I am a retiree who is considering living part-time outside the US in one or more Schengen zone countries over the next several years. I would stay less than 90 days each visit in the Schengen zone, and less than 183 days per year outside the US. I want to minimize my US costs when I am not in the US. For example, I would ideally like to avoid the expense of maintaining a full-time residence in a state in the US in order to have a permanent address for tax domicile, banking, Social Security, drivers license and other legal purposes.
I am aware of the use-a-friend's-address or virtual mailbox ideas, however these seem to be ways of disguising one's living situation that would ultimately result in a range of practical and perhaps legal problems.
I'm thinking that the best I can do is rent an inexpensive apartment in the state where I will live when I am not outside the US. However, I hate paying a full year's rent and utilities for a place that I will only use 6-8 months per year. (Subletting isn't an option for me.)
Is there a practical way of living at temporary addresses (e.g., AirBnBs), one that complies with US law, while I am back in the US?