So you’re interested in living in an RV and becoming a digital nomad? Awesome! It’s an incredible lifestyle. You get to travel anywhere you want, have amazing backyards (beaches, mountains, deserts, you name it!), and work anywhere with an internet connection. But it definitely has its cons and it isn’t for everyone. This article will share mine and Kayla’s experience living and working as RVing digital nomads, the pros and cons, and how you can test this lifestyle for yourself without buying an RV and committing. Let’s dive in! What Is The RV Lifestyle Like? Living in an RV is awesome. Don’t like where you’re living? Pick up and move! There’s always something to new to see and a new adventure to be had. But it can also be highly stressful, and it definitely isn’t for everyone. We lived in an RV for 6 months, working from our laptops. We even tried our hand at work-camping, where we worked for the RV park owners in exchange for a free stay on their campground. What We Liked We really enjoyed the freedom. Every move was a new chance for a fun adventure. Seeing new sights was exhilarating, and it brought us closer as a couple. My personal favorite parts where kayaking in far-away rivers and visiting national parks like Acadia, where I actually proposed to Kayla. We also saved a good chunk of money. Your only required expenses are campground fees, the RV cost, and the usual costs like our phones, insurance, and food. Most campgrounds don’t make you pay for utilities like internet, TV, water, etc. You can save even more money by buying your RV outright (no interest payments every month) and by boondocking (staying on public land out in the woods or mountains instead of on a campground). How would you like to stay here? What We Didn’t Like Of course, there’s also the bad side of RVing. While the experience truly helped us grow, both individually and together, at times it felt like a nightmare. For example, our scooter once broke down over 50 miles from our campground, and we needed to have some people we just met on the campground come pick us up. Thank God they did! There were unexpected maintenance problems (you should ALWAYS budget for unexpected maintenance) and setting up and taking down your RV every time you move can be very tiring. It’s a lot of work. The limited space is also an issue. Especially the kitchen (Kayla loves to cook and even has a food blog called The Fantasy Kitchen). The small space is easy to clutter, and you REALLY have to think about what you want to keep vs what you want to get rid of. But that’s probably easy for someone like you who has an interest in being a nomad, right? The last thing I want to mention is that the hardest part of this lifestyle is actually funding it. We were lucky in that we had some passive income coming from our travel blog, and we had clients we could work with from anywhere. But getting started wasn’t easy! Here’s a recap on our opinion of the pros and cons: Pros of Living In An RV:
About Flying Pig RV Park
Flying Pig RV Park is a newly constructed, family-owned RV park that is minutes north of Fort Worth, TX (Near Eagle Mountain Lake). We offer nice, quiet, clean, safe living just minutes from the big city. Not to mention our competitive pricing, FREE WI-FI, and friendly staff. Once you stay with us, we know you won't want to stay anywhere else!
