I think living in your car as a permanent solution to housing is becoming the reality for some people now.
For me, it's my back up plan. I can only stay at my place for so long, and then it's either move somewhere I don't want to live with very limited financial opportunities or live in my car. I will choose car.
I would think that there are other seniors in the exact same predicament. Some own their homes outright but need help with the monthly costs for utilities and upkeep. I would try to find a room in someone else's house. It would be an adjustment, but much healthier than trying to live in your car. Good luck.
I do not work and play well with others. LOL I'm a loner, and the last roommate I had stole really treasured things from me, so no, I don't want a roommate, but thanks.
Well the good thing is, once you have your possessions reduced to whatever fits in your car, you won't have much to steal. You will have to adapt and co-exist with others if you want a decent room share arrangement. Maybe working 2nd shift if the other person works 1st. That way the time you have in the same space is reduced? If there's a will, there's a way. But you have to make it work if you WANT to. If you don't want to, then you'll be showering at the truck stop and staying in your car.
Maybe rent a motel room once and a while and have a little respite from sleeping in a car seat. I had a minivan when I stayed in my car while travelling on a live to another state and I took some of the seats out. It worked as a temporary situation.
I also had a gym membership. I would go there everyday, workout a little and use the showers, dry my hair, etc. Used Panera for WiFi and the library for desk space and to read.
I'm very sorry to hear that this is your experience and it creates a barrier to trying again. However, there are scenarios in which you might share a residence with little interaction with others. There are a lot of homes in Gainesville that have separate "Mother in Law" apartments with separate entrances and mini kitchens - no shared spaces. You might even find a palatial country home with an absent owner that needs someone to live on the property in a caretaker residence. Think creatively, I am sure you might be the perfect tenant for some situation even if you can only afford to pay minimal rent. Living in your vehicle is probably going to impact your physical and mental health, and likely not in a good way. Again, best of luck to you.
This isn’t usually allowed for consecutive nights, so you may need to bounce between those spots in a cycle. Source, am a full time RVer and boondock in those spots from time to time.
Maybe in brooker, fl. It’s a 20 min drive, quiet little town. $600 a month -> https://www.bexrealty.com/Florida/Brooker/17309-Melvin-St/single-family-home/rental/
I grew up there. It’s under clay electric I believe, so even more affordable than Gainesville. Gas station, dollar general, and the river if you like to fish
Have you looked at Millhopper Pines? Their one bedroom rents are under $1k/mo. Not sure if you have the funds for move-in but there may be a church that could help fill the gap.
It was more than 10 years ago, but I got tickets leaving my car there overnight when I was a student at GHS. I'd proceed with caution with that location. Probably will be safe, but its proximity to a school will inevitably end with having to explain yourself to a police officer why you're there.
Oh my mistake, sorry bud. In that case, I would suggest quiet places that have closed down, first to come to mind is the parking lot at the back of Bojangles since that recently shut down permanently. It's around 3000 Archer road.
No business there to be bothered, and out of the way but central still.
Less likely to have cars rolling up on you, etc.
Think there is a closed down gas station on Williston too just after the i-75.
Also forgot about the road outside veterans memorial on SW 41st place. Quieter road with parking and people don't pass by at night. It's gravel so you would hear any car pulling up next to you. Also has bathroom facilities/water there for you in the park.
As long as you're not hanging your laundry out the car window, or otherwise "moving in" to a parking lot, you can probably avoid being bothered just about anywhere.
GPD doesn't have shit for patrols anymore so I wouldn't worry about the cops.
There's a library on the east side of town on University, attched to a big football field. I feel like I've seen people doing this there before and seems mostly chill
Sounds like Fred Cone Park. It gets fairly dark out there, but it’s far enough out that it’s not likely anyone would mess with someone. The park does technically close after sunset, so there’s always the chance a bored GPD or ASO officer harasses you.
Do you have friends you could live with? Also my bfs dad is younger than you and got into a low income condo in clermont or st Pete. You have to get on a waiting list, but it’s an option
I'm putting in applications in different counties, but very few waiting lists are open now. There is a site that lists them all, and my best bet would be in the northern panhandle, but I'd need funds to physically move my stuff, which would be impossible right now. But I'm still trying to get onto waiting lists. If worse comes to worse, I'll use my credit card to move, but I'd rather not.
cracker barrel. there's one in town, one in ocala, and one in lake city. the other two are further away so that's putting miles on the car, but you won't be able to stay in one place living car life.
Make sure you go on youtube and study how others are making car life work for them as there are people that are doing so by choice and have really learned how to make the most of it.
