One of our basic needs is shelter to protect us from the elements. Getting a roof over our heads takes many forms. Some individuals live in apartment complexes, houses, or mobile home parks. Each way of life drastically varies in price; some are more affordable than others. Therefore, residing in a mobile home community is a cost-efficient way of life. The size of mobile homes varies to adapt to the number of residents. There are mobile homes that can fit a person, in addition to double wide mobile homes and triple wide mobile homes that consist of two or three bedrooms. Another advantage to living in a mobile home is the fact that these homes can be transported to a different location. In this article, we dive into the types of mobile homes and the advantages of living in mobile home parks!
What are Mobile Home Parks?
Mobile home parks are residential communities with trailers or manufactured homes that can be moved from it’s foundation to a different location. Typically, the land in mobile communities is rented monthly, or the homeowner owns the lot but pays HOA fees. Mobile home parks are move-in ready, with a set foundation along with water/power connections. These mobile home communities are self-sufficient, usually consist of on-site amenities such as a laundry facility, community center, playgrounds, pools, and security.
Types of Mobile Homes
Mobile properties come in various sizes and forms. These homes can be constructed within a factory or built on-site. Mobile home parks can consist of seasonal units, which typically don’t operate in the winter, or individuals who live within the park all year round. Below are the different types of mobile homes available to rent or purchase.
Single-wide Mobile Home
A single-wide mobile property is built as one section, typically between 8 and 18 feet wide. The single-wide usually has one living space, such as a studio apartment, along with a fully functioning bathroom and, at times kitchen. A single-wide is much smaller compared to the other sizes, so only ideal for one person. These smaller homes are always built within a factory setting and then transported to the site.
Double Wide Mobile Home
A double wide mobile home consists of two sections that are placed together for a wider living space. These double-wide homes typically consist of two or three bedrooms, a living room, at least one bathroom, and a kitchen. A double-wide is the most popular mobile home, ranging in size from 900 sq. feet up to 2,400 square feet. Offering an ideal size for a family or multiple individuals.
Triple Wide Mobile Homes
Although not as popular as smaller manufactured homes, triple wide mobile homes consist of plenty of space. Therefore, providing various layout options and floor plans. It’s vital to keep in mind, not every mobile home park accepts the triple wide properties. Some mobile home communities are limited in available land, while others may face infrastructure limitations to support these properties. In addition, the number of people looking for triple-wides is slim, so it makes things difficult to resell the triple-wide.
How Much is a Mobile Home?
The price of purchasing a mobile home can vary based on many factors. Things such as floor plan, number of bedrooms/bathrooms, desired location, and other special features. However, on average, the price of a new mobile home in the United States can cost between $60,000 to $160,000. These homes tend to go for more when sold on the West Coast due to higher land cost, building codes, and a larger demand for housing.
When purchasing a mobile property, keep in mind the cost of land. Mobile properties do not come with land, so it’s important to consider the land value when budgeting to reside in a mobile home. Additionally, other factors to consider will be potential HOA fees, pouring the cement foundation, and connecting the utilities.
Advantages of Living in Mobile Home Parks
- The ability to relocate. Although not cheap, ranging from three thousand to twenty thousand dollars, there’s still the opportunity to pick up and move.
- Sense of community. Trailer parks or mobile home parks are usually tight-knit communities where you know your neighbors. Along with special events, they host, such as holiday parties or community events.
- More affordable way of life. Although you may be responsible for lot fees, monthly payment for the mobile home, or real estate taxes, the cost of overall living is much cheaper than other options.
- At times, mobile home parks have security and private entrances, providing a sense of security.
- Multiple Amenities such as a community center, playground, pool, basketball court, laundry facility, and much more.
- Reduced purchase price compared to traditional homes.
Disadvantages of Life in a Mobile Home Community
- Potential for an increase in the lot rent. The owner of the mobile home community can raise the rent whenever desired. Therefore, it can drastically impact your cost of living.
- Limited financing options. More difficult to obtain traditional financing, also the potential for higher interest rates.
- Limited living space. On average, a mobile home is smaller than your traditional property. Furthermore, these homes tend to be closer together, limiting your yard space and personal space.
- Issues with resale. Selling a mobile home within a mobile home park can be difficult; you are limited in buyers, making the whole process challenging.
- Mobile homes tend to depreciate over time at a faster pace than your traditional home.
- Less freedom. These mobile home communities can come with rules and expectations. Therefore, limiting the ability to live by your own rules and at times placing rules on what type of pets you can have.
- Potential for HOA fees. Most of the time, mobile communities have monthly HOA fees to maintain the land and the buildings. Therefore, HOA fees are an added expense that can make things difficult for the homeowner.
How to Find Mobile Homes Rent or Sale
There are multiple ways to find mobile homes for rent or sale. The renter can utilize online platforms such as Zillow or Redfin, going about the process on their own without a real estate pro. Additionally, the tenant can use the services of a realtor or property manager who has more resources to locate options. Lastly, another route will be community boards or word of mouth. In most areas, the mobile home options are limited, so it’ll be best to use resources like an agent or online platforms. As mentioned before, keep in mind unexpected costs such as HOA fees or utility connections.
Is it Worth Living in Mobile Home Parks?
If you’re looking for a place to rent or a property to buy, it’s certainly worthwhile to consider living in a mobile home park. Overall, the cost of living is much lower within mobile home parks compared to traditional living. These mobile homes come in many different sizes, such as a double wide mobile home or triple-wide, which provides multiple options based on your needs. The floor plans and layouts can vary in mobile homes, which provides homeowners with layouts and features that they desire. Although there are more benefits of living in a mobile community, it’s important to keep in mind added expenses such as HOA or lot fees.
In addition, some mobile communities are limited in space, so you may have a very small yard, which is another downside of life within mobile home parks. However, overall living expenses are more affordable in mobile parks, and these communities can be tight-knit with multiple amenities. If you’re living on a budget, consider looking for a mobile home to rent or mobile home lots for sale. Approach the process on your own or with guidance from an agent or property manager. Just keep in mind, mobile home parks are more cost-efficient and offer a more laid-back lifestyle.