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ByJoey Klender
Posted on May 14, 2020It appears that Tesla is quickly becoming one of the most sought-after companies in the United States, with the electric car maker’s speculated move to Texas receiving a vote of support from Fort Worth Mayor Betsy Price, who made a pitch to CEO Elon Musk requesting his company’s presence in the Lone Star State. The Fort Worth mayor’s request goes past Texas being the new home of the world’s premier electric automaker. City officials see Tesla as a turning point in Fort Worth’s resurgence as an economic powerhouse in Texas, and the sustainable transportation company could be the spark needed to push post-COVID-19 economic growth. Price acknowledged the inevitable loss of employment the pandemic is going to cause in her pitch. “Every city is going to lose some jobs and some businesses, so you’ve got to replace them,” she said, noting that Fort Worth is ready to make an offer to Musk. Betsy Price✔@MayorBetsyPrice · May 12, 2020Hey @elonmusk, Cali is so yesterday — #FortWorth is NOW. We have more available land than any other major city in #Texas. Our industry-leading @HillwoodDevelop mobility and innovation zone was a leader at this year’s @CES.(1/2) Betsy Price✔@MayorBetsyPriceAbove all, we’ve got a trailblazing, pioneering spirit and a community unlike any other. Tequila shots (post @Tesla test-drive and site visits) on me when you come to see #FortWorthNow Other cities in Texas have expressed their support of Musk, explaining why their city works for the electric car maker’s operations. Still, Fort Worth’s Betsy Price has an advantage that very few political officials have. I had lunch with Elon Musk several years ago when he was looking for a place for his battery plant,” Price stated, according to an NBC affiliate in Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas. “So, he knows a little bit about Fort Worth. So, I think it is a great time to be recruiting him,” she added. Fort Worth also has plenty of undeveloped land, the most in the State of Texas, with 70,000 acres left for commercial use. Tesla’s Fremont facility is 5.3 million square feet and only sits on 370 acres of land, so the Texas city’s large unused commercial areas could be a perfect fit for the electric car maker, particularly its upcoming Cybertruck Gigafactory/Terafactory. “We have more green space than any other major city in Texas. We’ve got a lot of places to be built out still. We have a lot of older buildings and things that can be redone. We’ve got lots and lots of opportunities and lots and lots of space. It spreads out. It’s not quite as dense as some cities are and right now that lack of density is a plus for people,” Price said. Musk has been fielding requests from several U.S. States for the past few days after he hinted that Tesla’s headquarters and future projects will be leaving California. Apart from Texas, Oklahoma and Florida officials have reached out to Musk with offers in the past week. If you only have a day or two, you will have to choose whether you want the Dallas or the Fort Worth experience: The sheer distance (and traffic) between the two cities will force you to be selective. However, several of the best Dallas tours offer daytrips to Fort Worth, which could be a good option if you're short on time. Taking three days to a week to explore both sides of DFW will expose you to the Metroplex's true nature. History buffs should tour Dallas' Sixth Floor Museum and Dealey Plaza as well as the Fort Worth Stockyards National Historic District. Families can enjoy a day at the Dallas World Aquarium or the Fort Worth Zoo, while art lovers should make time for both the Dallas Museum of Art and the Kimbell Art Museum. Then meet in the middle for a Cowboys game at AT&T Stadium. About FLYING PIG:
Flying Pig RV Park is a newly constructed, family-owned RV park that is minutes north of Fort Worth, TX (Near Eagle Mountain Lake). We offer nice, quiet, clean, safe living just minutes from the big city. Not to mention our competitive pricing, FREE WI-FI, and friendly staff. Once you stay with us, we know you won't want to stay anywhere else! Day Trips: Texas Motor Speedway, Fort WorthPublic tours go behind the scenes for insights into race day excitementBY GERALD E. MCLEOD, FRI., JUNE 2, 2017 Photos by Gerald E. McLeodTexas Motor Speedway tours put you in the winner's circle. If you're lucky, the hourlong van excursion includes a lap around the 1.5 mile track. You don't have to be a NASCAR fan to enjoy the behind-the-scenes look at the giant speedway. But if you're not a fan, be prepared to field the question of who's your favorite driver from others on the tour. As soon as it opened in 1997, the track north of Fort Worth became a recognizable backdrop on the televised racing circuit. In person, the track is colossal. With seating for more than 181,000, the grandstand is 10 stories high. Standing in the pit area at the finish line, the empty seats stare back with a big toothy grin. The tour guide drove our group around the infield, entertaining us with stories and fun facts. For instance, the world's largest HDTV, nicknamed Big Hoss, faces the stands with a surface area of half an acre and broadcasts the races in real time. It's also used to show movies on movie night. The track hosts only seven major professional races annually, but holds multiple events during the year. There is a driving school that offers laps with a professional driver or on your own. There's drag racing on Friday nights during June and July. And during the summer a series with youths driving cars powered by motorcycle engines races on the track. Some events are free. About FLYING PIG:
Flying Pig RV Park is a newly constructed, family-owned RV park that is minutes north of Fort Worth, TX (Near Eagle Mountain Lake). We offer nice, quiet, clean, safe living just minutes from the big city. Not to mention our competitive pricing, FREE WI-FI, and friendly staff. Once you stay with us, we know you won't want to stay anywhere else! Two weeks ago, I was in the beautiful City of San Antonio, Texas for the Texas Economic Development Council’s (TEDC) annual conference. There, 450 economic developers from around the State came together to learn about new opportunities, share updates with one another, and connect in order to discuss the daunting issues that we each face in the journey toward helping our communities to be economically viable and sustainable.