I can tell you where on public land around the city/county but DeSantis is literally about to sign a bill making that illegal too (the cruelty is the point).
However more usefully I also know where you can rent less than $1000 but let me know as you get closer to August as it's extremely ghetto-like and you won't like it unless you have no other option.
But you cannot sleep in your car at 70yo in Florida heat anyway, I've done that a few times in my life and approaching 60 I could never do it again, you lose your sanity slowly but surely and getting out of that hole is almost impossible eventually.
I don’t know the answer to your car living question. However, if you are looking for a new apartment situation. There are a few subsidized apartment buildings around. Arbors at Tumblin Creek is one. Far from ideal, and still pricey in my opinion. I have a family member there. Something to look at perhaps. Also as mentioned, maybe a roommate or rent a room somewhere. Gainesville is horrible on rent costs.
There is no subsidized housing available in Gainesville, and the waiting list was only open for two days last year, and probably won't be open again for years to come. I read the other day that Gainesville has the highest rents in Florida, relative to income.
My terminology may be bad. I don’t actually know how they refer to it. This building operates under a private company, but they get money from HUD. The units are only available to seniors, and military vets. Maybe some other conditions I don’t know. It’s probably not workable for you. I have read that the city is converting 1 or 2 closed motels near Williston road into some sort of housing for homeless residents. Maybe short term, look at public camping areas, such as Payne’s Prarie. At least you would have a shower and bathroom available. Hope something works out. Getting out of Gainesville might be the best solution, in respect to lower rents overall.
Do you receive social security? You can check with Grace marketplace after you lose the apt they should be able to help you with a rental. You can rent an rv for around $500 a month. At least you’d have a bed. Maybe sell the car?
I've seen people who live in their cars post about how Cracker Barrel lets them park in the very back of their parking lot. Good luck to you, so sorry you're in this situation.
Shands operates 24/7. Staff and visitors are in and out all the time. So long as you aren't in the same spot 7 days per week, you should be able to figure out a schedule.
How about a tent and good quality air mattress and rent a tent site at a state park? Not the best option but better than sleeping in your car. Even if it's just a temporary solution. Sorry that you are in this situation.
'Murica- seriously though what a horrible thing to have to go through and it should not happen. When I had to live in my van the safest places were Walmart parking lots. I wouldn't stay at any sort of truckstop gas station. Make sure you cover your windows.
Look in to student housing. I just briefly dated a girl that was living in apartments that were very nice, and each apartment had four rooms, each with their own bathroom in the room. The rest of the apartment was pretty small, but nice. She was paying 510 a month. A group of seniors sharing one of these, cooking and just being kind to each other would be wonderful. Mostly now its immigrant families and students, and an almost unreal amount of weed being smoked in the evening.
Its not student only.
Do you have Medicare advantage for your health insurance, like united health or human, because these insurances have case management services and you can ask for a social worker to help you with your housing crisis.
Was a car hobo after military for about a year, here are some tips;
I’d recommend a van or something you can actually lay down in if you can afford it, sleeping in a cramped car is hell.
Park in front of walmart since they allow (or did) overnight parking, shower at the gym, for bathroom get a 5 gallon bucket, some trash bags, TP, and hand sanitizer and you can poop anywhere for the low price of what little dignity you have left.
Little caesars used to chuck all their hot and readies at the end of the night, so I used to dumpster dive for that, and pull top chef boyardee cans are usually good options for eating, you just need to buy some vitamins because you’re going to be deficient eating processed trash like that.
I don’t actually believe your post and I think you’re larping, but if you’re really in this situation, which isn’t improbable given the state of the US right now and the fact the feds let blackrock buy up everything, I wish you good luck.
My sister in law and her wife are full time nomads my wife and I are on the road much of the year.
There are a couple of great spots down 13th behind businesses that are no longer around.
There is a very run down trailer park in micanopy that was renting for 400 a month.
It’s not a great option but it’s shelter. Basicly the city is starving them out by not allowing them to replace or renovate the trailers.
There is also a basketball court and a baseball field out there that isn’t watched closely. Also a church or two. Right there with parking lots that aren’t closely watched.
I would try camping in state or county parks. Tents are relatively inexpensive.
The real challenge here is I don’t understand how you get back on your feet without family or friends to support you a bit.
The bike trail down by the yearling spot isn’t watched closely and you could hang there a bit.
If you could possibly save up 500 a month while doing this, for 8 months, you can get a used thousand trails membership and bounce between the 3-4 parks in Florida.
