In an economy where housing costs are skyrocketing, many people seek more affordable options. Mobile home parks have become increasingly attractive because of their lower cost of living.
Mobile homes, or manufactured homes, are prebuilt homes built off-site, usually in a factory setting. After construction, the house is transported to a mobile home park or private property. These houses are often built on a steel chassis and are specially designed to be easily transported.
Now, you may wonder how living in a mobile home has financial benefits. In this blog, we will provide a detailed analysis of the cost of living in mobile home parks.
Cost of Living in Mobile Home Parks
Lower housing cost
The lower housing cost of living in a mobile home park can be attributed to two factors:
Affordable home prices
The cost of producing a mobile home is significantly less than constructing a traditional site home. According to Home Guide, a double-wide mobile home costs $120,000 – $160,000, while buying a site-built home in 2022 was $471,200, according to Rocket Mortgage. This substantial cost difference makes mobile home ownership a more accessible option for many families and individuals.
Lower lot rent
In mobile home parks, you rent the lot where your home will sit. The rent for these lots typically costs way less than traditional rent or mortgage payments. The average cost of renting a lot ranges from $100 – $900 per month, depending on the park’s space, amenities, and location. This creates a huge opportunity for savings compared to average rental rates for apartments and traditional homes.
Reduced utility expenses
Most modern mobile homes are built for efficiency and energy conservation, considerably lowering utility expenses.
Here are two reasons why living in a mobile home park will reduce utility expenses:
Energy efficient
Modern mobile homes are well constructed and built to preserve energy through new features like well-insulated walls and energy-saving appliances. This leads to the home needing less energy for cooling and heating, thereby reducing utility expenses.
Shared utilities
Mobile home parks offer a unique sense of community to its residents. These home parks often include utility bills such as water, sewer, and trash in the lot rent, which will further reduce your monthly expenses. This practice provides convenience and additional cost savings for residents.
Lower property taxes
Mobile homes offer their owners a distinctive advantage through reduced property tax burden compared to traditional homes. This can be because of two factors:
Assessment based on home value
Property taxes on mobile homes are typically assessed based on the home’s value and not the land. The land value is excluded from the assessment, resulting in lower property tax than traditional homes.
Separate land ownership
In mobile home parks, the owner of the park is the owner of the land, and residents only own their individual homes. This tax structure provides further savings for residents.
Reduced maintenance cost
One of the many attractions of mobile homes is that they offer homeowners the advantage of lower ongoing maintenance expenses. The reduction in maintenance costs can be attributed to these two factors:
Compact size and design
The compact size and efficient design of mobile homes are the main reasons for lower maintenance costs. There is less exterior area to maintain, and repairs and replacements are less costly as a result of the smaller scale of the home.
Community amenities
Many mobile home parks offer shared amenities such as swimming pools, clubhouses, and laundry facilities. This significantly reduces the need for residents to maintain these amenities individually, thereby saving them money on personal appliances and upkeep.
Financial stability
The lower initial affordable cost and continued cost efficiencies of mobile homes offer residents economic resilience. Through lower maintenance costs, property tax, and reduced utility bills, mobile homes encourage financial savings and stability in the long run.
Fixed lot rent
The rent on mobile homes is usually fixed, which offers residents predictability and financial stability. Unlike traditional house rent which fluctuates based on market conditions, mobile homes are often unaffected and relatively stable. This provides residents with the opportunity for better budgeting and financial planning.
Homeownership equity
Owning a mobile home allows you to build equity over time, even if the mobile home is within a park. The equity is built over time as you pay down any financing or loans associated with the purchase of the home. This equity then becomes a valuable asset for future financial goals and even serves as a financial cushion in times of need.
Tax advantages
Mobile homes also offer an often overlooked advantage: tax benefits in the form of mortgage interest deduction.
When you finance a mobile home purchase with the help of a mortgage, you may be eligible to deduct the interest on your loan in a similar way to traditional home mortgages. This tax reduction can create additional savings and improve your homeownership experience.
Simplified lifestyle
You can enjoy a simplified lifestyle through reduced maintenance and upkeep with a mobile home. You leave a smaller carbon footprint because of the availability of shared amenities in mobile home parks. This will also lead to reduced home maintenance and upkeep expenses, which can free up time and resources for other hobbies and pursuits, contributing to a simpler lifestyle.
Mobile Home Parks are a Win-Win!
Mobile homes are affordable and hassle-free, which makes them a compelling alternative to traditional housing for those seeking affordable housing, comfort, energy conservation, financial stability, and community-oriented living.
This alternative lifestyle is not just about saving money but about unlocking a door to an engaging and budget-friendly life. So, are you ready to enjoy a simpler and more fulfilling life in a mobile home park? Contact us today to learn more or explore our mobile home communities here.
Mobile home communities, manufactured home communities, or simply rental home communities are a top choice among US citizens of all age groups. These communities are now open to all, whether adults, seniors, or retired seniors.
If you are searching for mobile home communities to move into, there are some considerations to make. Here is a list of the top 10 must-have amenities you should look for in a mobile home community.
1. Well-lit and spacious rooms
Dark spaces hinder productivity and make you feel less energetic. Hence, a well-lit mobile home community should always be your priority. The rooms and house should be filled with natural light all day. This is also power-efficient and helpful in cutting down on electricity bills.
If you like open spaces, make sure the rooms in the mobile home community are spacious enough not to make you feel claustrophobic. Take a look at the wardrobe space as well. Such small prerequisites are often overlooked but, in reality, can improve the quality of life.
2. Closed parking space
If you own a vehicle or two, a proper parking space matters. No one wants to start the day on a bad note. However, parking mismanagement is often one of the reasons for heated conversations in living communities. Therefore, ensure your chosen mobile home community has a separate closed parking space or an off-street parking space within its assigned lot.
A space for visitor or guest parking would be a huge plus too. This would be essential if you have frequent visitors at your home.
