What is it like living on a boat? Do you have access to the same types of appliances one would find in any house or apartment? Such as washing machine, dryer, TV, microwave, oven, stove, sink, shower, and bath? Also, would a house boat be practical for cold climates? Or would a boat in cold climates cost too much to heat?

When I moved aboard (for ~5 years) in 1990, I didn't do it because I wanted to live aboard. I did it because I wanted to own a sailboat and that was the only way I could afford even a modest, 20-year-old 33 footer. Given the local economy, housing prices and employment situation, I would say that a higher proportion of people are living aboard now out of necessity, not desire.

Of the list of appliances you mention, most are either not installed or much smaller unless you have a *lot* of money and are talking about a $500,000 yacht. My boat has 30 amps of AC shore power, a tiny microwave, a propane range/oven, an ice box (that needs ice) and a head with a 13-gallon holding tank that I pay a company $15 a month to pump out (so I am in compliance with water quality regs). The *real* usable bathrooms are on shore with coin-operated showers (prepare to stand in line occasionally.

Cold climates? There are even a few liveaboards in Boston Harbor, but I bet they have kick ass diesel heater systems! Seattle is easy in that regard.

Don't take it wrong, the marina makes a great "back yard" with no grass to mow. And there's nothiong like coming home from downtown on a 85-degree day downtown to find a 10 degree temperature drop and a nice breeze.