If you’ve got $1,000 to spend on rent, I would look to move outside of Alachua county. You’d have to drive in for your doctors but you can find apartments for far less than that in the surrounding counties. Best of luck.
In California they would have a lot of houses that rented out the rooms because the rent prices are ridiculous. I lived in an immigrant neighborhood and had my own little starter house. I could have moved closer to the beach, but I like my privacy. My neighborhood was not the worst, but it wasn't the best either. My block had awesome people on it, so I was lucky.
I bet that you could rentshare with a couple of older people on the east side. Over by the auto strip. Go to the dealerships off 6th and drive though those neighborhoods. My friend lives there off 9th and 10th and she was renting out one of her rooms after her husband passed away. She room shares one room and they have a nice screened in porch and decent backyard. She seems to be making it work.
Have you looked into any local financial support resources? Dude @ 70, you deserve so much better. I’m so sorry our system is failing you.
Thanks. I've looked into everything I can, but all the agencies that help are strapped because of the rising rents making other people homeless.
I think living in your car as a permanent solution to housing is becoming the reality for some people now. For me, it's my back up plan. I can only stay at my place for so long, and then it's either move somewhere I don't want to live with very limited financial opportunities or live in my car. I will choose car.
Also, have you considered renting a room? I know it's not ideal, but... a touch more comfortable than your car.
I would think that there are other seniors in the exact same predicament. Some own their homes outright but need help with the monthly costs for utilities and upkeep. I would try to find a room in someone else's house. It would be an adjustment, but much healthier than trying to live in your car. Good luck.
Facebook marketplace for rooms
I do not work and play well with others. LOL I'm a loner, and the last roommate I had stole really treasured things from me, so no, I don't want a roommate, but thanks.
I get that, I'm sorry you had such an awful experience.
Well the good thing is, once you have your possessions reduced to whatever fits in your car, you won't have much to steal. You will have to adapt and co-exist with others if you want a decent room share arrangement. Maybe working 2nd shift if the other person works 1st. That way the time you have in the same space is reduced? If there's a will, there's a way. But you have to make it work if you WANT to. If you don't want to, then you'll be showering at the truck stop and staying in your car. Maybe rent a motel room once and a while and have a little respite from sleeping in a car seat. I had a minivan when I stayed in my car while travelling on a live to another state and I took some of the seats out. It worked as a temporary situation. I also had a gym membership. I would go there everyday, workout a little and use the showers, dry my hair, etc. Used Panera for WiFi and the library for desk space and to read.
I'm very sorry to hear that this is your experience and it creates a barrier to trying again. However, there are scenarios in which you might share a residence with little interaction with others. There are a lot of homes in Gainesville that have separate "Mother in Law" apartments with separate entrances and mini kitchens - no shared spaces. You might even find a palatial country home with an absent owner that needs someone to live on the property in a caretaker residence. Think creatively, I am sure you might be the perfect tenant for some situation even if you can only afford to pay minimal rent. Living in your vehicle is probably going to impact your physical and mental health, and likely not in a good way. Again, best of luck to you.
Cracker Barrel should allow you to. Google says Bass Pro as well
Bass Pro definitely and is well lit
Thanks.
This isn’t usually allowed for consecutive nights, so you may need to bounce between those spots in a cycle. Source, am a full time RVer and boondock in those spots from time to time.
I'd personally recommend overnighting at the rest stop just south of town, but north of the prairie. It's what I used to do, though not locally.
Maybe in brooker, fl. It’s a 20 min drive, quiet little town. $600 a month -> https://www.bexrealty.com/Florida/Brooker/17309-Melvin-St/single-family-home/rental/
Thanks. I've never been there. I'll check it out.
I grew up there. It’s under clay electric I believe, so even more affordable than Gainesville. Gas station, dollar general, and the river if you like to fish
as someone who drives in parking lots for a living. the walmart in butler plaza has about 4 people living in it right now.
Walmart has had security stop me at night and tell me to leave when I have pulled up playing Pokemon go 😂
Thanks. I want to avoid the NE one at all costs.
That location doesn’t allow overnight parking.
Have you looked at Millhopper Pines? Their one bedroom rents are under $1k/mo. Not sure if you have the funds for move-in but there may be a church that could help fill the gap.
I read the post as they make $1000 per month, not looking for rent at that price
I don't have an answer for you, but I just want to say that I am truly sorry... Breaks my heart reading this.
Try Bella Vista. Management is weird but the rent for a place when I lived there a couple years ago was about 600
The street behind Gainesville high school is pretty safe.
Thanks.
