Every mobile home park is different, and before you purchase a mobile home, you should think about what type of mobile home community you want to live in. Some communities are pet-friendly, others cater to families, and some parks are reserved for residents over the age of 50. While you may not think of manufactured homes as fancy, there are even luxury mobile home parks.
No matter what kind of community you prefer, you need to choose somewhere you feel at home, and considering how difficult moving a mobile home is, somewhere you want to live for a long time. You should also be aware of whether the park is resident-owned, has “mom-and-pop” owners, or is owned and operated by big investors.
Can I Buy a Mobile Home If I’m Not 55?
Yes, you can buy a mobile home at any age. Nevertheless, some communities have age restrictions, so only people above a certain age can live there. When mobile home communities cater to people over age 55, for example, they are known as retirement mobile home parks.
A retirement mobile home park may be right for you if you meet the age requirement and want special services and facilities, like doctor’s visits and wellness centers, or even planned activities like bingo night.
If you aren’t old enough or this doesn’t sound like the type of community you want to live in, you can still buy a mobile home and live in a different kind of community.
How Much Rent Do I Want to Pay?
Once you buy a mobile home, the home itself belongs to you, but in most cases, you will still need to pay rent for the land you live on. If you want to pay as little as possible, consider a budget mobile home park, but keep in mind you will only get the basics, and the park may not be in the most ideal location.
On the other hand, you could choose a luxury mobile home park, where you will pay more for rent but have access to amenities like gyms, swimming pools, children’s play areas, and impeccably maintained parks and facilities. Location, safety and security, and privacy may also be better at a luxury mobile home park.
Ultimately, how much you pay will be up to you, and some budget-friendly communities are simple and nice. There are also plenty of mobile home parks that fall right in the middle.
Do I Have Any Niche Interests?
There’s a mobile home park for everyone. Some mobile home parks revolve around being pet-friendly and having outside space for dogs, cats, and even horses. Others have specific styles of design or communities with certain types of people.
For instance, Miracle Village in Florida is a park specifically for former convicts who may have a hard time finding housing elsewhere. Of course, you wouldn’t want to move your family into this type of community.
Do I Need a Family-Friendly Mobile Home Park?
If you have children, look for family mobile home parks. These parks are usually located near local schools, and members of the community will prioritize safety and security. Ask whether the park you are exploring is child-friendly and look for speed limit signs, “children at play” warnings, communal play spaces, and restricted communities that monitor visitors.
Remember, some parks have rules that restrict children or are designed for older or more niche populations. Try to figure out if there are any kids in the community and ask about any special rules that can keep your children safe.
Some parks are built for families, and if you have kids, these communities will be the best option for you.
Do I Want More Control?
When you move into a mobile home park, you are effectively moving onto someone else’s land. Even though you own your home, you will still be subject to someone else’s rules and regulations. Fortunately, some mobile home communities are resident-owned, which means you can buy a share of the community you live in and work with other residents to help maintain it. This means you will have a say in what happens in your community, and the rent you pay will help operate the mobile home park – much like a homeowner’s association (HOA).
If you are interested in joining a resident-owned community, check out ROC USA.
How Do I Get Started?
Before purchasing your mobile home, you should find a community that works for you. You can start exploring right away, and you’re already taking the right steps by reading our blog.
You should also talk to an attorney before making any major purchase or commitment.
If you want to discuss buying and placing a mobile home or resolve any issues with your current community, Allen, Semelsberger & Kaelin LLP may be able to help. We’ve been focused on mobile home law since 1987, and we are dedicated to helping mobile homeowners protect their rights and make the most of their investments.
We can help you, too. All you need to do is call us at (888) 998-2031 or contact us online to request a case evaluation.