Diamond Valley RV Park logo

Why Construction Workers and Tradespeople Are Choosing RV Parks Over Apartments in California

California’s construction industry is booming. From the residential developments expanding across Riverside County to the infrastructure projects threading through the Inland Empire, skilled tradespeople — electricians, plumbers, framers, HVAC technicians — are in high demand and following the work.

The problem is housing. California’s rental market was not built for the reality of how skilled tradespeople actually live: following job sites across regions, sometimes for months at a time, with no interest in signing a 12-month lease for an apartment they’ll leave in 90 days, paying first and last month’s rent plus a deposit on a unit they’ll rarely fully use.

According to the California Employment Development Department (EDD), Riverside County’s construction sector has added thousands of jobs through 2024–2025 and is projected to continue growing through 2027. The workers fueling that growth need practical, flexible housing. A growing number are finding the answer in long-term RV park living.

The Housing Problem for California's Skilled Trades

Let’s be specific about the problem, because it’s one that rarely gets named directly.

The average tradesperson working a project in Riverside County faces a familiar situation. The job is 6–18 months. It’s good money. But housing options are either too expensive (apartments in the $1,400–$2,000/month range), too inflexible (12-month leases for someone who may be gone in 90 days), or too inconvenient (extended-stay hotels that run $1,800–$2,500/month for a room with no kitchen and nowhere to store tools or gear).

The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) has flagged workforce housing as one of the top challenges facing the construction industry nationally — and California, with its high cost of living and low vacancy rates, represents the most acute version of that problem.

Why Long-Term RV Parks Solve the Problem

An RV — whether you own it already or purchase a used one — solves the housing flexibility problem completely. Your home follows your work. You’re not breaking leases. You’re not commuting 90 minutes from somewhere affordable because you can’t find housing near the job site.

Paired with a well-run long-term RV park like Diamond Valley RV Park in San Jacinto — positioned at the center of Riverside County’s most active construction corridor — the economics are clear.

Monthly lot rates at DVRP run $625–$875/month, with shed rental available at $35/month and extra vehicle parking at $35/month. View full rates here.

The Geographic Advantage: Riverside County's Construction Corridor

Diamond Valley RV Park sits at 344 N. State Street in San Jacinto — a central position within one of California’s most active construction and infrastructure corridors.

The Riverside County Transportation Commission (RCTC) lists several major infrastructure projects currently underway within this radius — all requiring sustained skilled labor over multi-year timelines. Having a stable, affordable base already established means no scramble when the next project starts nearby.

What Your RV Living Setup Looks Like as a Tradesperson

Storage for Tools and Equipment

Most RVs have external storage bays that handle basic tool storage well. For heavier equipment, a shed rental at DVRV runs $35/month — a cost-effective solution. Additional vehicle parking, including work trucks, is available for $35/month.

Internet and Communication

Staying connected for project updates, permits, and supplier orders matters. Starlink’s RV plan offers high-speed satellite internet that works anywhere within range and performs reliably in the San Jacinto/Hemet area. Many residents supplement with a personal mobile hotspot as backup.

Morning Routine and Early Start Times

Construction schedules often mean 5:30–6:00 AM departures. A long-term RV park with on-site hookups, consistent water pressure, and reliable power makes early morning routines as functional as any apartment — often more so.

Cooking and Nutrition

RV kitchens include a full range, refrigerator, and microwave. The ability to cook your own food rather than relying on job site vendors or fast food is both a cost-saving and a health advantage. Hemet’s grocery options are within 3–5 miles of the park.

Rest and Recovery

Physical work demands real rest. A quiet, gated community with enforced quiet hours — versus a hotel on a highway or a busy apartment complex — makes a genuine difference in sleep quality over a multi-month project.

The Community Advantage: Why Tradespeople Stay Longer Than They Plan

Here’s something that surprises many new residents who arrive intending to stay “just for the project”: they end up staying longer. The combination of affordable rates, a stable community of fellow long-term residents, and the practical conveniences of a well-run park makes DVRP a genuinely comfortable base of operations.

For tradespeople considering the longer arc of their California career, DVRP’s location in the Inland Empire — one of the state’s fastest-growing construction markets — means the work keeps coming. Having stable, affordable housing already established is a strategic advantage. Explore why San Jacinto is one of Southern California’s most underrated places to live and work.

What You Need to Get Started

  • A government-issued ID
  • Proof of income (three recent pay stubs or bank statements)
  • RV details — type, year, length, license plate
  • Emergency contact information
  • A $25 credit check fee per adult


Applications are reviewed in order received, with a response within 3–5 business days. Start your application here.

Scroll to Top