Manufactured homes, often referred to as “MHs,” are a type of prefabricated home. They are transported to sites all around the United States, from retirement communities in Florida to the growing list of affordable manufactured home parks for families.
Differences between Manufactured & Mobile Homes
Modern manufactured houses are very different from their predecessor – the mobile home. Production standards, style, and design separate the two along with an important date. Manufactured homes refer to factory-built homes after 1976.
The Department of Housing and Development (HUD) regulates the standards of production aiming to give modern manufactured houses the same reliability as traditional stick-built homes.
Manufactured Homes: Top Ten Benefits
Manufactured homes create a great opportunity for those looking for a 55+ active adult community. Florida tops the list for retirees and snowbirds looking to downsize thanks to the resort-style communities that feature amenities and built-in entertainment.
We’ve compiled the top ten reasons why buying a manufactured home can save money, time, and worry as you grow into your golden years.
#1 – Low Cost Housing
The average cost of a manufactured home in 2024 was $124,000. Prices range by home size and location. However, manufactured homes are considered a more affordable housing option than site-built homes where the average sale price is about $356,000.
#2 – High Quality Construction
Manufactured structures are built almost entirely inside under a federal building code administered by HUD. Newer homes are built under these strict HUD regulations which cover all equipment, installations, construction, transportation, fire safety, plumbing, heat-producing, and electrical systems.
#3 – Great for Seasonal Housing & Retirement
Manufactured Homes create the perfect vacation getaway and year-round abodes. It’s the ideal opportunity if you are looking to get some equity out of your house and downsize.
Snowbirds flock to Florida for smaller manufactured cottages. You’ll find cottages for sale in communities like River Vista RV Park in Ruskin, Florida. These move-in ready homes offer enough space for people trading cold winters for sunny fun in Florida’s 55+ communities.
Give yourself more space by exploring floor plans and homes for sale in a large retirement community like Jamaica Bay Village in Fort Myers, Florida.
#4 – Specially Designed Communities
Land-lease communities are located in premier destinations near vibrant towns, bodies of water, and natural beauty. You can afford the lifestyle of your dreams and pay a low premium for your home and its location.
#5 – Sense of Neighborhood
You’ll find people from all over and diverse backgrounds in an MH community. The melting pot cultivates a sense of camaraderie unique to 55+ communities in Florida.
Neighbors take care of neighbors. Residents love the sense of neighborhood achieved with like-minded people who truly care.
#6 – Low Maintenance Home Ownership
Manufactured homes within retirement communities or subdivisions require less yard work. There is less upkeep when you have communal landscaping and maintenance onsite. The benefit of having a low-maintenance yard and home is that it gives homeowners extra time to focus on what is important to them.
#7 – Eco-Friendly & Energy Efficient
MH structures are energy-efficient due to the upgraded insulation under the building and in the walls, on-demand water heaters, water-saving faucets/fixtures, energy-saving appliances, and energy-efficient windows.
Builders like Palm Harbor Homes are award-winning partners with the United States Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) ENERGY STAR programs. These programs aim to create energy-efficient homes that save homeowners money in the long run. However, not all manufactured houses are ENERGY STAR rated. So it’s important to do your research before choosing a manufactured home.
#8 – Fully Customizable Homes
Purchasing a new manufactured home allows you to choose the exact layout and size you want, when available. Even the lot it will reside on!
In addition, you choose your wide range of preferred features for example, fireplaces, walk-in closets, custom cabinets, decks, steps, and state-of-the-art appliances.
#9 – Ability to Finance
Just like a traditional home purchase, the home buyers’ debt-to-income ratio, tax records, down payment, employment records, and creditworthiness must satisfy lender requirements. You can ask about financing options and check if you qualify for loans such as FHA, VA, and conventional mortgages.
#10 – Resort Lifestyle
Depending on your location, your manufactured home may include the added perks of resort-style living. It’s a chance to feel like you’re always on vacation. Resort amenities like swimming pools, clubhouses, pickleball courts, and a busy activity schedule are offered at 55+ communities like Rolling Greens Village in Ocala, Florida, or The Meadows in Gulf Coast locations like Tarpon Springs, Florida.
Discover the Cove Communities Difference
There’s something wonderful about a 55+ manufactured home village. It could be the close-knit community, the spirit of camaraderie, or that everything you need is always in arm’s reach. You’ll find all three in Cove Communities across Florida.
The Cove lifestyle isn’t a thing, it’s a feeling.
You will sense it at every Cove manufactured home community you visit. It’s the Cove Communities Difference offering more than homes but a lifestyle and a place to escape and belong. Find your escape in a manufactured home community near you by exploring homes for sale online or booking a home tour to discover the latest in MH community living.
