Alanna Parrish, a 33-year-old former property manager and real estate investor from San Francisco, has embarked on a transformative journey after quitting her job in July 2023. With a desire to travel the world for a year, Parrish found a unique way to sustain her adventures through house-sitting, which has now become her primary lifestyle.
Initially seeking an economical way to prolong her travels, Parrish discovered that house-sitting provides not just free accommodations, but also allows her to experience life in various cities more authentically. She has since made this nomadic lifestyle her full-time endeavor, living in different homes without paying rent. Parrish has effectively traded conventional living arrangements for the flexibility and freedom of moving from place to place.
“I wanted the opportunity to live like a local in cities I had never visited but was curious about potentially living in one day,” Parrish shared. House-sitting has allowed her longer stays, offering a grounded experience that typical tourist trips usually lack. Since leaving San Francisco, she has managed to live out of a large carry-on suitcase, carefully curating her essentials to fit her mobile lifestyle.
When selecting where to house-sit next, Parrish prioritizes clean environments, effective communication with hosts, and access to public transportation, as she does not have a car. She prefers house-sits of at least a week to settle in and explore the neighborhoods.
Over her travels, she has house-sat in 15 cities across the U.S., including notable locations like Honolulu, Miami, Austin, and Portland, as well as internationally in cities like Vancouver and Helsinki. While she typically charges a fee of $75 per night, most of her assignments are in exchange for free accommodations, a trade-off she finds valuable, especially compared to the costs of renting in the cities she visits.
Parrish’s experiences have not only provided her with free living arrangements but have also fostered relationships with her hosts, who often leave her with extra amenities or even their vehicles. She appreciates the kindness of the people she meets along the way, creating a sense of community even while on the move.
However, the lifestyle isn’t without challenges. There are times of loneliness, and the constant need for planning can be daunting. Recently, she encountered a situation where a house-sitting job was canceled last minute, leading her to scramble for alternate accommodations. Still, the positives far outweigh the negatives for her.
Maintaining this nomadic lifestyle, Parrish has also taken on a remote job with a tele-health company that allows her to work from anywhere. This flexibility enables her to continue pursuing her passion for travel while managing her professional responsibilities.
As she explores new cities, Parrish remains open to the idea of eventually settling down, with New York City standing out as a strong candidate if she finds the right community or relationships. For now, she relishes the adventures that come with house-sitting, celebrating the freedom and unique experiences it offers in her life journey.