Straight from San Antonio, I flew to Indianapolis, Indiana for the International Economic Development Council’s (IEDC) annual conference where I was able to accept an award on behalf of the City of Saginaw. This organization is the big brother of TEDC; bringing together more than 1,400 professional economic developers from democratic countries around the world for a four-day marathon of trainings, seminars, roundtables, sessions, a massive exhibit hall, and more. I’ve returned from these conferences with a few things I didn’t have before I left: new ideas for ways that Saginaw can compete in the North Texas market, new professional colleagues and commercial connections that are interested in learning more about this community, insight into projects and programs that other communities undertook, and a few truths that I think are worth sharing. Over the next few blogs, I’d like to talk about each one of these truths, starting with the big one: I think it is really important to address the fact that Saginaw is not a small town any longer. Although it might have the small town charm of knowing your next-door neighbors, saying hi to the local business owners when you see them, and feeling quaint and nostalgic- from a numbers standpoint we just aren’t in that category. One of the most experienced advocates of Texas small towns and rural sustainability, Lorie Vincent with Acceleration By Design, spoke at one of the sessions about how to define these terms. Lorie has spent her entire career focused on the unique needs and issues facing small towns. She pointed out that there are only 285 cities in the United States today that have populations in excess of 100,000. Not only does that include major cities like Dallas (pop 1.341 million) and Fort Worth (pop 895,008), it also includes cities like Frisco (186,000), Plano (286,057), Lewisville (106,586), Arlington (392,772), Grand Prairie (193,837), Denton (136,000), McKinney (191,645), Allen (103,383), Carrollton (136,879), and more. In fact, in the DFW Metroplex there are 14 cities with populations larger than 100,000 people- or almost 5% of all cities of that size in the entire United States. And all of this incredible population wealth is consolidated, along with 200 other cities and 30 unincorporated places, in less than 9,000 square-miles. For small and rural communities, officially defined as those with populations under 10,000, there are a whopping 16,475 of them in the U.S. Why are some of these considered ‘small’ and others considered ‘rural’? That all comes down to their proximity to other places. A ‘rural’ town is one that is isolated from other communities, amenities, and major metropolitan areas. On the other hand, a ‘small’ town such as Roanoke is definitely not isolated from development. As you can imagine, a ‘rural’ community of 5,000 people in the middle of west Texas likely has VERY different concerns and needs from a ‘small’ community of 5,000 in the middle of DFW. If there isn’t a grocery store in a rural town, residents may need to drive miles and miles to fill those needs. That becomes a serious quality of life issue. On the other hand, if a small town of the same size doesn’t have a grocery store, their next door community likely does. They have access readily available to them for what they need. That is because the small town is operating in a larger market due to its proximity to other development. With a population of over 23,500 (according to ESRI demographic data for 2019), the City of Saginaw is more than double the size of which is defined as a small town. Due to the proximity of Saginaw to Fort Worth, the 13th largest city in the nation, and as part of the massive DFW Metroplex market, we certainly aren’t rural by any stretch. In fact, other than man-made city boundaries that were established at the time of Saginaw’s incorporation in 1949, there is nothing economically that points to Saginaw being small by any means! Our market area is one of the largest and most robust in the nation! We already have amenities and opportunities within a reasonable commuting distance that most cities in the nation (and across the globe) would be THRILLED to have. