How to Retire in a Mobile Home Community

To the average person, mobile home communities represent the last resort in housing. Filthy streets, high crime rates and folks worrying that the next hurricane or tornado will wipe out their homes typify the image of most mobile home parks. But with sky-rocketing housing costs and demand from a growing segment of those people soon to retire, that industry is enjoying a rebirth. Here are a few ways you can retire in a mobile home community, and dispel all the biases you have had about so-called trailer-parks.

Instructions

1. Determine if a comfortable retirement will depend on living in an affordable home that requires very little upkeep. Because these homes are built in a factory where costs are better controlled, mobile homes generally cost less. In addition, most upper-scale mobile home communities today will take care of all major maintenance of the common grounds, with you being responsible only for the upkeep of your home and its immediate surroundings. You will save money that can go towards that vacation of your dreams or the activity you have been unable to pursue until now.

2. Decide how important appearance of your home and its surroundings will be in your retirement home. To many retirees, this is an important criterion, so modern mobile home communities have placed that aspect high on its list. Many now emphasize ground maintenance and have strict rules that residents must follow. Unlike the so-called “trailer park” image of the past, mobile home communities now are known for manicured lawns and proud property owners. The appearance of these communities will now satisfy the most critical potential buyer.

3. Make your new mobile home safe and secure. Many mobile home communities now are gated, so they provide greater security than typically found in a neighborhood. Add to that a home alarm system for pennies a day and you will be as safe as you would be anywhere you lived. In addition, you will find that in mobile home communities, there is a great sense of community and that neighbors will look after one another, more assurance of your safety in your new home.

4. Add luxuries to your mobile home. Unlike the typical stripped-down mobile home, today's versions can include plush carpeting, hardwood floor, ornate fixtures and the community can have community houses putting greens and swimming pools. The sky's the limit on what you can have your home contain. These days, your mobile home can truly become your retirement castle.