Guide to MH Communities

Can something still be a secret if more than 21 million people are in on it?

More than 21 million people live in the 43,000+ manufactured home communities in the US. Despite this, the benefits of manufactured home communities are often overlooked.

A Practical Guide to Manufactured Home Communities

But at ScotBilt Homes, we're changing that narrative. You may know that our manufactured homes can be placed on private land—but did you know that they can also be installed in thriving manufactured home communities across the country. 

What Are Manufactured Home Communities?

As the name implies, a manufactured home community is a residential area of manufactured homes built in a factory and transported to a homesite. These communities often have shared services and amenities like communal green spaces, recreational facilities, and organized social activities. Many residents of today’s manufactured home communities find these neighborhoods improve their lifestyle with safe, secure, friendly and attainable living.

Choosing the Right Manufactured Home Community

Choosing the right manufactured home community is vital to your comfort and satisfaction. Here are some things to consider.

Affordability

Thanks to their efficient factory construction and lower production costs, manufactured homes provide an affordable housing option. The financing options available specifically for manufactured homes, including flexible terms and competitive rates, improve their affordability. 

You also want to ensure that the community’s fees and costs (lot rent, maintenance, etc.) fit within your budget. Look for communities that offer competitive pricing for both purchase and rental options. That’s right: many communities offer rental options, giving you flexibility if you're not ready for homeownership.

And consider the value a community offers. One community might have a lower cost … but that might translate to fewer available amenities. It’s about what you want—and today’s manufactured home communities excel at delivering that.

Amenities and services

Consider what amenities and services are available. Features like swimming pools, fitness centers, playgrounds, and social activities can significantly enrich your living experience. Manufactured home communities can foster close-knit neighborhoods where residents can form friendships, participate in activities, and build a support network.

Check to see if the community maintains common areas or landscaping for you. And see if there are safety features like gated entries and surveillance systems to make your living environment more secure.

Maintenance and upkeep

While your manufactured home community will take care of much of the day-to-day maintenance of the area, you’ll want to stay on top of the maintenance for your home. Here are five areas to focus on:

1. Preventive maintenance: Inspect your home regularly for signs of wear and tear, like plumbing leaks or roof damage, and address issues as soon as possible.
2. Seasonal maintenance: Perform seasonal tasks like winterizing your home or cleaning gutters to protect it from weather-related damage.
3. Exterior care: Clean and inspect the exterior of your home, including siding, windows, and doors, to maintain its appearance and prevent deterioration.
4. Appliance care: Schedule regular servicing for your HVAC system, water heater, and other major appliances to keep them running regularly.
5. Budgeting: Set aside a portion of your budget for ongoing maintenance and repairs to avoid unexpected expenses.

Location

Location is important in real estate, and this holds true for manufactured home communities. As you examine floor plans, payment options, and amenities, also consider these location-related factors.

• Proximity to Essential Services: Ensure the community is near essential services like grocery stores, medical facilities, schools, and recreational facilities such as parks or gyms for a balanced and convenient lifestyle.
• Accessibility: Consider the community’s accessibility to major roads, public transportation, and emergency services, as these can significantly impact your commute, travel ease, and safety in urgent situations.
• Future Development: Consider the potential for future growth in the area, which could lead to increased property values and additional amenities over time.

Lifestyle Choice provided under The Fair Housing Amendments Act of 1988

Manufactured Housing Communities provide a variation of lifestyle based on being either All Age or Age Qualifed (55+). This allows for the choice of to living in a neighborhood with households of all age ranges versus household with the primary resident being age 55 or older.  Most frequently these two Community Types are designed with lifestyle features that benefit the different wants and needs of each life age group.

The right community for you

The right manufactured home community for you is waiting—all you need to do is contact a retailer today to help find it. ScotBilt Homes has the resources you need, whether you are placing a home on private land or in a vibrant manufactured home community. Use our Find a Community search tool to discover the perfect community near you.