AUSTIN, Texas-
Tucked amid $600,000 condominiums in this tony neighborhood is a motor-home community of self-described “bourgeoisie bohemians” so popular there is a waiting list of people ready snap up any site that comes open.
Actor Matthew McConaughey has a spot, although he is not around often. The rest of the Pecan Grove RV Park’s residents include artists, counselors, an attorney and a software developer. They live here year-round or seasonally in 40-foot motor homes and little Airstreams.
Some have moved out of big homes to join the community and rent sites that cost up to $370 a month, and they don’t regret it for one minute, Pecan Grove manager Robert McCartney said.
Some residents come and go because they work in multiple cities. Some would rather pursue pastimes such as traveling or rock climbing than spend time and money on a house.
Residents Jeff London, 50, and Jesse Heron, 59, said they moved in to leave the rat race behind. They call Pecan Grove “the emerald forest.”
“It’s like the Hotel California–you can check out but you can never leave,” London said.
Sheltered by towering pecan trees, the RV park is near the famous Barton Springs Pool, Town Lake hike-and-bike trail and trendy restaurants and coffee cafes.
“I’ve lived in all the choicest neighborhoods in Austin, and this is the best one in town,” said Betsy Kemper, 56, also known as Doodle Bug the Clown.
They enjoy affordable housing in a high-priced part of the city, where condominium and business development surges all around them. Some fear the new construction that’s closing in, but they revel in their little oasis in Austin.
“It’s more than just location. It’s a village. Pecan Grove is a village,” said Milton Sullivan, 38, who has lived here 15 years and writes RV park short stories. “I tend to call it a loser’s paradise.”
