to the nearest towns, the daily upkeep of your houseboat. Not to mention the myriad of nature and water-based activities right at your doorstep. You could be jumping off this diving board into freshwater before you’ve even had breakfast!

Living on a houseboat lends itself to a much simpler way of life too. Anything that is surplus to requirements has to go. This de-cluttering of your life along with a sense of freedom and connection to nature will bring about serenity. 

The Drawbacks of Life on the Water

Living on a houseboat is a way of life, and it might not be for everyone. The first thing you’ll notice is less space. If you’re going to choose life on the water then be ready to declutter your life and keep things tidy.

Maintenance

Living on a boat can sometimes feel a bit like a full-time job. Due to their contact with the elements they need regular maintenance to keep on top of things. You can learn to do a lot of it yourself to save money, but it’s important to have something in the bank just in case something goes wrong.

Mother Nature

For all of the benefits of being so close to nature, they can also be setbacks. Extreme weather, especially the cold can take their toll when you’re on a boat. You’ll also find yourself getting better acquainted with wildlife. Especially mosquitoes!

Should I Live on a Houseboat?  

Hopefully, this guide to living in a houseboat has answered a few of your questions. When it comes to living on the water, there is a certain kind of person that the houseboat lifestyle suits. If you’re that person then the pros certainly outweigh the cons. It’s time to step away from the hustle and bustle of the city and onto the water.

For more interesting ideas on leading a fulfilling life, be sure to take the look at the rest of our site.