An Insider’s Look at Manufactured Home Communities

Manufactured home communities are great places to live. Get to know some of the community owners/managers and learn about the communities they operate.

Did you know:

• There are around 40,000 manufactured housing communities in the United States with about 4.2 million home sites.
• Most communities are well-managed, well-maintained, and offer many benefits to residents. 
• In these communities, residents typically rent the land where the home resides. Some communities also have homes for rent.
• Typically included in land-lease rental payments are professional property management that usually includes the care, maintenance and upkeep of parking lots, storage rooms, laundry rooms, playgrounds and community centers, as well as landscaping of commons areas.

Community Profile: Hickory Acres in Shepherdsville, KY

A Casual Fun Lifestyle for Residents

Hickory Acres in Shepherdsville, Ky., is a manufactured home community south of Louisville that feels one part farm and another part college campus.

“We have a signature entrance, a full court basketball court and open green spaces for playing football, soccer, throwing Frisbee and just gathering together,” co-owner Tony Wilcox said. “It’s important for us to have shared open spaces where neighbors can meet and kids can play.” 

Community Profile: Oaks of Rockford in Rockford, MI

 A Real Community Feel for West Michigan Seniors

Developers of a premier Michigan active adult living community have made a statement in West Michigan. Oaks of Rockford is a new community built in a rural setting and with the amenities and perks many 55+ homebuyers seek in today’s market.

Near Rockford, Mich., in the Grand Rapids area, Oaks of Rockford has experienced swift sales. It sold out during the initial phases of development. Therefore, it recently opened 49 new home sites for potential residents, and plans continued expansion.

Community Profile: Maple Brook Manufactured Home Community in Matteson, IL

A Destination Retirement Community in Reach of Chicago

Thirty miles down highway 57, just outside one of America’s greatest cities, is Maple Brook Manufactured Home Community, a destination in its own right for retirement-age home buyers looking for a quiet place that’s still close to the city.

“A lot of people like Maple Brook because you’re close to all of the highways and have easy access to all the trains to downtown Chicago,” said Mike Dennis, sales representative for the Sun Communities property. “I always tell people to take a mental snapshot for when you’re shopping around. Remember what you’re seeing here.”

The community clubhouse has 3,000 square feet and includes a library. It’s an everyday meeting place for residents, and the venue for celebrations — from the annual Super Bowl viewing party to craft shows — and can be reserved by residents for get-togethers of their own.