When Jaclyn Westlake’s husband Brian revealed that he was from Laguna Beach, a surge of excitement and nostalgia washed over her. Growing up as an elder millennial, she had watched every episode of the reality show about the area and was a fan of “The OC”. In 2021, the couple made the decision to leave the Bay Area and spend a few months in Brian’s hometown. Working remotely as a writer and in tech sales, they found themselves falling in love with Laguna Beach and decided to stay. The couple now resides in a 940-square-foot aluminum-sided trailer across from the beach, enjoying the laid-back atmosphere and thriving art scene of the area.
The decision to stay in Laguna Beach presented a challenge due to the high cost of living in the area, with median home prices hovering around $3 million and monthly rent averaging over $8,000. However, Jaclyn and Brian managed to find a unique neighborhood with mobile homes that could be purchased for as low as $150,000. Opting for a hybrid solution of owning the trailer but renting the land it sits on, they were able to make the move to Laguna Beach financially viable. By negotiating a $5,000 credit during the home inspection, they purchased their trailer for $212,500 and took out a $150,000 home equity loan to cover renovation costs and furnish the home.
The monthly expenses for the couple amount to approximately $5,148, including land lease, utilities, and loan repayment. Their functional and creatively decorated trailer features a two-bedroom, two-bathroom layout with vintage charm. Storage solutions were necessary due to the lack of closets, resulting in the unconventional placement of wardrobes and household items throughout the house. The interior of the trailer showcases their unique style, with updates to the kitchen, wallpaper in the bedrooms, and a backyard complete with a hot tub, dining area, and tropical landscaping.
Despite some homeowner challenges such as pest infestations and ongoing maintenance issues, Jaclyn and Brian find solace in the more affordable cost of living in their Laguna Beach trailer. They enjoy leisurely activities like morning coffee on the deck, walks to the beach, evenings in the hot tub, and hosting friends for outdoor gatherings. The couple appreciates the laid-back lifestyle and sense of community in Laguna Beach, embracing the unconventional living arrangement in the picturesque coastal town.
With no plans to move in the foreseeable future, Jaclyn and Brian have found a sense of contentment and happiness in their trailer home in Laguna Beach. Fully immersed in the beachside lifestyle, they cherish moments spent outdoors, hosting gatherings with friends, and relishing the simplicity of their unconventional living situation. Jaclyn continues to pursue her writing career, drawing inspiration from her beachside surroundings, and looks forward to the future as they settle into their home on wheels in Laguna Beach.