3. Recreation facility
If you have kids, having recreation options is a must. Even if you are a senior and love sports, a recreation area with a proper walking path, a basketball court, a badminton court, and table tennis rooms is a huge must. A recreation area will motivate you to get out of your house in the evening and spend quality time socializing.
Kids’ play areas and parks also allow overly enthusiastic kids to burn some of their energy. This also aids them in getting a good night’s sleep.
A library, theater, gym, and club rooms are also found in well-known mobile home communities. Ensure you are looking for a few community amenities that suit your lifestyle.
4. Separate laundry (utility room) room and hook-ups
Adding minor amenities may make you look picky, but they are immensely helpful in the long run. A separate laundry room is a huge plus, especially if you have many laundry loads. Also, see that the room has proper laundry hook-ups where you can set up your washing machine.
However, if you cannot afford a washing machine or the machine is out of service, a public laundry room in the community also becomes a lifesaver.
If none of the above two ticks, a laundromat should be nearby within walking distance. Depending on your priorities, you should consider these amenities.
5. Pet friendly
If you own a pet, a non-pet-friendly mobile home community is out of the question. Most mobile home communities welcome pets and their owners very graciously these days. You can find many such mobile home communities in Florida. However, it is always better to double-check with the concerned community before moving in with your pet.
A good pet-friendly community may be a step ahead in being pet-friendly. Such communities may include a pet play area and a dedicated pet space.
6. Access to high-speed internet
Free high-speed wifi has become necessary in this digital era, with everyone on their mobile phone most of the day. The internet is needed to watch your favorite shows online, work from home, place online orders, and various other purposes. Thus, having a wifi connection at home is no longer optional.
Ensure your mobile home community provides proper access to free internet or wifi. If not, the homes should at least be equipped with proper cables and sockets, so it’s easier to have an internet connection of your own.
7. Furnished or unfurnished
Do you already have home furnishings and appliances of your own? If yes, an unfurnished mobile home community would not pose a problem for you. However, a furnished mobile home community will be more viable if you want to start your life from scratch.
A furnished mobile home community includes everything — dishwasher, refrigerator, in-built stove and oven, ceiling fans, air conditioner, and so on. Look at your requirements before making a decision. Just ensure you are not settling for less.
8. Green spaces
The greener it is, the better. To subdue the effects of climate change, it’s essential to prefer a home community with a lot of green landscaping. If you are into gardening and love having your own little green space, you can also look for a good backyard or garden space on your mobile home community lot.
This way, you will also do your bit to reduce your carbon footprint. You can also enjoy home-grown fruits and vegetables from your garden.
A green mobile home community gives extra attention to maintaining the area’s greenery. It also ensures that the waste is disposed of responsibly, following the waste segregation principles.
9. Access to external amenities
Additionally, the location of your mobile home community should be in a prime and central location. It is a must to have access to necessary amenities like grocery stores, hospitals, schools, and transportation facilities nearby or within walking distance. This ensures you do not waste time commuting to meet your basic needs.
Having entertainment places like coffee shops, malls, sports clubs, and parks nearby is also a huge plus.
10. On-site maintenance facilities
As you begin to live in a home, you realize you need help from plumbers, carpenters, electricians, and house help more frequently than you believed you would. Having an on-site maintenance crew is thus a huge savior. You can call the emergency number and have someone attend to your troubles quickly.
Do not overlook this amenity, especially if your schedule is super busy. It’s a huge relief when you know you can call for maintenance in no time if any of your appliances stop working at the end of the day.
Moreover, good security measures like deadbolts, no hidden black spots, and a security guard system can make a living in a mobile home community safe and sound.
Final Words
Well-lit homes, maintenance services, free Wi-Fi, landscaping areas, proper parking spaces, and recreational facilities are some of the must-have amenities one cannot do without in a mobile home community.
Having these amenities allows residents to live a satisfied and content life. Though happiness is subjective, living a stress-free life matters a lot. A mobile home community taking care of all worries makes a lot of difference in living a quality life. That said, if you are looking for mobile home communities in Florida and Georgia, contact us today to learn more.
If you want to enjoy quality living at a lower price while getting a sense of community living, mobile home communities are the right choice. So, what is a mobile home community? Also known as manufactured home communities, mobile home parks, and mobile trailer parks, these are residential developments under a single ownership.
Here, residents lease or own the land, paying monthly rent and sharing included amenities. Unsurprisingly, mobile homes are increasingly popular. According to a 2018 survey, 5.6% of Americans live in mobile homes.
If you are looking for the top 10 budget-friendly mobile home communities in Florida with exceptional value and amenities, here is your list.
Top 10 Budget-Friendly Mobile Home Communities in Florida
1. Pine Tree Park
Address: 430 Hibiscus Dr, Deerfield Beach, FL 33442
Nestled on Florida’s picturesque east coast lies Pine Tree Park, a highly sought-after resident-owned community ideal for retirees. This community hosts 316 spacious lots and offers ample opportunities to forge new connections and cultivate lasting friendships.
Within the community, you’ll discover an array of enticing amenities, such as a sparkling swimming pool, a well-equipped fitness center, and a welcoming clubhouse. Thanks to Florida’s consistently pleasant weather, the pool area is often bustling with residents enjoying its refreshing waters. Aside from the vibrant activities hosted at the clubhouse, mingling with fellow residents by the pool presents an excellent opportunity to foster new friendships and acquaint yourself with your neighbors.
Google rating: 4.7
2. Horizon Village Co-Op
Address: 365 Horizon Dr, North Fort Myers, FL 33903
If you have ever considered moving to Florida, Fort Myers is your option. Horizon Village Co-Op is an excellent catch if you want to retire in a manufactured community.
The community’s most significant feature is its comprehensive activity program, which runs from nine in the morning until seven at night, Monday through Friday. They are well known for hosting several poker and gaming evenings, as well as Bible studies, exercise courses, and other events.
