Jodi Monroe and her partner live in an 885 square foot home that sits on the Columbia River in the Pacific Northwest, surrounded by a close-knit row of floating neighbors. They have been part of the moorage for nearly four years, and the daily view of water feels less like a vacation perk and more like a baseline setting. The setup turns ordinary routines into something a little more intentional, because every trip, purchase, and weather shift is felt immediately on the dock.
One of the first things Monroe likes to clear up is the assumption that a floating home is the same as a houseboat. A houseboat has a motor and moves under its own power, while their place functions more like a typical house that happens to be built on logs and secured to long poles driven deep into the riverbed. The homes are arranged in long lines with connected walkways leading back to land, with open water separating each row.
The most surprising detail is that these homes can relocate, just not on a whim. If residents decide to switch moorages, the house can be floated to a new spot with a tugboat, and newcomers may require neighbors to temporarily shift their homes to make room. On the Columbia, timing matters, because moving is safest once the current calms down after the spring thaw.
Maintenance also comes with its own rulebook. There is no lawn to mow or leaves to rake, but winter demands vigilance, especially when temperatures drop below freezing. Since the pipes run beneath the house and are exposed to the elements, they may need to keep water dripping and open cabinet doors to protect plumbing. Snow is the real stress test, because heavy buildup can cause a home to tilt, which is when the moorage alerts neighbors to help each other shovel and lighten the load.
Even simple errands take more effort than they would on land. The parking lot, mailboxes, shared green spaces, and dumpsters are all up above the rooftops on shore, so every outing means walking the long path and climbing multiple ramps. For dog owners, that same trek becomes a daily loop for bathroom breaks and exercise, no matter the weather. Inside, storage is tight, so anything new requires a decision about what leaves, and extra space comes from a carport, a small shed, several storage boxes, and even their boat.
What keeps Monroe and her partner committed is how easily their favorite activities fit into the day. Their boat sits right behind the house, and kayaks are stored along the side, ready to slide into the water without the usual packing, driving, and waiting at a launch ramp. The lifestyle has drawbacks, but for them the benefits win, and they do not see themselves leaving anytime soon.
Would you ever consider living on the water, or does it sound like more work than it is worth? Share your thoughts in the comments.
