Hacker News Reader

Put your big belongings in storage, pack a car and spend the next few months shopping around. Visit cities and places you think you'd like, get an Airbnb for a month or 2. I did this when COVID first hit (am still doing it) and love it.

I was coming from NYC, so I've been able to actually lessen my rent, even through Airbnb.

I loved Portland, San Diego, Austin and Boulder.

View on HN

I did the same exact thing (in many of the same cities as well). It was a blast.

I agree this is the best way to try out a new place to live. Need to stay at least one month, but ideally 2-3, to really get a feel for a place.

We made it around the entire country over the course of the pandemic (and eloped while we were at it), but ultimately stopped due to the work involved in finding a high quality rental at a reasonable price.

Airbnb fees are high, so even after negotiating (which is a must), it is still an expensive monthly rent. But I will admit I was staying in highly desirable areas, and you are paying a premium for the flexibility.

Ultimately my favorite spots were Boulder, Chicago, and Burlington Vermont (during ski season).

Reply on news.ycombinator.com