Community Life in Mobile Parks: What to Expect
Did you know that when one person becomes happier, their next-door neighbor’s chances of growing happier also improve by 34%? Happiness might not be contagious, but it’s certainly easy to spread, especially when you live in a community!
If you’re interested in moving into a mobile home, it’s this aspect of neighborhood living that might intrigue you the most. You may wonder what it’s like once you enter the property, what kind of amenities they offer, and what your day-to-day life will be like.
While each one is unique in its own way, there are some similarities that most mobile parks share. Today, we’re sharing a real-life look at what it’s like to join one and what you can expect.
What Are Mobile Parks?
Before we dive into the specifics, let’s take a step back. What is a mobile home park in the first place?
Put simply, this is a community of rental lots. These lots can either be independently owned by residents themselves or they can be collectively owned and managed by a landlord.
In some parks, residents can purchase a pre-built home that’s already in place within the community. Then, they simply move in whenever they’re ready.
In other parks, you can purchase an empty lot first. Then, you’ll design and build your manufactured home with a builder, dealership, or another third party. When it’s complete, you’ll pay to have the home placed on the lot.
Some mobile home parks offer both pre-built homes and vacant lots for future buyers to consider.
Amenities to Expect
One of the best aspects of mobile homes is that their communities are usually amenity-rich! These are extra perks that make the community more enjoyable to live in, and encourage social interaction.
Some of the most common amenities you’ll find in a mobile home park include:
- Swimming pools
- Gyms and athletic centers
- Playgrounds
- Community centers
- Recreational rooms
Of course, these features and benefits can vary from one property to the next. While one mobile home park may have only a playground for residents to enjoy, others will be equipped with a much more elaborate setup. Today, it’s not uncommon to find manufactured home communities that boast a range of high-end amenities from splash parks and disc golf courses to Wi-Fi cafes.
Resident Events
Similar to a retirement home, many mobile home parks will regularly host events and gatherings to offer residents an opportunity to get to know one another.
Sometimes, these events are seasonal. For instance, there may be a community dinner at Christmas or an egg hunt for the kids at Easter. Other times, they’re simply planned for no reason beyond simple socialization.
In most cases, participation is completely optional. If you’re interested in learning more about your neighbors, make plans to attend! However, if you’re an introvert who prefers to connect in smaller environments, you’re free to skip.
Freedom and Privacy
When you picture a manufactured home park, you might think that all of the properties are close to one another. However, this isn’t usually the case. Most communities offer spacious lots that offer residents plenty of privacy and freedom to call their own.
Not only are these units more affordable than some other housing options, but they also give you the opportunity to live in your own, single-family home without sharing any walls with your neighbors. At the same time, you’ll also get your own piece of land, which you can use any way you wish.
Age Restrictions
As you research different mobile home parks near you, be sure to check on age restrictions. While some communities are open to everyone, others might have limits in place.
For instance, some parks are designated for seniors only, and residents must be 55 years old or older to move in there. These neighborhoods are ideal for retirees who are looking to downsize, minimize their lawncare requirements, and enjoy the security of a close-knit community. You can enjoy all of the comforts of home without the upkeep and maintenance.
Others are geared toward families with young children and will feature elaborate playgrounds, childcare opportunities, and playdate meetups, among other family-friendly amenities. If age limits are in place, this information should be readily available so make sure to check it out before moving forward!
Community Rules and Regulations
Most mobile home parks are designed to give residents as much freedom and flexibility as possible. Yet, there have to be specific rules and guidelines in place to make sure everyone can live, work, and play together safely and enjoyably.
This is where community regulations come in. In most parks, residents are leasing the land that their home is situated on. As such, they have to read and agree to a set of rules for as long as they belong to the community.
Most of the time, these rules aren’t outrageous, nor are they meant to be punitive in nature. Rather, they’re simply in place to instill a sense of order in the neighborhood and make sure the lots stay in good shape. Common resident requirements include:
- Maintaining the landscaping
- Cutting the grass to an appropriate length
- Parking in designated spots
- Abiding by community pet policies
As long as you can adhere to these rules, you should be able to enjoy and use your lot as you see fit. There may also be regular community meetings to discuss new rules and monitor current ones.
Learn More About Living in Mobile Parks
There are many advantages to living in mobile parks. These communities can give you freedom, shelter, socialization, and access to a range of features and amenities. They can also be more affordable and easier to access than other types of housing.
If you’re curious about living in these types of environments, we’re here to make your next steps a little easier. We’re proud to share updates and information on mobile home living, as well as a detailed directory of trailer parks and manufacturers for you to consider!
Find a park near you and reach out today to learn more!