Google rating: 4.4
3. Whitney
Address: 8401 NW 13th St, Gainesville, FL 32653
Whitney manufactured homes in Gainesville are renowned for being one of the town’s finest mobile home communities. While Gainesville is primarily known as a college town housing the University of Florida, it also offers a range of desirable residential options, including Whitney Manufactured Homes.
At Whitney, you can rent or purchase your home, ensuring a living arrangement that suits your needs. Not only will you find comfort and convenience within your home, but your beloved pets are also welcomed into your dwelling and the community.
Google rating: 4 stars
4. Orange Acres
Address: 8001 Jeffrey Dr, Sarasota, FL 34238
Located in Sarasota, Orange Acres stands out as a family-owned and operated business that spans three generations. Despite being a relatively new addition compared to other communities, Orange Acres offers the opportunity to build a brand-new home within its premises. Alternatively, you can choose from their 2019 and 2020 options, which have never been occupied.
Beyond the community’s boundaries, residents can enjoy various activities such as swimming, sunbathing, social gatherings at the clubhouse, and exploring the attractions of Sarasota. Orange Acres promises a dynamic and engaging living experience for its residents.
Google rating: 4.3 stars
5. Lady Lake
Address: 2934 Griffin View Dr, Lady Lake, FL 32159 – Park
Nestled in Lake County, you’ll discover a prosperous mobile home community that exudes luxury. Situated just north of Orlando, Lady Lake provides easy access to all the excitement and entertainment the city has to offer. Lady Lake boasts a collection of modern-style homes adorned with resort-like features throughout the community. The newer and upscale homes are equipped with stainless steel appliances, adding a touch of elegance.
One of the highlights of living in Lady Lake is the vibrant array of activities hosted at the clubhouse. Whether seasonal events or year-round gatherings, residents have abundant opportunities to forge new friendships and create lasting memories. Make sure to take advantage of these engaging community experiences.
Google rating: 4.2
6. Cedar Cove
Address: 720 Captain Kidd Ave, Sarasota, FL 34231
Located in Sarasota, Cedar Cove offers a luxurious living experience without breaking the bank, making it an enticing destination to explore. The Warrington family’s continued ownership and operation for three generations reflects their unwavering commitment to excellence.
With fewer than 100 homes in the community, Cedar Cove fosters a close-knit environment where residents and management share mutual respect and camaraderie.
Within two miles of the renowned Siesta Key Beach, Cedar Cove provides easy access to its breathtaking beauty. While the community offers amenities like a clubhouse and pool, the nearby beach becomes an irresistible destination for leisure. Indulge in lively pizza parties, engaging bingo sessions, dance parties, card games, and a myriad of other exciting events hosted within this vibrant community.
Google rating: 4.6 stars
7. Colony Cave
Address: 5229 Rubber Tree Cir, New Port Richey, FL 34653 – Park
Situated in New Port Richey, you’ll find the charming waterfront community of Colony Cove. Conveniently located less than an hour north of Clearwater and about an hour from Tampa, it’s an ideal destination for retirement.
Colony Cove is nestled near several rivers, an expansive 80-acre nature preserve, and tranquil beaches. Whether you prefer to explore nature independently or participate in group activities, you have many options here.
Within the community, you’ll discover two pools, one of which is heated, providing an ideal setting to unwind and socialize. Regularly scheduled events such as dance nights, community dinners, and game nights further enhance the vibrant atmosphere.
Google: 4.6 stars
8. Westwind
Address: 3301 US-19 ALT Lot 119, Dunedin, FL 34698 – Park
Discover the delightful resident-owned community of Westwind on Florida’s Gulf Coast. Located in the charming town of Dunedin, just north of Clearwater, it’s an idyllic destination for retirement. Westwind offers a range of manufactured homes with one to three bedrooms, one to two bathrooms, and some even feature half bathrooms.
Westwind is a gated community that provides residents with a host of amenities. Two swimming pools and two clubhouses are available for socializing and recreation. Each clubhouse offers an array of activities, including card games, Mexican training, arts and crafts, book clubs, and more. Many residents particularly enjoy engaging in horseshoe games, participating in water aerobics, and playing shuffleboard.
Google: 4.5 stars
9. Palm Valley
Address: 3700 Palm Valley Cir, Oviedo, FL 32765 – Park
Palm Valley could be the perfect choice if you’re seeking a community offering a perpetual vacation vibe. Here, you can either purchase an existing home or completely customize a new one on a lot within the community.
For those who enjoy outdoor activities, Palm Valley offers an array of options. Tennis courts, horseshoe courts, and various other activities are available for you and your friends. Notably, the mini-golf course is one of the most beloved amenities within the community. This entertaining activity is conveniently located on-site, ensuring you don’t have to leave the neighborhood to enjoy it.
Google: 4.4 stars
10. Buttonwood Village
Address: 701 Aqui Está Dr, Punta Gorda, FL 33950
Situated in sunny Punta Gorda, the luxurious yet affordable Buttonwood Village community awaits. Offering mostly two-bedroom, two-bathroom mobile homes, these residences boast stunning light wood floors, white or gray walls, and stylish features. Being close to Charlotte Harbor makes it an ideal location for fishing and boating enthusiasts, but even if those activities aren’t your cup of tea, it’s still a fantastic place to call home.
Buttonwood Village provides a range of amenities, including a pool, hot tub, fitness center, and more. Residents particularly appreciate the nearby nature walk and the clubhouse, which features a game room equipped with pool tables.
Google rating: 4.3 stars
Final Thoughts
Manufactured homes are convenient, offer the latest amenities, and provide a sense of community living. Budget-friendly communities additionally enable you to save funds and invest in other activities that bring you joy.
So, delay no further! Choose a mobile home community now and enjoy the golden years of your life!
With 828,000 mobile homes in Florida alone, the mobile home life is thriving. If you want to rent or own a mobile home in the state, you have many options available. Before you dive into the search for the perfect place, however, here are 6 things you need to know.
