Jaclyn Westlake and her husband, Brian, made the decision to move from the Bay Area to Laguna Beach, where Brian is originally from, in 2021. Both working remotely, they found themselves living in a trailer across the street from the beach, opting for this unconventional living situation due to the high living costs in the area. After living on a boat for three years, the idea of living in a mobile home community with the trailer they purchased seemed like a viable option for them.
The couple paid $212,500 for their mobile home in Laguna Beach, deciding to take out a home equity loan of $150,000 to fund renovations and updates to the trailer. Including utilities, land lease, and loan repayment, their monthly cost of living comes to about $5,148. They are looking forward to repaying the loan within the next two years to lower their monthly expenses even further. With no closets in the house, they have had to be creative with storage solutions, such as using the living room for wardrobes and repurposing furniture for storage.
Despite dealing with typical homeowner issues such as ant infestations and termite tenting, Jaclyn and Brian appreciate the relaxed lifestyle that living in Laguna Beach provides them. They enjoy spending time outdoors in their backyard, which features a hot tub, outdoor shower, and tropical landscaping. From hosting friends for pizza parties to walking down to the beach and unwinding in the hot tub, the couple has found their own version of the California dream in their trailer home by the ocean.
The couple infuses their trailer home with their personalities, adding touches such as tropical wallpaper in the bedroom and a creatively decorated kitchen. They use a golf cart to get around the neighborhood, and have made the most of their outdoor space with a Ping-Pong table, pizza oven, and projector screen. Despite the unconventional living situation, they have made the trailer feel like home with their personalized decorations and additions, making the most of the space they have.
Living in Laguna Beach has provided Jaclyn and Brian with the opportunity to enjoy beach living, relaxed coastal vibes, and a thriving art scene. They enjoy the sunny weather, outdoor activities, and community events in the area. The couple spends their days working on their respective projects, writing novels, and enjoying the laid-back lifestyle that Laguna Beach offers. After two years in their trailer home, they have no plans of moving anytime soon, content with their unique living situation by the beach.
Jaclyn Westlake, a writer and novelist, chronicles her experiences living in Laguna Beach on her Instagram and website. She finds inspiration in the beachside lifestyle and has embraced the unconventional living situation with enthusiasm. Jaclyn’s writing focuses on funny, flawed women navigating life’s challenges, and her experiences living in a trailer by the ocean have influenced her work. With a focus on storytelling and creating memorable characters, Jaclyn continues to find inspiration in her coastal surroundings and the relaxed lifestyle of Laguna Beach.
