Advantages and Disadvantages of Mobile Home Parks

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A mobile home park is a great place to call home! You can have all the benefits of traditional home-ownership without the burden of tiresome maintenance and excessive property taxes. Mobile home park living is quickly becoming a top choice for our aging population and for good reason – there are many advantages and only a few disadvantages of living in a mobile home park.

The negative stereotype of mobile home parks couldn’t be further from the truth if it tried. Most parks are gorgeous!

The aerial photo below, by Zen Sutherland, shows a beautiful mobile home park with spacious lots in a picturesque setting.

Advantages of Mobile Home Parks

The greatest advantage of living in a mobile home park is affordability. You get to enjoy the perks of home ownership without the burden of paying a property tax or having to maintain the land and utilities.

Many mobile home parks are age restricted, most being 55+ neighborhoods. This is a perfect setup for retirees that appreciate limited disturbances and enjoy the company of those within their own age range. There’s something to be said about the quite in a 55+ park – it’s so peaceful and serene.

Some parks are more family oriented which is great for families with small children – a best friend is bound to be found just a few houses down. Childhood memories made in a mobile home park are often cherished. When a park is managed correctly, with proper background checks and safety protocols, the entire community becomes a safety net for the children within the park.

Here’s a list of the greatest advantages of mobile home park living:

• Cost. Land rental fees typically include water, sewer, garbage, and recycling pickup.
• No property taxes.
• No overly close neighbors. You’ll never have to beat the ceiling with a broom again!
• Minimal maintenance. Property maintenance is minimal – tree trimming and mowing is a thing of the past.
• Small yards. Your yard will be easily maintainable but you still have endless potential.
• Location. Often times, parks are conveniently situated, many with an amazing view of ponds and lakes.
• Pets are usually allowed.
• Homeownership Perks. You can upgrade, paint, or completely remodel anytime you want.
• Age and population restrictions.  Those living in a like-minded community are oftentimes happier and feel safer.
• Community perks include pools, fitness centers, and regularly scheduled community events.

Disadvantages of Mobile Home Parks

The biggest disadvantage of mobile home parks is the horrible stereotype attached to them. All that matters, though, is that you know the truth about the homes and the communities – who cares what ‘they’ think?

The affordable lifestyle of mobile home living is perfect for anyone that wants to live life making memories instead of mortgage payments.

Another disadvantage of mobile home park living is a poor home appreciation potential. Manufactured homes can and do appreciate but those situated within a community have a harder time. However, with the aging population (baby boomers) and a new value placed on living within your means, that aspect may be slowly turning around.

• Investment appreciation. Mobile homes can appreciate but being in a park limits the rate
• Mobile homes set up in a park may be harder to sell than a traditional house. However, with the baby boom, this seems to be a non-issue these days.
• Park owners can sell the park with very little notice. (Co-op parks are becoming more popular and completely remedies this issue.)
• Home transportation is tricky. Some homes are too old to be transported in the regular manner making the cost to move a home more than the home’s value.
• There is a stigma attached to living in a mobile home park.

Related:  Is the Mobile Home Stigma Disappearing?

 

Share Your Story of Mobile Home Park Living!

Do you live in a mobile home park? Tell us about your beautiful community in the comments below. We’d love to hear your opinions!

As always, thank you so much for reading Mobile and Manufactured Home Living!

 

Image Sources: All images found on Flickr. Featured Image by  Lynn Friedman, Image 1 by Zen Sutherland, Image 2 by Bill V., Image 3 by William Byrd.