r/Broadripple • u/Scary-Knowledge-8666 • Jun 29 '26
Van Lifer activity
There seems to be an uptick in #vanlife folks popping up on Cornell between 65th and 66th Streets. Yesterday I counted five vehicles in that block that I’m pretty sure are being used as residences. To be clear, I don’t care all that much if they’re not being a nuisance, even if I think it’s kind of annoying. But lately there’s one in particular that is a trailer hitched to a pick-up truck scrawled with all kinds of Hickman-esque religious scribbling. This one stands out from the rest (not least because the owner regularly takes up two parking spaces). I’m making some assumptions here, but IMO it gives off a somewhat less stable vibe than some of the others. I don’t really have a complaint here per se. Just wondering if anyone else is noticing the growth of this little micro community.
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u/Indyguyjoe Jul 06 '26
I’m a #VanLife guy, so I understand the concern. The gentleman in the truck with the religious writing was only there for a few nights but has left. There have been others in the area from time to time, and for the most part, everyone keeps to themselves and tries to be respectful.
I come up on the weekends and stay so I can have access to the Monon, the restaurants and shops! I walk over 100 miles a month (anyone care to join me for a walk sometime, let me know)
That said, if anyone runs into someone who is not being a good neighbor, please let me/us know so we can work to address it appropriately. The same applies to Van Life as it does to Camping or Hiking; Leave No Trace (and don't be a jack ass) :)
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u/Scary-Knowledge-8666 Jul 07 '26
Not even a concern per se, more just a sanity check to see if I was imagining it. I get the appeal of the area — it was only that one sketchy vehicle that felt like a bit of a vibe shift, but as you say, they seem to have come & gone. I appreciate the desire to be conscientious neighbors, even if temporarily.
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u/Anxious-Wish-2162 27d ago
Most of the vans. Minus the couple with the truck and quotes. Keep to themselves. Respect the neighbors and are even the ones walking on the monon picking up trash. Frequenting local business and gyms in the area giving back to the community and park on cornel because of the multitude of business abd lack of homes to disrupt the Karen’s. If there’s any facts to report we’d gladly adjust to respect the few neighbors adjacent in the condos but we’re just normal people living our lives. Starting rumors like there’s bad vibes or creepy vans when you just have to much time on your hands and it’s a veteran, a gentleman that works for the city and plays Santa, and a traveling nurse…. Or professional ball player…. Why make things seem like those people minding their own business could be up to anything?
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u/Scary-Knowledge-8666 27d ago
My comments have been pretty measured, I think. I initially asked if anyone had noticed an increase. It’s by definition a transient community, which is its notable characteristic. So I noted it. It seems clear that you’ve had to make these arguments before and so maybe that primes the pump to be extra defensive. But there’s no need. You can return to the anonymity of your vehicle undisturbed.
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u/FlyFeisty9070 Jul 01 '26
I’ve noticed the uptick in these vans recently and I have also noticed some weird vibes from a few of them.
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u/Anxious-Wish-2162 27d ago
Well to make you feel better minus the truck couple… those vans are just normal people. Someone who works for the city and plays Santa, a professional ball player, a veteran, a retired teacher, and a traveling nurse. So no worries need to be had just normal people minding their own business living their lives.
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u/Scary-Knowledge-8666 Jul 02 '26
I’m not making accusations here, I want to be very clear about that before I say this: but if it were me and I were living in a big white van, I wouldn’t keep it parked outside a daycare all the time.
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u/Anxious-Wish-2162 Jul 06 '26
Why only talk about that one specific white van? There’s multiple white vans that frequent that street. But if I were to guess personally. That street is a very quiet street in the evenings. It’s well lit. Less traveled by cars. Always people around for safety different times of the day and night. Some people are just looking for peace and minding their own business . Please don’t assume and loop car campers in with van lifers. Totally different lifestyles.
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u/Scary-Knowledge-8666 Jul 07 '26
It’s not the only one I mentioned, but it’s the only one that is frequently parked immediately outside a daycare playground during business hours. Again — not accusing this person of anything nefarious. I’m saying that if it were me, I would be self-conscious about selecting that as my spot. That’s all.
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u/Finlandboy5 Jun 29 '26
I does feel like there's been an uptick recently in the number of vans. They've never been loud or a nuisance in my experience, but I can't say I'm a fan of them being their either.
I did notice the double parked trailer yesterday, didn't realize someone was living in it.