Lessons Learned from Our Nomadic Life in U.S. Short-term Rentals (Part 1)

After two years of moving every few months, we’ve stayed in more than a dozen short-term rentals across the U.S. Here’s a look back at what we’ve learned, where we stayed, and how each place shaped our journey.

When Mike and I decided to live as nomads, we didn’t have much short-term rental experience. We knew we wanted to downsize, travel light, and see what it would feel like to live in different U.S. cities, not just vacation in them.

If you’re considering this lifestyle, here’s the biggest truth:
Every rental is different. You will compromise. You will improvise. And you’ll learn what truly matters to you.

For us, location is everything. We start with that. We want to walk everywhere. A grocery store under a mile is key. We look for public transportation, walkable neighborhoods, a clean space, good internet, and furniture we can live on. We do this by reading the comments from past guests, doing research on google, reading neighborhood Reddit posts, and searching the area for local stores and restaurants. From there, it’s all about adapting. Mike and I have found a way to make almost every place our home. We understand that renting short-term rentals can be unpopular. They are not necessarily good for the community if left unregulated. We try to offset our impact by not taking up two spaces. We rent out our condominium in Phoenix to a long-term renter. We shop locally. We tip well. We volunteer. We try to be a positive part of the community. We are grateful to get to know so many US cities, and short-term rentals make that possible.

Albuquerque, NM – “For the Birds”

This was our very first rental on our road to becoming nomads. We eventually made it to Chicago. First, we took a brief detour south. We wanted to give the windy city a few more weeks to warm up. Our Airbnb was on the second floor with stair access only. The unit was a one-bedroom one bath with a stackable washer and dryer in the kitchen. It was bird-themed. We noticed a few of them in the pictures. However, when we entered and looked around, we realized there were tiny fake birds glued everywhere. To the fans, tucked in vents, perched on lamps. Every day we found more.  It was a little odd. It was kind of funny. Most importantly, it had decent furniture and a table for Mike to work. The internet was fast, which gave us peace of mind right out of the gate. It was located across the street from Old Town Albuquerque. Home to century-old adobe houses that are now home to New Mexican eateries and artisan shops. It has one of the highest walkability scores in the city. It checked all the boxes, and we were only staying for a week. 

The biggest takeaway here wasn’t about the decor or location. It was about our stuff. As we unpacked, hauling everything we owned up to the second floor, we realized we had too many things. We spent the week purging and donating. When it came time to repack our truck, we felt much lighter both physically and mentally. 

Albuquerque had a nice vibe and gave us our first taste of those colorful New Mexico sunsets. It’s not a walkable city. Drivers move fast. They do not have pedestrians as a top of mind. However, it was still a positive start to our new lifestyle. Our first rental checked the boxes, and the host was on point. Living with fake birds for the week was quirky, but so is our lifestyle, so it made it a funny start. We made the most of our week in Albuquerque. I’ll share more about the experiences in a future post. 

El Paso, TX – Thoughtfulness Wins

Next was El Paso and what might be the best Airbnb we’ve stayed in so far. The space was thoughtfully designed, with everything serving a purpose. Our young host was new to the rental game but passionate about creating a great experience. We felt genuinely cared for. It was a one-bedroom, one-bath setup with a full-size laundry room and a lovely outdoor area for relaxing. The host spared no expense on linens, towels, kitchenware, or furniture. Everything was clean, comfortable, and well put together.

The location was another win. We were within walking distance of downtown and just a few blocks from El Paso High School. The school has stunning architecture worth seeing. Our neighborhood had a walk score of 79. We did use our truck to explore. However, when we walked, the drivers were much more considerate toward pedestrians than we experienced in Albuquerque.

El Paso surprised us in the best way. It’s dusty and brown at first glance, but it grows on you. The people were kind, and the city had heart. We ate some amazing food. We checked out a few creative and local breweries. We also saw moments of generosity that stayed with us.  Business owners treat those less fortunate with dignity and compassion. It made us feel good to support places like that. After just one week, we agreed. If we ever had to land in El Paso, it wouldn’t be a bad thing. People make the place.

Chicago, IL – Downtown (The Doorman!)

This was our first short-term rental, committing to 90 days. We booked a basic studio on the sixth floor of a high-rise through Blueground.com. It was designed for corporate living, minimalist, impersonal, and stocked with just the essentials. Not quite cozy, but functional.

The location, though, was hard to beat. It was in the Gold Coast neighborhood of Chicago and just down the road from Lake Michigan. We had a grocery store across the street. There was a coffee shop in the building. A subway stop was right on the corner. We were just one block from the Magnificent Mile. This is Chicago’s iconic stretch of Michigan Avenue. It is lined with high-end shops, historic landmarks, and always has something happening. The neighborhood itself was lively and diverse in age. It had great energy and endless things to do.

The building had some nice perks. Doormen greeted us when our hands were full. There was a clean and tidy laundry room serviced daily. A mezzanine level offered a small gym, workspaces, and a distant view of Lake Michigan.

The apartment was a studio with a partial wall sectioning off the bedroom. No balcony, and the windows barely opened, something we didn’t realize we’d miss until we were living without it. The couch looked great, but wasn’t comfortable, and the kitchen was geared more toward takeout than home cooking.