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, 97% of the nation’s land mass is considered rural, yet only 19.3% of the nation’s population lives in these spaces. Talk about low density! We may feel discouraged that the closest IKEA is 33 miles away from Saginaw, but most cities in the U.S. wish they even had a hospital within that same distance. When most people say, ‘small town,’ what they mean to say is ‘hometown.’ Being a ‘hometown’ has nothing to do with size, population, market pull, etc. A ‘hometown’ is all about the feeling you have by living in the community and feeling welcomed, valued, noticed, and impactful. It is about neighbors dropping food off to welcome you or when you’re going through life’s ups and downs. It is about communal events and celebrations where you and your neighbors come together to enjoy family, friendship, and kindness. A ‘hometown’ is one that is both familiar and proud- safe and never lonely. And if that is your definition of what being a ‘small town’ is all about, then Saginaw most definitely fits that category. There are communities all over North Texas, the State, and the nation- cities of ALL sizes- that embrace a hometown mindset and celebrate their hometown pride. Take, for instance, the Town of Flower Mound, where I previously served: In a community of over 73,000 people, we still had neighbors dropping off food to one another and throwing potluck block parties. In Lewisville, with its more-than-100,000 residents, they still have music and movies in the park and people wave and honk at one another everywhere you go. When you go to the grocery store in Keller (47,266) you are almost sure to run into people you know- same for playgrounds or in the line at the Post Office. In the City of Grapevine (53,982), their Main Street is vibrant and often bustling with families and friends catching up and enjoying fresh air. It is certainly true from real examples all around us, that the feeling of comradery and local pride a hometown has comes from the willingness of neighbors to interact positively with one another – not because of the number of people or acreage your community may boast. If you have a hankering for a different kind of vacation – a place that is not a typical sun, sand and beach destination, then Fort Worth Stockyards could be what you are looking for. This historical district, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, transports you back in time to the late 19th and early 20th century when Fort Worth played an instrumental role in the cattle industry. Today the Fort Worth Stockyards are the last standing stockyards in the U.S. However, for visitors of all ages, the area offers much more than just original and renovated buildings from the era.
Cowboy Nirvana:Cattle DriveEvery day at 11:30 am, and again at 4 pm, visitors are ushered to the sidewalk to witness more than a dozen head of Texas Longhorns make their way down East Exchange Avenue. RodeoWant to see what it takes to be a real cowboy? Then head on over to the Cowtown Coliseum for the Stockyards Championship rodeo, complete with bull riding, barrel racing, lasso tricks and mutton tag (where children try to touch [tag] a sheep). Cowboy MuseumWhile not a huge facility, the Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame houses the world’s largest collection of wagons and it is fascinating to walk among them and witness how milk and groceries used to be delivered, not to mention how laundry, photography and dump truck services used to all be handled from the back of a wagon. Also inside the museum are tributes – in the form of small, personalized stations – dedicated to Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame inductees. Cattle Drive Entertainment:Steak DinnerWhen in Texas, especially a location whose history is centered around cattle, it seems only right to head out for a good steak dinner. And Cattlemens Steak House certainly delivers – just ask to sit in the rear of the restaurant so that you can watch the chef work his magic on the various meat cuts. Honky Tonk There’s a reason people are moving to Fort Worth. Here’s what you need to know about this Texas city including tips for new residents, where to live and activities to enjoy.
