Have you ever wondered what the pros and cons of living in a trailer park are? There are a few factors that most people consider when thinking about living in a mobile home park, from the financial aspect to space and privacy.
Let’s take an objective look at the good and bad sides of living in a mobile home park by looking at some common misconceptions and potential benefits and drawbacks of living in a trailer park.
Related: Mobile Home Lot Rent Guide
Living In a Trailer Park: Pros
From finances and convenience to the social aspect, let’s check out some of the pros of living in a trailer park:
Mobile Home Parks Are Affordable
Many people live in a mobile home park because they’re more affordable than stick-built housing and apartment complexes. Many trailer parks offer lower monthly rates while offering the same convenient locations and additional room and green space.
Because it’s cheaper to manufacture a mobile home, trailer parks offer a savings opportunity that many homeowners take advantage of—manufactured homes in a mobile home park can cost less than half of what a traditional home of the same size would.
You Get Peace and Quiet
Living in a mobile home is often much quieter and more relaxing than living in a neighborhood full of houses or an apartment complex packed to the brim. While this depends on the park, many people that move into a trailer park end up stating that their lives seem much more peaceful than before.
People who are used to living in apartment complexes may find that living in a mobile home park grants them a level of peace they’ve never experienced. Noise doesn’t travel easily between floors and units like you would expect in an apartment building or a neighborhood cluttered with houses.
The Community Is Great
Most mobile home parks offer self-contained communities that share amenities and common spaces, offering a sense of community to the people living there. This feeling can be more difficult to find in traditional neighborhoods and apartments. Contrary to popular belief, crime rates are typically low in smaller trailer park communities because everyone knows each other. These tight-knit mobile home parks are a great place for almost everyone, from retirees to couples who are just starting their families.
Take Home Wherever You Go
A significant advantage of living in a trailer park is that you can also move your home if you want to switch communities. If you don’t like your neighbors or location, or your land rental fees go up, it’s much easier to move a manufactured home than a stick-built one.
There is a hidden con here, though—moving a mobile home isn’t cheap. You have to work with a moving company to transport it, and you could pay anywhere from $5,000 to $13,000 for a 50-mile move.
Convenient Locations
Many mobile home parks are located near major transportation routes and highways, making them a great choice for people that commute long distances to their workplace. They are also usually in close proximity to restaurants, shopping centers, and countless entertainment venues, making them convenient for people who don’t want to drive too far to get from place to place.
Originally, many trailer parks would settle on the outskirts of cities, and while some still are, residential zones have expanded significantly and most mobile home parks are part of the traditional urban landscape.
Related: Living In a Mobile Home Guide
Living In a Trailer Park: Cons
Living in a mobile home park does have its drawbacks, though. Make sure that these aren’t a deal breaker for you and your family:
Mobile Home Park Rules
Mobile home parks have rules that everyone living there must follow, which can lead to some issues. Everyone is different, and some people might be less inclined to follow all of the rules, putting pressure on the entire community.
There are often rules regarding parking, entertaining guests, and lawn care. If someone chooses not to follow them, they can face eviction. If that happens, you’d have to either sell your mobile home or hire a company to move it out of the park.
If you’re thinking about living in a trailer park, you should look into their rules first—each park will have different regulations. Ask yourself if those restrictions would be a problem for you. If they are, you’ll want to find a park that fits your lifestyle better. Also, you’ll want to look into who makes the rules, manages the park, and how they enforce them.
Limited Yard Space
In some parks, yard space can be limited, meaning that it might not be the best location for avid gardeners or people who enjoy many outdoor activities. Many mobile home parks offer small lots, with only enough space for limited lawn furniture, planting, etc. With this limited space, it can be challenging to start a garden or entertain guests outdoors without feeling cramped. If you want more yard space, you can look for a park with larger plot sizes. If those still aren’t large enough, mobile home parks might not be the right decision for you.
That being said, many trailer parks have communal areas with pools, playgrounds, clubhouses, etc. While you may not have control over how they get used, you don’t have the responsibility of maintenance of those areas.
Your Neighbors Are Close
This can be good and bad—your neighbors will live very close to you. You’ll hear them outside, in the trailer next to you, and you’ll know what they’re doing at most times. If you need more space or simply don’t get along with your neighbors, it can be a difficult living arrangement.
Is Living In a Trailer Park Right for You?
If you’re looking to experience a close-knit sense of community and save a significant amount of money, living in a trailer park can be a great option. But, if you prefer privacy and a large yard, it might not be for you. In the past, mobile homes had a negative stigma attached to them, but that’s no longer the case. Today, trailer parks are safe, clean, and full of wonderful people.
Think living in a mobile home park might be the right option for you? Get in touch with Home Nation to learn more about mobile home living!
Related: Best Florida Mobile Home Parks