1. You have lots of options for buying or renting
The sheer number of mobile homes in Florida means you should have no difficulty finding a beautiful and affordable place to live in the Sunshine State. However, you also have choices when it comes to the type of mobile home you select.
a) Renting your mobile home
In this situation, you rent your home and the land on it, typically within a mobile home community.
b) Buying your mobile home
In this situation, you purchase your mobile home and own it yourself. You may or may not own the land on which the mobile home sits.
c) Renting to own your mobile home
In a rent to own situation, you rent your mobile home, but according to your lease you have the option (or requirement) to purchase the home after a specific period of time. Your rent may be applied to your down payment when the time of purchase comes.
2. Chances are, you will need to pay for the land
When budgeting to rent or own a mobile home, you should always take the land into consideration. Choosing to rent? The lot rent will be included in your monthly lease amount. Planning to own a mobile home? You will either need to rent a lot within a mobile home community (Usually only a few hundred dollars a month) or buy land on which to put your mobile home. In order to avoid financial stress in the long run, find out how much land expenses will impact your rental or purchase costs before you settle on a home.
3. Familiarize yourself with the costs of buying or renting
Regardless of the mobile home you choose, planning ahead for your expenses can help ensure the affordability and financial security of your choice. Here are some of the expected costs associated with both renting and owning a mobile home.
Costs to Rent a Mobile Home:
Security Deposit
First and last month’s rent due upfront
Periodic rental increases
Utilities
Trash removal
Monthly rent
Costs to Own a Mobile Home:
Mortgage Payments
Lot Rentals
Maintenance
Upgrades and Improvements
Utilities
Trash Removal
4. Buying or renting a mobile home makes Florida living attainable
While there are financial obligations that come whether you rent a mobile home in Florida or own a mobile home in Florida, the reality is that mobile homes make Florida living attainable for almost any budget.
For example, while the median home price in Florida is around $400,000, used mobile homes average around $48,000. With lot rents of just a few hundred dollars, many people can sell their stick-built homes elsewhere, move to a mobile home community such as those offered by Bedrock Communities, pay cash for their home, and enjoy a comfortable retirement regardless of their income level.
With Bedrock Communities in some of Florida’s most desirable locations, that means that sunny Florida life is within financial reach. Living in a mobile home may even give you the financial leeway you need to enjoy life’s little luxuries in some of the nation’s most beautiful locations.
5. Mobile homes in designated communities have a lot to offer
Some people choose to purchase a mobile home and put it on their own land. However, many mobile homes are available in dedicated communities that have endless amenities and activities to offer residents. Here are just a few of the features that mobile home communities have to offer, whether you choose to rent or buy your mobile home:
A strong community, practical and recreation amenities, and access to some of Florida’s most exciting destinations make Bedrock Communities’ 55+ mobile home communities an appealing option when you are seeking out mobile home life.
6. Mobile homes are beautiful and reliable homes
The rundown mobile home of years past is no longer the reality in many mobile home communities across the nation. Trading in a stick built home for a manufactured or mobile home does not have to mean trading down.
Instead, whether you choose to own a mobile home in Florida or rent one, you can expect to find beautiful, reliable, and desirable housing. For example, at Bedrock Communities, you can expect quality, beautiful finishes, new appliances, and other features to come standard in many of our homes. That can make retiring and living in a Florida mobile home as rewarding as living in a stick built home, without the expenses that could make Florida life impossible to enjoy.
If you are thinking about moving into a mobile home in Florida, you are making a choice that has served thousands of Florida residents very well. Learn more about Bedrock Communities and the mobile home life we can offer you today!
Every November or December, hundreds of thousands of individuals make the trek to Florida to soak up the sunshine and avoid the cold and snow of northern winters. Called snowbirds, these people, who consist primarily of baby boomers, need a place to stay. And, many of them are looking for wallet-friendly options, especially in the midst of a red-hot real estate market.
Enter mobile home rentals. With rentals available across more than 5,000 mobile home parks, Florida offers mobile homes in all the most popular snowbird destinations.
As a welcoming base from which the best Florida adventures can be affordably accessed, mobile home rentals for snowbirds have a lot to offer. Here is a look at some of the most important things every snowbird should know about mobile home rentals in Florida.
Mobile homes are losing their stigma
Mobile homes used to be synonymous with ramshackle housing in unsafe neighborhoods, not as a suitable residence for a 55+ adult looking to enjoy their retirement years. However, not only does that stigma no longer apply, but the benefits of mobile homes for older adults are quickly driving the popularity of these residences.
Instead of dangerous, rundown residences, here is the reality behind many of Florida’s mobile home rentals, including those at all of Bedrock’s attainable living communities:
Safety
Mobile home rentals can provide a higher level of safety than some traditional neighborhoods, based primarily on neighbors’ proximity to each other. In a mobile home community, neighbors tend to form close relationships with those who live around them. As a result, it becomes easier for concerned neighbors to support community members, identify problems, and provide a close eye on the safety of the neighborhood.
In addition, many mobile home communities provide safety features such as gates and security cameras. The biggest contributor to safety? The fact that many of these parks exist in safe areas of Florida, such as New Ranch in Clearwater, or Cypress Harbor in Winter Haven.
Quality
While mobile homes often conjure up images of rundown trailers, the reality is that many manufactured and mobile homes are beautiful and durable places to live. In our Bedrock Communities locations, for example, many of our homes boast quality construction, new appliances, ample storage, and beautiful finishes that make a comfortable winter sojourn possible.
Mobile home rentals put Florida retirement within reach
Florida is one of the most popular destinations for snowbirds looking to get away from the snow and ice of northern climes. However, enjoying the state’s white beaches, year-round warmth, and endless attractions does not always come cheap: The average home price here is $378,104.
For individuals looking to enjoy Florida on a more limited budget, mobile home rentals are often the answer. Purchasing a beautiful manufactured home, for example, could cost less than $50,000, and monthly rentals are often similarly affordable.
Renting a mobile home rather than purchasing or renting a traditional stick-built home can reduce your monthly expenses significantly. That means that you can not only afford to live in your preferred location, but also have the finances you need to enjoy all that location has to offer. Florida living is really attainable with the judicious choice of a quality mobile home community.
