Living aboard a sailboat … in the snow
A unique community in Boston where people choose to live on boats instead of traditional housing due to the high cost of living.
- Video highlights individuals who have chosen to live on boats year-round at Constitution Marina in Charlestown, Boston. This lifestyle is partly driven by financial reasons, offering a more affordable alternative to the high housing costs in the city.
- The boat dwellers form a close-knit, quirky community. They socialize and share experiences, such as gathering at a nearby hotel pool on Friday nights, which is heated to hot tub levels for their enjoyment.
- Despite the challenging winter conditions, residents like Larry Anderson, a video editor who lives on his boat, find the experience satisfying. They use space heaters for warmth, and boats are often covered in shrink wrap, which creates a greenhouse effect, keeping the deck warm even in snow.
- Renting a spot at the marina is based on the length of the boat. For a 37-foot spot, the cost averages around $1,000 a month, including a parking space, making it a financially attractive option.
- The video shares personal reasons behind this lifestyle choice, such as Larry Anderson moving onto a boat following a divorce. It highlights the sense of freedom and simplicity that comes with this way of living.
- Residents enjoy local amenities like winter hot tubs, summer pools, and parking in Boston, which adds to the appeal of this unconventional lifestyle.