Park models are built inside a factory, outside of the elements, reinforcing a strong product. Unlike manufactured homes, park models are classified as recreational vehicles with the intent to be parked temporarily in a location to serve as temporary housing or seasonal/recreational vacationing. However, with the rise in popularity of “tiny homes,” more adults are seeking permanent residence in these types of homes for the sake of low maintenance, ease of travel and overall affordability.

In the state of Florida, Park models must not contain more than 499 square feet of living space and must be built to ANSI RV code guidelines in order to qualify as such. These homes must be registered, tagged and insured just like a RV or motor vehicle would.

The difference between a RV and a park model home/vacation cottage all comes down to usage. RVs are meant to be mobile, moving often from park to park. Park model homes/vacation cottages, on the other hand, are designed for those travelers who prefer to have a more permanent oasis where their belongings can remain for ease of use. They’re also designed for the active adult who wants to reap all the rewards of a fun, active RV lifestyle with low maintenance and convenience in mind on a longer term, or even permanent basis.

Although Cove Communities’ park model homes and vacation cottages are situated on beautifully landscaped streets and offer charming curb appeal just like any home would, these park model homes and vacation cottages are constructed on a chasse with wheels, which means these homes can in fact be disassembled and relocated anywhere. By removing all of the decorative skirting, disconnecting the utilities and attaching the home to a vehicle using the built-in hitch, homeowners can move their homes to a different lot, a different park, or a different state!

Just like any other smaller home style, like an apartment or condo, park model homes offer all the amenities of a typical home, just with convenience and comfort in mind. Many layouts and features are well thought out to create the most efficient use of space and storage.

Once your park model home is set, you have the option of building onto the home using various formats to create your ideal space. The most popular additions to park model homes in Florida are exterior open-air decks, covered front porches, screened-in lanais, four seasons rooms and elaborate sheds, all of which provide homeowners the opportunity to enjoy Florida’s sunshine all year round!

Well, this certainly is a loaded question, but we will address two very common points. It’s obvious that you must consider and select a park or resort that fits your budget as well as your lifestyle, whether it be a full-time home or a seasonal retreat. But second, it’s critical to choose a park/resort that is successfully managed and financially stable.

Do your research:

• What is the age of the park/resort and the company that owns it?
• Who holds the most prominent seat and how long have they been with the company?
• What level of maintenance does the park/resort consistently have?
• What number of park model homes or vacation cottages are situated in the park and how many of them are listed for sale [a 10% ratio is ideal]?
• How many park models / vacation cottages have recently sold and what prices are they selling for?
• What are the monthly lot lease fees and how much/often have these increased?

Typically, you can determine the success and stability of a park when you visit it. Be sure to chat with residents, guests and employees and listen closely to their comments. Obviously, some remarks should be taken with a grain of salt, but tune in to those that represent what you are or are not looking for in your next full-time home or seasonal retreat.

Thousands of residents have made the same comments over and over, so it must be a reliable to consider that there is a special relationship between residents and neighbors of a successful, thriving RV park. They look out for one another when one or the other is away traveling, and they genuinely enjoy spending time together.

You tend to feel a “’community-like atmosphere” reminiscent of the small towns and city neighborhoods you grew up in … carefree, peaceful and serene, light hearted and friendly.

The relationship between management and residents in a RV park is much closer than those in conventional home communities. In most lot lease environments, your monthly fees guarantee that professional management is onsite, available and responsible for your happiness, which means they are present and committed to fostering relationships that will continue to help the park thrive.

Not all RV parks are considered safe, but the more successful and well-planned resorts are. Depending on what your standard is, we recommend you look for a gated community that limits access one of two ways: With a manned guard who permits access based on a community sticker or license plate or with a powered gate that operates by keypad, sticker or a garage-door-style opener.

A standard procedure of all Cove Communities is to perform background screenings on those residents who purchase, and those guests who vacation, in our parks and resorts.

Successful, well-operated RV parks are obligated to provide a safe and ideal atmosphere; but that doesn’t mean they are obligated to provide healthcare or medical attention when needed. We always want to point out that if you have any specific medical needs that may require attention from time to time, it’s important you put the appropriate measures in place to alert medical personnel. Even if you’re healthy it’s important that you always remember to dial 9-1-1 in the event of an emergency, keeping in mind that most parks are staffed by employees, not trained first responders.

In the sense of the factory constructed homes or mobile RVs, a private setting, and a common-area clubhouse, RV parks are generally alike. From that point on, the differences in lifestyle differ drastically originating from the creativity of the developer who designed the park, to their experience, success and financial well-being.

The thought that goes into building and modifying a park is critical, from the space between homes and sites, the streetscapes, to the attractive and well-manicured entrances and common areas are all points of contrast.

You need to consider what amenities and activities you’re looking for in your full- or part-time residence, as well as the safety and security of your park, whether it is pet friendly or not, and what all is included in your monthly lease fee.