Renting a mobile home means accessing a rich community life
Florida mobile home parks for snowbirds offer more than just a roof over their heads. Many communities, including those here at Bedrock Communities, also offer an active and vibrant community life and numerous amenities to make your stay more comfortable.
Take, for example, the amenities available at many of our parks:
Fishing dock
Clubhouse
Heated pool
Social activities
Laundry
Boat ramp
Shuffleboard
Billiards
Petanque courts
Onsite restaurant
RV parking
And more
Whether you want to boat and fish, spend time with other community members, enjoy a swim, eat onsite, or just relax by the water, you can find a mobile home rental that makes your idea of snowbird living in Florida achievable.
Mobile home communities are everywhere
Stop worrying about finding the right home where you want to live in Florida, because 55 and over mobile home communities in Florida are everywhere. From quiet country retreats to bustling beach cities, you can find snowbird mobile homes for sale or rent in Florida.
All you have to do is pick the Florida location that fits your winter getaway dreams and then start looking for nearby mobile park communities. With more than a dozen communities throughout the state, chances are good that you can find the perfect Bedrock community in your preferred location.
Ready to enjoy the snowbird life in Florida? Then you may be ready for mobile home rentals in Florida for snowbirds. Embrace the freedom that comes from affordable, beautiful living in some of Florida’s most desirable areas in homes that are designed to make snowbird life comfortable, rewarding, and rich.
With 10,000 Baby Boomers turning 65 every day, the question of where to spend one’s golden years is a pressing concern for many Americans. Everyone wants to enjoy a relaxed and fulfilling life in an ideal location, but, with limited retirement savings (One-third of people have not saved for retirement), finding an affordable AND satisfying place to live can be a challenge.
Enter mobile home parks. Offering beautiful surroundings, amenities, and community, they are becoming an increasingly popular choice among retirees, particularly in desirable locations such as Florida. Read on to learn more about retiring in a mobile home park, and whether it might be right for you.
Mobile Home Retirement: An Overview
Mobile home retirement, as its name implies, occurs when someone chooses to spend their retirement years in a mobile home park. Often, these individuals or couples choose to relocate from their previous stick-built home to a manufactured home in a community dedicated to serving the 55+ population.
Mobile home parks are in high demand among all age groups: About 22 million Americans live in a mobile home, and construction of mobile homes accounted for 10 percent of new home construction in 2017.
Among retirees, however, they have a special appeal, thanks to the wealth of advantages they offer older adults who may struggle to find the funding they need to enjoy the retirement life they are dreaming of. These benefits include the following:
Affordability
Retirees who lack retirement savings must find another way to pay for their golden years. Mobile homes offer an appealing option: Retirees can sell their stick-built homes, purchase a mobile home in their preferred location, make any necessary updates, and still have ample money left over to use toward their retirement.
For example, if they sell their home for $200,000 and spend $45,000 on a mobile home, they have more than $150,000 left to put toward living during retirement.
In addition, lot rents for mobile homes are also often very affordable (Often just a few hundred dollars a month). Our Little Manatee community, for example, charges a lot rent of just $520 a month. That means that an older adult can enjoy a beautiful home in a desirable location for significantly less than they would spend renting an apartment in the same city.
Community
Mobile home parks, especially 55+ communities, offer built-in connections that can be vital to retirees who desire social activities and friendships in their golden years.
55+ communities not only provide affordable housing, but also create an environment where it is easy to create meaningful social connections. Mobile home parks offer the following relationship-building features:
Walkability
Proximity to neighbors who can offer support and assistance
Community centers
Pools
Clubhouses and activities
Community events
Dog parks
And more
Desirable Locations
Finally, mobile home parks offer an appealing retirement option for older adults because they often exist in some of the country’s most sought-after locations. Want to spend your retirement in warm weather? Sunbathing or fishing on the beach? Near big-city attractions? Mobile home parks exist throughout these areas in the United States, making it possible for retirees to move to their favorite places without breaking their retirement budgets.
Mobile Home Retirement: Locations
Retirees often have very specific ideas about where to spend their post-work years, and it isn’t often in cold Northern states. The South and Southeastern areas of the United States are prime retirement destinations, including the following most popular retirement states:
New Mexico
Florida
Arizona
South Carolina
As the second most popular retirement destination, Florida has lots to offer retirees, starting with year-round sun and warm weather, sparkling white beaches, and many outdoor recreational opportunities. Retirees also flock to this state for reasons, including the following:
Tax breaks
International travel access
High-quality healthcare
While in-demand locations are often very expensive, retirees can afford to live in these locations, including areas in Florida near big-city destinations such as Tampa, Clearwater, and Orlando, because of mobile home parks like those offered by Bedrock.
While homes may cost hundreds of thousands of dollars (The median home price in Florida is $334,000), mobile homes often cost less than $50,000. Even building a custom manufactured home can be significantly less than purchasing a stick-built residence. That puts a great location, and a great home, within reach for many retirees.
Mobile Park Retirement: How It Works
Practically speaking, mobile home retirement tends to be easy, appealing, and safe. Here is a look at some of the most important elements of retiring in a mobile home park:
Safety
Mobile homes, and trailer parks, have long had a bad reputation for a lack of safety and security. However, the reality is that this stigma simply does not apply to many of the thousands of retirement communities, in Florida and throughout the United States.
In some ways, 55+ mobile home communities offer more safety than do traditional neighborhoods because neighbors are closer together and more likely to notice changes in daily routines, strangers in the park, or other warning signs that all is not right.
That can mean that a resident experiencing a health emergency or other problem receives prompt support from their neighbors. In addition, 55+ communities with mobile homes also frequently provide accessibility, such as wheelchair ramps, that make it easier, and safer, for all their residents to get around.
Many mobile home parks also come with safety features such as gated entries and security cameras. Add in the fact that many of these parks, such as Bedrock’s many communities, exist in safe and appealing areas of Florida, and you have a location that will keep you secure throughout your golden years.
