Manufactured Homes Are a Great Option for Retirement Living

As the population of baby boomers in America continues to reach retirement age, the popularity of manufactured homes and 55+ retirement communities is increasing as well. A great retirement option for many baby boomers is to sell the home where they raised their children, buy a new manufactured home, and use the leftover funds to travel and explore their hobbies. A big plus is that the residents of manufactured home communities generally keep an eye out for one another, in case a neighbor needs help. 

What exactly is a manufactured home?

Manufactured homes, mobile homes, and trailer homes are often confused with each other, but they are really quite different. Manufactured homes are houses that are built in factories according to federal standards. They are then transported in one or more sections on permanent chassis to their installation sites. Once on site, the homes are anchored to the ground with steel straps attached to steel rods. As a result, manufactured homes are often indistinguishable from site-built homes and are just as reliable and sturdy as traditional homes.

In the 1970’s the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development set standards for manufactured homes, including fire safety, building materials, windstorm protection, insulation, heating and cooling, plumbing, and electrical systems. The HUD also oversees the standards for how manufactured homes are installed onsite.

Manufactured homes come in a wide array of floor plans, ranging from 500 to 2,300 sq. ft., as well as a variety of living and design options. Depending on what the buyer wants, manufactured homes can have vaulted ceilings, modern kitchens with stainless steel appliances, granite countertops, spacious bedrooms and walk-in closets. They may also have recessed lighting, custom cabinets, French doors, entertainment centers and much more – similar to what you might expect in a site-built home.

Why do manufactured homes make great options for retirement living?

Do an online search and just about every area of the country has several manufactured home communities. Many of these communities are geared toward retirees. Why are retirees so attracted to manufactured home communities?  

A sense of community – One reason is that many retirees are looking for fellowship and companionship. They want to live in a neighborhood, where residents keep in touch with one other and are willing to lend a helping hand, if necessary. Often, manufactured home communities have amenities that invite interaction with others, including: outdoor barbeques, clubhouses, swimming pools, walking paths, fitness centers and game rooms. They may also offer regular social activities, such as: luncheons, parties, movie nights, card games and exercise classes.

Affordability – Another big reason that many retirees choose manufactured homes is their affordability, compared to site-built homes. Manufactured homes are less expensive to make because they are built in a factory, and the process is highly efficient. Additionally, because they are constructed indoors, manufactured homes aren’t affected by bad weather or other location-specific delays. In the San Francisco Bay Area, the cost of a new manufactured home is a fraction of the cost of comparable site built homes.

If you are considering living in a 55+ manufactured home community, please give The Cottages of Petaluma a call. We would love to explore options with you.

The Cottages of Petaluma is a 55+ fully updated, cottage manufactured home community in desirable, historic Petaluma, the affordable wine country alternative.