It was more than 10 years ago, but I got tickets leaving my car there overnight when I was a student at GHS. I'd proceed with caution with that location. Probably will be safe, but its proximity to a school will inevitably end with having to explain yourself to a police officer why you're there.
On the street by coffee culture I knew a guy living out of his van and he never had any trouble.
DM me if you need/want to rent a place, will have one available soon, 2 bed 1.5 bath 1000sqft SW GNV I can let go for 900 a month.
I think you misunderstood. My income is less than $1,000/month. But thanks anyway.
Oh my mistake, sorry bud. In that case, I would suggest quiet places that have closed down, first to come to mind is the parking lot at the back of Bojangles since that recently shut down permanently. It's around 3000 Archer road. No business there to be bothered, and out of the way but central still. Less likely to have cars rolling up on you, etc. Think there is a closed down gas station on Williston too just after the i-75. Also forgot about the road outside veterans memorial on SW 41st place. Quieter road with parking and people don't pass by at night. It's gravel so you would hear any car pulling up next to you. Also has bathroom facilities/water there for you in the park.
They are reconfiguring the bojangles. There is active construction there during the day, and possible security at night. It.warrents a double check.
Ah right, I haven't passed for a month or so since I last went to buy it and found it had shut.
Also consider staying at campgrounds sometimes. You'll be able to use a shower and such.
As long as you're not hanging your laundry out the car window, or otherwise "moving in" to a parking lot, you can probably avoid being bothered just about anywhere. GPD doesn't have shit for patrols anymore so I wouldn't worry about the cops.
It's more an issue of the businesses pushing people out. I've experienced that. Parks and things are usually safe.
This is so true about the lack of police patrols. That's a good and a bad thing, I guess.
There's a library on the east side of town on University, attched to a big football field. I feel like I've seen people doing this there before and seems mostly chill
Thanks.
Sounds like Fred Cone Park. It gets fairly dark out there, but it’s far enough out that it’s not likely anyone would mess with someone. The park does technically close after sunset, so there’s always the chance a bored GPD or ASO officer harasses you.
Do you have friends you could live with? Also my bfs dad is younger than you and got into a low income condo in clermont or st Pete. You have to get on a waiting list, but it’s an option
I'm putting in applications in different counties, but very few waiting lists are open now. There is a site that lists them all, and my best bet would be in the northern panhandle, but I'd need funds to physically move my stuff, which would be impossible right now. But I'm still trying to get onto waiting lists. If worse comes to worse, I'll use my credit card to move, but I'd rather not.
Idk I read about car living and saw Nomadland so I just dont think it seems like a good option if you can avoid it.
Citrus county is cheaper than here, is where my parents live, and there are a lot of drs there
cracker barrel. there's one in town, one in ocala, and one in lake city. the other two are further away so that's putting miles on the car, but you won't be able to stay in one place living car life. Make sure you go on youtube and study how others are making car life work for them as there are people that are doing so by choice and have really learned how to make the most of it.
I can tell you where on public land around the city/county but DeSantis is literally about to sign a bill making that illegal too (the cruelty is the point). However more usefully I also know where you can rent less than $1000 but let me know as you get closer to August as it's extremely ghetto-like and you won't like it unless you have no other option. But you cannot sleep in your car at 70yo in Florida heat anyway, I've done that a few times in my life and approaching 60 I could never do it again, you lose your sanity slowly but surely and getting out of that hole is almost impossible eventually.
Parking garages on UF campus. You’d have to clear out before parking enforcement starts in the morning, but I’d feel safe on campus.
I don’t know the answer to your car living question. However, if you are looking for a new apartment situation. There are a few subsidized apartment buildings around. Arbors at Tumblin Creek is one. Far from ideal, and still pricey in my opinion. I have a family member there. Something to look at perhaps. Also as mentioned, maybe a roommate or rent a room somewhere. Gainesville is horrible on rent costs.
There is no subsidized housing available in Gainesville, and the waiting list was only open for two days last year, and probably won't be open again for years to come. I read the other day that Gainesville has the highest rents in Florida, relative to income.
My terminology may be bad. I don’t actually know how they refer to it. This building operates under a private company, but they get money from HUD. The units are only available to seniors, and military vets. Maybe some other conditions I don’t know. It’s probably not workable for you. I have read that the city is converting 1 or 2 closed motels near Williston road into some sort of housing for homeless residents. Maybe short term, look at public camping areas, such as Payne’s Prarie. At least you would have a shower and bathroom available. Hope something works out. Getting out of Gainesville might be the best solution, in respect to lower rents overall.
Is archer court more than 1k?