Amenities
Retiring in a mobile home park also means gaining access to numerous amenities that make life more convenient, and more enjoyable.
The specific amenities and services you will enjoy will depend upon the specific park that you choose. However, here at Bedrock, our communities provide some or all of the following:
Fishing dock
Clubhouse
Heated pool
Social activities
Laundry
Boat ramp
Shuffleboard
Billiards
Pentaque courts
Onsite restaurant
And more
For retirees who want to bring their furry companions, all of our parks are also pet-friendly and ready to welcome your best friend.
These amenities make everything from mailing cards to doing laundry, hanging out with friends to pursuing hobbies, easy so you can focus on enjoying your work-free years.
Freedom
Retirees who are financially strapped to high rent or mortgages often lack the freedom they desire to pursue their hobbies and interests during retirement. Retiring in a mobile home park, however, provides incredible freedom to do all the things you have been dreaming about doing during your work years.
For example, owning your own mobile home, or renting it for an extremely affordable price, frees up money in your budget to travel, golf, fish, boat, shop, visit family, or do any of the things that make your life feel richer and more satisfying. That can make living in a mobile home park the key to a retirement you actually find fulfilling.
Communities
Every mobile home community is different. Retirees can choose from basic parks with a few amenities to luxury locations with gated entries and big mobile homes.
Regardless of the type of community you choose, you will want to choose a park that has the following features:
Amenities that suit your preferred lifestyle
Safety and security
A location where you want to live
Quality homes and lots
Convenience
Friendly neighbors
Lots to do
Affordable homes and lot rents
Taking your preferences, lifestyle, and retirement goals into consideration will help you to select the mobile home park where you can comfortably enjoy your retirement years.
Renting vs. Buying
When you retire to a mobile home park, you can choose to rent or buy your home. There are pros and cons to both choices, and ultimately, the decision you make will depend upon your preferences, finances, and retirement goals. However, here are a few factors to consider when it comes to renting vs. buying your mobile home:
Maintenance
Retiring to a mobile home park means enjoying maintenance on your property regardless of whether you rent or buy. However, the maintenance and repair of your home itself will be your responsibility if you purchase your home, but the park’s responsibility if you rent.
Upfront Costs
Purchasing a home will always come with greater upfront costs than renting it, due to down payments and closing costs (and a mortgage if you choose a home loan). However, owning a home that can appreciate in value may be worth it to you, particularly if you wish to leave your investment behind for your family.
Flexibility
If you choose to relocate to a different living situation, renting may be a better option than buying your mobile home because you can more easily move on from a lease.
Customization
Your home should reflect your personality and style. Purchasing a mobile home will enable you to create exactly the kind of space you feel most comfortable in. However, renting the right home can give you a beautiful and stylish home without a lot of work on yoru part. When you own your own home, you have the option to make it exactly the way you want. Engage in renovation, updates, and personalization projects that can turn your home into the retirement oasis you have spent your life working toward.
The foundation of a comfortable and rewarding retirement is a home that fits your budget and your lifestyle. While mobile homes retirement communities may not be your first thought when it comes to living your best post-work life, 55+ communities are quickly gaining in popularity, and with good reason. Easy to afford, easy to maintain, and often desirably located, there are many advantages of living in a mobile home retirement community. Here are just a few.
Mobile home retirement communities are affordable
Many retirees need to work with a limited budget, but that shouldn’t put a great retirement home out of reach. Mobile home retirement communities, like the ones at Bedrock, provide affordable access to beautiful manufactured homes.
The cost of a manufactured home is, on average, 10-35 percent less per square foot than a traditional home, and one study showed that manufactured homes’ monthly costs were, on average, one-third that of traditional homes.
Manufactured homes also cost less to maintain (with maintenance conducted by the property management) and come with lower utility expenses. Sometimes, your utilities are included in your lot rent. Even better? If you rent your land instead of purchasing it, you may also be able to avoid paying property taxes.
Mobile home retirement communities are desirably located
Inexpensive housing may be easy to find, but affordable homes in great locations are a little harder to get, unless you choose a 55+ mobile home community. You can, for example, enjoy Florida’s beautiful beaches and warm weather without exceeding your budget, if you choose the right mobile home retirement community.
Mobile home retirement communities are often located near beaches, within bustling towns, or beside sought-after cities. That leaves you the ability to choose exactly where you want to retire, without worrying about whether you can afford it.
Here at Bedrock, we offer a wide range of communities throughout Florida. Each is located in beautiful locations where you can easily access some of the state’s most sought-after cities, towns, and beaches. That makes pursuing your retirement dreams more rewarding, and more achievable.
Mobile home retirement communities are easy to maintain
Often, 55+ manufactured home communities will provide maintenance of the homes and grounds through property management. In addition, many of these communities provide services that make it easy to keep up with your daily to-do list. For example, trash collection or on-site laundry facilities make it convenient to get chores done so you can focus on enjoying your retirement.
Mobile home retirement communities offer social connections
When you join a 55+ mobile home community, you don’t just get an affordable house in a great location. You become part of a network of people who offer support, friendship, and assistance along your retirement journey.
For example, your neighbors may watch your pet while you go on a trip, check up on you if you deviate from your daily routine, or offer support such as meals or laundry help if you become ill.
Add in social activities organized by the community, clubhouses where you can gather with others for fun and games, and the ease of stopping by to say hello to your neighbors, and your retirement community can become a source of meaningful connections and friendships that will ensure that your retirement years are never lonely.
Mobile home retirement communities have lots of amenities
Never be bored when you choose to live in a 55+ manufactured home community. These locations are known for offering a wide variety of amenities that allow you to be as busy as you want to be.
For example, here at Bedrock, each of our communities boasts clubhouses, social activities, games, boat ramps, pools, or other amenities that make pursuing your favorite activities easier than ever.
You can rent or purchase manufactured homes
There are advantages to both renting and purchasing a home, and mobile home retirement communities allow you to do both.
