When it comes to types of mobile home communities, they are definitely not a one size fits all situation. Today we are looking at 5 common types and the pros and cons related to each, and why a mobile home community can be a great choice for Seniors, families, and even 20 somethings looking for low maintenance living.
Resident-Owned Communities
There are many benefits to a resident-owned mobile home community. Just a few include:
- Security against unfair evictions
- A stronger sense of community
- All residents have a say in how the community is run
Also, a resident-owned community is typically run by a board of directors that are elected among members of the community. This makes these types of communities very popular simply because people living within the community are able to make decisions about the park and make sure that the best interest of its residents is met.
It was tough to come up with any disadvantages of living in a resident-owned community, but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t have its own sets of challenges. Managing and maintaining a park is not easy. You have to be sure to prioritize projects, keep the residents happy, make sure that the community meets the standards of the city or county it is in, not to mention keeping the park full. However, the end result is worth it because the residents are the decision-makers so they are invested on making sure the community thrives.
Family Friendly Communities
A family-friendly mobile home park may offer perks that some types of mobile home communities may not. For instance, there may be activities centered around the kids in the community, and in some, there may be a community center, pool, and/or playground.
Typically a family-friendly community would not be ideal for a single person or a Senior. If you aren’t looking for a home with lots of kids running around the neighborhood, you will want to pass on this one.
Chain Owned Communities
Chain owned or Corporate owned parks is fast becoming one of the most common types of mobile home communities. For example, Equity LifeStyle Properties (ELS), owns over 400 properties across the United States and is the largest corporate owner among parks.
Corporate-owned parks live most of the day-to-day operations to managers that are hired to maintain them. So, typically there isn’t much interference from the owners. However, some companies purchase mobile home communities with the sole intent of evicting tenants and using the land for other purposes. Or, in some cases, greed is an issue because it is a corporation, and they raise the lot rent excessively in order to pad their pockets.
Senior Communities
One of the most common types of park is the 55+ Senior community. These are particularly popular in retirement states, such as Arizona, Florida, or South Carolina. What is great about these communities is that if you are looking to live among people your own age, perhaps with similar interests, this is the place to be. You will usually find a community center for activities to keep residents active. Larger ones may even have hair salons, swimming pools, tennis courts, shuffleboard, bingo nights, dances, and more to keep residents busy and entertained.
The biggest drawback to a Senior community is pretty apparent. In most of these communities, all residents must be 55+. Now there are some communities where if you are married, only one has to be at least 55 but those are not the norm. And that goes for extended visitors as well. So, if you have a family member who is young and needs a place to stay for a few weeks while they get back on their feet, they won’t be able to stay with you in a Senior community. That would be a definite rule violation!
Luxury Communities
One type of community that is largely overlooked in the Mobile Home world is the luxury park. These parks are exactly what you would expect, the homes are newer, more high end and the amenities are excellent. These are becoming increasingly popular to younger single people or young married couples who don’t have children. It is a great way to get away from apartment living but still be low maintenance.
The biggest disadvantage of these types of communities would have to be the price. In this case you are definitely going to get what you pay for.
Related: Luxury Mobile Home Communities Make a Statement in Malibu
These are just a few of the types of mobile home communities that are available for residency. There are also budget parks, pet-friendly parks, specialty parks such as ones around golf courses or waterfront, or ones focused on a particular lifestyle. No matter what you are looking for in a park, you can probably find it.
What kind of community do you live in? Love it or hate it? We would love to hear your experiences. Comment below to tell us about it.
As always, we thank you for reading Mobile Home Living.
We love our 55+resident-owned park in San Diego and we are continually finding out what can go awry with trees, weeds, walls,weather
and the spiraling costs of maintenance and improvements. It is a good education and an exercise in vigilance for Board members. We have
to deal with defiant, sometimes senile residents, those who die without a will and leave unpaid HOA for almost 2 years. We are lucky to have wise Board
experienced in dealing with these challenges.
So preferably, we should buy a land-owned manufactured home if possible?
There are definitely more advantages to owning a manufactured home that is on its own land.
I’m glad you told us that there are family-friendly mobile home parks that provide activities centered around the kids living in the community. I’m a single mother of two, and I was thinking of buying a mobile home to move into soon. I’ll be sure to take note of this while I speak with a real estate agent regarding mobile homes soon.