We stayed for three months, which felt like a long time at first, but flew by in a blink. At the beginning, we weren’t realistic with our lifestyle. It took a while to accept that we weren’t on vacation. This was home for the next three months. So we leaned in: live music, theater, restaurants, baseball games, protests, parades—you name it. It was equal parts exhausting and exhilarating. Somewhere in the middle of it all, Mike and I started dating again, 25 years into our marriage. It felt both brand new and like coming home. We found our rhythm. 

That first rental taught us that we can easily live in a small space. But it also showed us how much we value access to the outdoors. Elevators and hallways get old fast. Since then, we’ve looked for places with doors that open to fresh air. Balconies, patios, or at the very least, easy access to a good park are essential. Thankfully, Chicago delivered on green space. Daily walks through city parks and by Lake Michigan in the spring air helped balance out the boxed-in feeling of high-rise living.

Chicago, IL – Albany Park (When a Change of Plan Leads to Life-Changing Experiences)

We signed a three-month lease in Mayfair, a working-class, immigrant neighborhood in Albany Park on Chicago’s Northwest Side. The price and timing were right, and it came together at the last minute after our original plans fell through. But almost everything else about this stay was a departure from what we were used to.

The family room furniture was small. It was much smaller than it looked in photos.

The sofa was useless for two average-sized adults trying to relax or binge-read/watch TV in the evenings. Every cabinet, shelf, and table overflowed with knick-knacks, making the space feel visually overwhelming. Then there were the plants. So many plants to keep alive. I’d never lived with that much clutter before, and it was hard to look past it. Thankfully, the bedroom furniture was comfortable, and we had a solid table for meals and work, which helped anchor us.

The back patio was too hot to use in the summer sun, but the front porch had potential. After we made a request, our hosts gave us some money to buy comfortable chairs. That small gesture made a big difference. The front porch became our main hangout and helped us meet neighbors we still keep in touch with today.

Those first days were rough. I cried more than once. I worried my pain would spike if I couldn’t find the space to relax. I quietly wondered if we’d made a huge mistake. But eventually, the shift happened. I had to dig deep, and Mike and I talked it through: Why did we assume this would be easy? If we had wanted comfort above all else, we would have stayed in Colorado, surrounded by all our things. What I wanted, what we both wanted, was experience. And Albany Park delivered.

The streets buzzed with life: languages we didn’t speak, food we’d never tasted, aromas that wrapped around us like invitations. Mom-and-pop shops were everywhere. Global grocery stores nestled among them. Late-night taquerías invited us in. Balkan bakeries lined the streets. It was all right there. It woke something up in us.

By the end of those three months, we knew: this nomadic life was ours. We learned to improvise, compromise, and put up with a little discomfort for a much bigger reward. That cluttered little bungalow turned us into adventurers. It showed us we had grit. I pushed through my discomfort—and yes, I kept every one of those damn plants alive. It was just the beginning, but it stretched us in all the right ways. Totally worth it. There’s so much more to share from those three months—we’ll write about it soon. For now, here’s a two-word teaser: Guinea Pig!

Charleston, SC – Southern Blooms, BBQ, and Auntie!

We rented in the Wagener Terrace neighborhood in Charleston. It is just north of downtown and a stone’s throw away from the Citadel, a historic military college. We got there the day after hurricane Ian had passed through, and other than a few downed trees and our rental not having power, the neighborhood was in pretty good shape. This was an ideal spot. It was walkable to King Street if we were up for a stroll. There was a quick (and free) trolley ride when we weren’t. There was a grocery store less than a mile away and plenty of walkable restaurants that quickly became our go-to spots. Our duplex unit was spacious and well-appointed, with a second bedroom for guests and a back door that gave us direct access to the outdoors, something we now consider priority. 

The neighborhood had a few other short-term rentals but was mostly a neighborhood of old, southern homes that were slowly being renovated. Everyone we met was friendly, laid-back, and respectful. But the best part of this rental, hands down, was being right next door to Hampton Park. It’s one of Charleston’s hidden gems. Hampton is a beautiful, historic park with a great walking path and wide open space. We walked there almost every day. And when the azaleas bloom in mid-March, it’s like walking through a living watercolor. That park alone made this rental feel like home.

We stayed in Charleston for six months, our longest stay to date, and we loved it. But it wasn’t without its challenges. The brand-new mattress in our unit was far too firm for my back. Night after night of bad sleep started to mess with my nerve pain. So, I improvised. I ordered a Japanese floor mattress, which gave me the softer support I needed. Mike lovingly (and a little too enthusiastically) would tell me to get on my bed, like he used to with our dogs. 🤣 I slept better. That meant I could enjoy life again. Problem solved.

Charleston left its mark on us. We loved the walkability, the creativity, the easy Southern rhythm, and the genuine warmth of the people. And one thing became crystal clear: BBQ is king in South Carolina. Sorry, Texas—your brisket’s got some real competition. We also had one of our all-time favorite meals here (more on that soon). This was also where I picked up my first seasonal gig—waiting tables at a local BBQ joint. I’ll introduce you to Auntie and the crew soon. Let’s just say I learned a few things I never expected to.

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