Benefits of renting
Why consider renting your mobile home? Consider these benefits of renting:
1. No Home Maintenance Costs
Regardless of whether you buy or rent, property maintenance is provided through your mobile home community. However, when you choose to rent your manufactured home rather than buy, you also avoid the costs, and stress, associated with maintaining that home. That can give you freedom to pursue a more relaxed retirement.
2. Fewer Upfront Costs
When you choose to rent a manufactured home, you also incur fewer costs upfront. You do not, for example, need to provide the down payment or closing costs that are included in a home purchase. That can put your manufactured home within financial reach.
3. Ongoing Flexibility
Renting also gives you flexibility. If your home doesn’t work for you, or if your housing needs change, you can relocate more easily than if you purchase a house and then need to sell it.
Benefits of buying
Why consider buying your mobile home? Here are few advantages of buying:
1. Consistent Monthly Payments
Your monthly mortgage payments might change a little bit, but you never have to worry about rent increases that eat into your monthly budget.
2. Appreciating Property
Homes often appreciate value over time. That makes purchasing a manufactured home an investment that can improve your financial health over the long-term.
3. Customization Options
When you own your own home, you have the option to make it exactly the way you want. Engage in renovation, updates, and personalization projects that can turn your home into the retirement oasis you are dreaming of.
Here at Bedrock Communities, we offer manufactured homes within our communities for both rent and sale. That means that you can afford attainable luxury in Florida’s most desirable locations regardless of whether renting or buying works best for you.
Bedrock Communities exists to make affordable and relaxing retirement possible. Check out any of our 55+ mobile home communities today and discover the comfort of a community designed with you in mind.
What you need to know before moving to a mobile home community in Central Florida is that these houses are safe and affordable, and offer a number of benefits like clubbing, swimming pools, and outdoor activities for their residents. Every year, more and more seniors search for affordable housing.
Just like Central Florida is the most favored retirement destination, mobile homes, in particular, are their top choice for housing. It certainly doesn’t hurt either that Central Florida has the largest number of retirement homes offering affordable and safe living.
Fort Pierce, Davenport, Lakeland, Peak Drive Tampa, Mt. Dora, Auburndale, and other prominent locations in and around Central Florida are slowly turning to be the major haunts of retirees.
What to know about living in a mobile home park? Here are the top 7 things:
1. Significantly lower taxes
When you live in a mobile home park or a trailer park, you can enjoy a lower cost of living. Florida has significantly lower taxes as compared to the rest of the country. This straightway adds to your saving.
Most senior living communities have single-storey houses that are easier to maintain and feels like you’re forever on vacation. Each community has its own rules regarding buying or renting a home there and provides seniors with safe, entertaining activities within the premises.
2. Warm weather and lots of outdoor activities
So before you make a list of things to do before moving into a mobile home, take a look at the reasons most 55+ retirees prefer going to Central Florida, the Mecca for seniors planning to retire in mobile home communities.
The pleasant Florida sun is an added attraction. Warm weather is one of the major attractions of relocating to the state. You have sun all through the year and can enjoy lots of outdoor activities. Even tourists flock to Florida in search of mild winters and warm summers.
A plethora of outdoor activities keep seniors busy. Although synonymous with white beaches, Florida has plenty of lakes and bays. You can also go hiking through forests and take a boat trip down rivers. Fill your leisure hours with camping, swimming, and riding the waves, especially if you love the sea.
3. Planned communities and reliable healthcare
If you have questions like ‘should I move into a manufactured home?’ lay them to rest in Florida. The state has well-organized manufactured housing and this sector is expected to grow steadily. If you own a mobile home, facilities like trash collection, surveillance, emergency medical care, laundry, and recreation come within easy reach. Also, healthcare facilities for retirees are excellent. And since many retirees move to mobile communities here, hospitals have come up with specialized treatments related to them.
4. Low living expenses
Seniors have spent a big part of their lives in their dream home, renting it or building one. If you think moving from a house to a mobile home is going to be strange and unsafe, here’s what you might find interesting: Mobile homes come with low living expenses. While you need to buy or lease the plot, pay maintenance fees and home association charges; they are still lower than what would you pay for a single-family, custom-built house. Particularly, you pay less when it comes to cost for each square foot of space. As for comfort levels, you live in a quieter neighborhood, socialize with like-minded neighbors, and spend time doing things you like. Walk your pet, tend to your small garden or take a dip in heated swimming pools.
5. Central location
Most of the community homes are in close proximity to supermarkets and medical institutions. Central Florida is not typically beach fronted, you might need to drive a few miles to hear the waves crashing. Yet it has a lot of inland water bodies so you don’t miss out on water activities. It is also cheaper since real estate prices are remarkably lower than in other parts of the country. Another reason is that you can find homes that suit not only your budget but your lifestyle too.
If you are thinking of moving, it is better to take a look at the properties available. Check out its neighborhood and its model houses, and talk to residents if possible. Even if you are not moving, it is always a good option to just take a trip to the state and enjoy the warm sun. In fact, one can see recreational vehicles stopping by such parks frequently. Also, Florida is the annual snowbird destination, with people from all over the colder northern states congregating here to wait out the cold.
6. Easier to maintain
Keep it clean: a no-brainer, but a clean, stain-free, dust-free home is a healthier home. Mobile home ceilings, walls, and floor are not ordinary and might need specialized care if regular upkeep is ignored.
Get fixtures and furnishing especially meant for mobile homes: You can’t buy a doorknob from home depot and expect it to fit on your mobile home door.
Leveling: Once in a while, the house will need to be leveled. Check for wall and floor cracks to know when it’s time for a leveling.
Use appropriate home improvement materials: It is helpful to repair or replace vinyl drywall or printed panel with professional help.
7. Building codes and permits
It usually depends on the community you are moving into. Talk to the association to know about the process and the timeframe. This will give you room to get your papers in order. Check out the available houses. They usually have two bedrooms and baths but features may vary by communities and the budget you set.