If you’re considering moving to Fort Worth, you’re not alone. The Dallas-Fort Worth area adds more than 250 residents per day—more than any other U. S. metropolitan area. Between its top-notch restaurants, world-class museums, live music venues and some of the friendliest residents in Texas, you’re going to love everything Fort Worth has to offer. For those who enjoy a true taste of Texas and Western heritage, there’s nothing that embodies where the West begins quite like the Stockyards National Historic District. For those who are just looking to get a feel for one of the best downtown districts in the nation, there’s plenty to do year-round in Sundance Square. Few downtowns have achieved the cohesion between cowboy culture and urban sophistication that Fort Worth has—and that’s what makes it so incredibly unique. Aside from its historic culture and vibrant nightlife, Fort Worth offers quaint neighborhoods, endless things to see and do, affordable living, and world-class opportunities for business. And it’s not slowing down anytime soon. Whether you’re moving for a career or just eager to get a taste of a new city, you’ll soon find out why Fort Worth is one of America’s most livable cities. Here’s what you need to know before moving to the Lone Star State. The Best Neighborhoods in Fort WorthWith a hot housing market and great cost of living, it’s no wonder families are moving to Fort Worth over other popular urban destinations. Out of 125 metro areas, Dallas-Fort Worth ranks 21st on the list of U.S. News Best Places to Live. Whether you’re looking for high-rise condos and lofts or southern suburbia landscapes, you’ll easily be able to find the perfect home for you and your family. “The city and region offer significant employment opportunities, diverse and affordable housing options, and a wonderful quality of life,” says Brenda Hicks-Sorensen, assistant director of economic development for the City of Fort Worth. “All of this has been recognized nationally, and continues to draw people to our city and the region.” Contemplating where to live in Fort Worth? There of plenty of spots to plant some roots. Here are some of the best Fort Worth neighborhoods:
Where in the World is Haslet, Texas?Most people are at least somewhat familiar with the largest, most recognized cities in Texas. For example, plenty of people have heard of – and even fallen in love with – the Fort Worth area for the city’s perfect blend of sophistication and quiet Texas charm. With the big cities in the DFW metro area seeming to get all the attention, there’s an undercurrent of irresistible energy flowing through the surrounding areas. Not far from Fort Worth you’ll find amazing growing communities that are earning their own accolades – like Haslet, Texas. At Taylor Morrison, we strive to choose the locations for our communities that we know residents are going to love. That’s why we chose Haslet as home to our new homes in our Caraway community. Let us introduce you to Haslet and show you why you’re going to enjoy the community just as much as we do. Where Is Haslet, TexasHaslet, Texas has the odd distinction of being located within two separate counties – Denton and Tarrant. Being just a short 15 miles outside of downtown Fort Worth has made Haslet one of the most attractive communities for professionals that work in the DFW metro area, but want to escape to someplace a little quieter at the end of their workday. The short distance between Haslet and the business center of Fort Worth make it easy to slip away from the always-on energy of the city and relax into a quiet community that feels thousands of miles removed from the congestion. For people looking for a community that they can grow with, Haslet offers just the right opportunities. With a growth rate that’s exceeding other communities in the area, Haslet is still relatively small with a population that’s barely scraping the 2,000 mark. It’s truly a community that you can make your own. Opportunities in HasletWe have an endless list of reasons why we’re so enamored with Haslet, but at Taylor Morrison, we’ve discovered that one of the features that new home buyers love most about the area is that they’re not restricting their career opportunities by choosing small town life over big city chaos. Even during the busiest travel times, the relatively short commute between Haslet and the DFW metro area is better than what you’ll find in other growing communities in the area. This is great for professionals in all industries, especially since the Dallas Fort Worth area has a thriving economy and employment market. Top job opportunities in the Haslet area include:
Living the Small Town DreamHaslet isn’t like your typical small town in America. While you’ll enjoy getting to know your neighbors and all the perks of living in a small town, Haslet is also infused with the type of culture and amenities that you often only find in larger cities. When you head out to spend a leisurely day in the community, you won’t be disappointed in your options. Thinking about doing a little shopping and then lunch with friends? Haslet has you covered with its unique shops and restaurants that the local rave about – like Lee’s Bar-B-Q, which has a well deserved following. When you’re in the mood for a day of outdoor exploration, you’ll want to head over to John Gammill Park and the Haslet Community Park. The two recreational areas are connected to each other, and between the two of them, they provide everything you could ever want for enjoying a perfect Texas afternoon. With lots of open space and plenty of shady trees, John Gammill is the place for large gatherings or even a quiet picnic with someone special. Wander next door to the Haslet Community Park, and you’ll find a completely new energy where residents will be enjoying the disc golf course, playing sand volleyball and taking full advantage of the beautiful walking trail. It’s amenities like these that make Haslet stand out as an exceptional small town community. About Flying Pig: Flying Pig RV Park is a newly constructed, family-owned RV park that is minutes from Fort Worth, TX (Near Eagle Mountain Lake).
