Caitlin Johnson, 44, has found a way to live a low-cost life in an era of high rent prices. According to SWNS, she believes that she is able to save $1.5k a month, just by living underground. Yes, you read it right. Johnson moved from New York in April 2024 and found herself a better residence at a friend’s subterranean shelter in their backyard in Bakersfield, California.
She now only pays $500 a month, a rent which most Americans looking for comfort can not imagine. Her 1,200 square feet of underground bunkers come with a master bedroom featuring an en-suite, a living room, a fully equipped kitchen, an additional bathroom, and 18 bunk beds.
There are also two extra toilets and a shower included in her underground bunker, as reported by SWNS.
The subterranean shelter was discovered by Caitlin’s friend after she purchased the property in 2022. The bunker, which was a relic from the previous owner, was unused for quite some time. When Johnson was informed about the space, she proposed a great idea to her friend. She asked her friend if she could use the bunker and maintain it for just $500 a month.
It also includes a yard, something most California renters who pay a typical $1.5k to $2k for a one-bedroom apartment, cannot imagine, as claimed by her.
Caitlin, who works in the entertainment industry, doesn’t have any plans to leave the place soon, as she has already asked for another year of extension on her rent. “On average, a one-bed rental in California is about $1.5 to $2k a month. I rent part of the yard and the bunker for $500 a month – I also don’t pay utilities,” the woman said.
However, she also emphasized that her friend is also getting another benefit by renting her out. “The trade-off is that I take care of the bunker and yard so she doesn’t have to take care of it,” Caitlin explained. She also added, “I could easily buy somewhere, but my job is constantly moving, and I don’t know how long I will live in one location.”
Recalling the time when she first moved from New York and got to know about her friend’s purchase, the woman said, “When she bought the house, she was saying how she didn’t take any care of the bunker. One day I convinced her to let me move into it and rent it off her.”
Since then, it’s been a year for her enjoying the unique abode that is equipped with the most modern and essential things needed to survive.
The entry to the bunker is quite complicated as she needs to open a hydraulic door, descend 15 years, and then go through another blast door.
However, due to its isolated location, it feels “super quiet,” something Caitlin seems to enjoy. In addition, she also received phone signals and internet access, which makes it easier for her to live underground.
However, she noted that whether she enjoys the lack of natural light in general, it could be challenging during the winter. She explained, “There are two 10-foot by 4-foot hydraulic doors into the bunker, so during the day when I’m home, I’ll have them open to let light in.”
Although she doesn’t plan on making it her “forever home,” Caitlin sure wants to enjoy the low-cost abode for now.