For more information about living in a trailer park in Central Florida, get in touch with us. We will help you select and buy your desired house while providing you with financing options. Regular on-site management makes it easier to maintain your home. Drop by one of our locations or contact us today.
Mobile home parks are quickly shedding their stigma and becoming the homes of the future. The opportunity to enjoy an affordable, quality home within some of the most desirable locations within Florida makes them increasingly popular, especially among retirees.
Central Florida offers many mobile home communities from which you can choose. The 10 best mobile home parks in central Florida all belong to Bedrock Communities, thanks to their commitment to creating attainable luxury in beautiful Florida locations.
Check out these 55+ communities to learn more and to decide which one might be best for you.
1. Little Manatee
Little Manatee 55+ Mobile Home Community
A 55+ community nestled along the peaceful Little Manatee River in Ruskin, FL, Little Manatee offers residents on-site access to fishing along with a wealth of other amenities, all located moments from the community’s beautifully-crafted homes.
Close to Tampa Bay, the community offers easy access to the big city and gorgeous beaches, while allowing residents to access more local dining and shopping attractions in Ruskin. With city and town, beach and river, all within reach, Little Manatee offers a truly desirable location.
Add in low housing prices and reasonable lot rents, and Little Manatee earns its place as one of central Florida’s best mobile home parks.
2. Crescent Lake
Crescent Lake Mobile Home Park
Fishing, boating, and relaxing can become part of your daily routine when you purchase a home in Bedrock’s 55+ Crescent Lake mobile home park. This community exists in the middle of enormous natural beauty within Riverview, Florida.
Nestled along Crescent Lake, near the Alafia River, you enjoy relaxation along the water right outside your front door. Bell Creek Nature Preserve is close by, and amenities such as a boat ramp and fishing pier are situated on site.
This natural beauty gives way to the convenience, attractions, restaurants, and beaches available just 10 miles away in Tampa, 23 miles to St. Petersburg, and less than 100 miles to Orlando.
At Crescent Lake, affordable housing is desirable housing, with a beautiful locale and wonderful amenities for you to enjoy.
For the fisherman at heart, River Haven is the place to be. This 55+ community boasts 59 reasonably-priced home sites just one street away from the Little Manatee River and the state’s best fishing.
For more fishing and big-city attractions, you can take a short boat ride over to Tampa. On-site amenities, including Fish House Restaurant and numerous social activities, as well as a quiet location, allow you to enjoy a beautiful life inside and outside the big city.
For those who want a long vacation and not a permanent relocation, River Haven also offers RV sites that enjoy access to the same amenities and attractions for a beautiful place to live for a season, a year, or a lifetime.
4. Rose Lake
Rose Lake 55+ Community
Located in the heart of Tampa, Rose Lake offers a place to relax, unwind, and enjoy everything Tampa has to offer. Strike out to explore the beaches and attractions of Tampa and stay as busy as you like within the bustling city.
When you tire of the big city life, you can relax within the Rose Lake community. Amenities include many social activities and chances to connect with others, as well as the opportunity to enjoy peace and quiet in your beautiful and affordable home.
Rose Lake is ideal for both permanent residents and snowbirds, for introverts and extroverts. Stay as busy or as relaxed as you like in a community that is designed to help you feel at home.
5. Lake Bon Bon
Lake Bon Bon 55+ community
Comfortable community living awaits at Lake Bon Bon, located in desirable Pinellas Park, Florida. Built around a peaceful lake, this community is beautiful and quiet, the perfect place for quiet retirement living and close-knit community. Take advantage of year-round social activities in the town and in the community, as well as amenities such as a library and a clubhouse.
6. Georgetowne Manor
Georgetowne Manor 55+ community
Lakeland, Florida, is a popular city known for its architecture, history, and lakes. All of the incredible entertainment and shopping in the city is available to residents of Lakeland-based Georgetowne Manor, which is situated within walking distance of numerous attractions.
The community is close-knit, with many social activities throughout the year. Amenities also make this a desirable place to live and include a clubhouse and a heated pool.
7. Lake Bonny
Lake Bonny Mobile Home Park
Retirement living is at its best at Lake Bonny Mobile Home Park. Also located in Lakeland, FL, this community offers access to the antiques, Frank Lloyd Wright architecture, and natural beauty that make Lakeland a desirable Florida location. Enjoy Hollis Garden, the Polk Museum of Art, Lake Mirror, and access to Tampa, St. Petersburg, and Orlando.
Within Lake Bonny itself, you can enjoy a beautiful community that will welcome you with social activities. Access a boat ramp to enjoy the water, a clubhouse, and other amenities for Florida living that is both affordable and desirable.
8. Citrus Center
Citrus Center mobile home park
Quiet community living is available at Lakeland-based Citrus Center. This 55+ community is situated within Lakeland, FL, where you can enjoy all the natural beauty, architecture, and history the city has to offer.
If you want to travel further for big-city fun and beaches, Tampa is a mere 35 miles away. If you want to stay closer to home, you can enjoy local restaurants, culture, and entertainment, or take advantage of the community’s social activities and amenities.
If Disney appeals to you, then Sunny Pines might be the 55+ mobile home park that is right for you. This small community of 50 home sites and 6 RV sites is situated near Orlando and all of its attractions.
If you want to enjoy entertainment closer to home, you can also shop in Mount Dora or at other major shopping centers about 5 miles from the community.
10. Singing Forest
Singing Forest MHP
Tranquil, simple living beckons at Singing Forest Mobile Home Park. The appeal of this community is its stunning natural beauty, including tall trees and quiet pond, and lighted fountain.
Take advantage of this beauty in one of the community’s beautiful and affordable home sites, and enjoy access to boat docks, Orlando, and Tampa. Numerous social activities, a clubhouse, billiards, and more offer ongoing opportunities for connection and relationships with those in the community.
Bedrock Communities‘ numerous mobile home parks are all pet-friendly and designed for luxury, affordability, and desirability. Find your perfect Florida home at one of them today!