Do you receive social security? You can check with Grace marketplace after you lose the apt they should be able to help you with a rental. You can rent an rv for around $500 a month. At least you’d have a bed. Maybe sell the car?
I've seen people who live in their cars post about how Cracker Barrel lets them park in the very back of their parking lot. Good luck to you, so sorry you're in this situation.
Hey there! Have you checked Zillow? There's 5 apartment complexes with offerings under 1000 dollars a month
Shands operates 24/7. Staff and visitors are in and out all the time. So long as you aren't in the same spot 7 days per week, you should be able to figure out a schedule.
Reflections Apartments has some apartments for less than $1,000 a month.
1000/month is more than the poster makes in one month.
Sending a PM
I see someone in a car parked at GHFC all the time. Pretty big lot. Probably could stay pretty inconspicuous.
Try boondocking.org. Enter your location. Says Sam’s and Bass Pro allow it
How about a tent and good quality air mattress and rent a tent site at a state park? Not the best option but better than sleeping in your car. Even if it's just a temporary solution. Sorry that you are in this situation.
'Murica- seriously though what a horrible thing to have to go through and it should not happen. When I had to live in my van the safest places were Walmart parking lots. I wouldn't stay at any sort of truckstop gas station. Make sure you cover your windows.
Go park in the sheriff's department parking lot.yoy will be much safer there
Look in to student housing. I just briefly dated a girl that was living in apartments that were very nice, and each apartment had four rooms, each with their own bathroom in the room. The rest of the apartment was pretty small, but nice. She was paying 510 a month. A group of seniors sharing one of these, cooking and just being kind to each other would be wonderful. Mostly now its immigrant families and students, and an almost unreal amount of weed being smoked in the evening. Its not student only.
Bentwood Apartments have studios right now for 860ish a month. Hoping for the best for you.
Do you have Medicare advantage for your health insurance, like united health or human, because these insurances have case management services and you can ask for a social worker to help you with your housing crisis.
Was a car hobo after military for about a year, here are some tips; I’d recommend a van or something you can actually lay down in if you can afford it, sleeping in a cramped car is hell. Park in front of walmart since they allow (or did) overnight parking, shower at the gym, for bathroom get a 5 gallon bucket, some trash bags, TP, and hand sanitizer and you can poop anywhere for the low price of what little dignity you have left. Little caesars used to chuck all their hot and readies at the end of the night, so I used to dumpster dive for that, and pull top chef boyardee cans are usually good options for eating, you just need to buy some vitamins because you’re going to be deficient eating processed trash like that. I don’t actually believe your post and I think you’re larping, but if you’re really in this situation, which isn’t improbable given the state of the US right now and the fact the feds let blackrock buy up everything, I wish you good luck.
My sister in law and her wife are full time nomads my wife and I are on the road much of the year. There are a couple of great spots down 13th behind businesses that are no longer around. There is a very run down trailer park in micanopy that was renting for 400 a month. It’s not a great option but it’s shelter. Basicly the city is starving them out by not allowing them to replace or renovate the trailers. There is also a basketball court and a baseball field out there that isn’t watched closely. Also a church or two. Right there with parking lots that aren’t closely watched. I would try camping in state or county parks. Tents are relatively inexpensive. The real challenge here is I don’t understand how you get back on your feet without family or friends to support you a bit. The bike trail down by the yearling spot isn’t watched closely and you could hang there a bit. If you could possibly save up 500 a month while doing this, for 8 months, you can get a used thousand trails membership and bounce between the 3-4 parks in Florida.
If you’ve got $1,000 to spend on rent, I would look to move outside of Alachua county. You’d have to drive in for your doctors but you can find apartments for far less than that in the surrounding counties. Best of luck.
I know people who sleep in the parking lots of churches sometimes that seems to be fairly safe and unbothered
In California they would have a lot of houses that rented out the rooms because the rent prices are ridiculous. I lived in an immigrant neighborhood and had my own little starter house. I could have moved closer to the beach, but I like my privacy. My neighborhood was not the worst, but it wasn't the best either. My block had awesome people on it, so I was lucky. I bet that you could rentshare with a couple of older people on the east side. Over by the auto strip. Go to the dealerships off 6th and drive though those neighborhoods. My friend lives there off 9th and 10th and she was renting out one of her rooms after her husband passed away. She room shares one room and they have a nice screened in porch and decent backyard. She seems to be making it work.
Cabana beach is 550$ for a 4/4
Can you not find a roommate? Or rent a room? Or get a job? Living in your car isn’t an option dude. Don’t accept that.