We offer nice, quiet, clean, safe living just minutes from the big city. Not to mention our competitive pricing, FREE WI-FI, and friendly staff. Once you stay with us, we know you won't want to stay anywhere else! Maintaining an active, healthy lifestyle while practicing social distancing can be difficult. Check out these area gyms and organizations offering ways to stay fit and focused. COWTOWN MARATHONLive BootcampOur friends at The Cowtown Marathon are offering a Live Bootcamp every Wednesday at 6 p.m. CST via the Cowtown Trailblazer Facebook page. You must follow the and request to be a member of the page to gain viewing access. The class is free to join and is geared towards those already in a daily work out routine. Workouts last approximately an hour and are full body with short internal HIIT. Cowtown 5k-9 Virtual Run Combine your exercise with giving back. The Cowtown Marathon is offering a 5-K9 virtual run that encourages participants to walk/run a 5K (3.1mile) distance at their own pace, at a location of their choosing, any time before May 31st. Proceeds benefit the Humane Society of North Texas as well as the C.A.L.F. Program, which is a direct community give back program that goes to promoting lifelong fitness for area kids. Through this grant program, low-income children are fit properly with a new part of running shoes and entry fees for a training program to run a 5k race. Proof of participation in this virtual race results in a medal with a detachable dog tag and a branded bandana. Cost is $35 per person. thecowtown March 24, 2020 Are you seeking a goal to train toward? Missing your typical training schedule? Check out our VIRTUAL SPEED TRAINING CLASS! Learn how The Cowtown Trailblazers .. The Cowtown Virtual SpeedThis virtual speed class runs now thru May 21 challenging runners to get fast and stay active while minding proper stretching, cadence, run form and more. The course is for serious runners looking to improve their time and costs $75. Detailed weekly schedules and virtual speed coaching sessions (held Tuesdays and Thursdays on Facebook) will be provided. TABLE TENNIS Fort Worth hosted the USA Table Tennis US Open in December 2019 with over 750 players from over 12 countries. If you aren’t familiar with table tennis, the International Table Tennis Federation has several tips that you can learn with their virtual videos for beginners. Additionally, Joola Pro Athlete Matt Hetherington has several videos for some tips that can be used to improve your game during COVID-19. Check out his Facebook page. About Flying Pig: Flying Pig RV Park is a newly constructed, family-owned RV park that is minutes from Fort Worth, TX (Near Eagle Mountain Lake).
We offer nice, quiet, clean, safe living just minutes from the big city. Not to mention our competitive pricing, FREE WI-FI, and friendly staff. Once you stay with us, we know you won't want to stay anywhere else! Heading north out of Keller, Texas on US 287 you can enjoy a scenic ride and make your way into the town of Decatur, Texas. Named after naval hero Stephen Decatur, the town was originally set up in 1856 and eventually was a stopover for ranchers and herders on the Chisholm Trail. The old Eighter from Decatur SignBy 1882, the railway came into Decatur from Fort Worth. It was apparently at that time a gambling railway worker was talking about a female from Decatur and coined the phrase an “Eighter from Decatur,” which has stuck around ever since. Welcome to Decatur signToday, the peaceful little town still draws traffic from ranchers and railway folk, but also from tourists trying to relive the olden days…like me. Sumoflam at the Petrified Wood StationOne of the really nostalgic points is the old Petrified Wood Gas Station as you come into town. In 1927 a keen businessman named E.F. Boydston purchased a former feed lot in order to build a wooden shed and a gas station. Boydston allowed people to stopover and camp there and eventually even built some cabins. As the highway was widened in the mid-1930s, Boydston added more cabins, a garage and other buildings and then made them sturdier by adding petrified wood as a facing on the buildings. Auto News Center offers upgrade and makeover ideas to help you create a clean and well-functioning garage. The entire complex was eventually named Texas Plaza. |
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