Pros & Cons of Mobile Home Living

Many aspiring homeowners know how hard it can be to purchase a home in the current housing market. It’s no surprise why many people are seeking more affordable options—including tiny homes, RVs, and mobile homes (aka manufactured homes). In fact, it’s estimated that about 17 million Americans^[1] reside in mobile homes alone.

If buying a traditional home is just too daunting, consider mobile home living as an alternative option. Because mobile homes are extremely customizable and cost-effective, they’re a great choice for families and individuals of all sizes and walks of life. Keep reading to find out if living in a mobile home is the right choice for you.

Homeownership without the traditional maintenance: Living in a mobile home provides you the opportunity to own your own home while avoiding land maintenance and property taxes. Plus, most lot rental fees to park your mobile home include water, sewer, garbage, and recycling pickup.

Cost-efficient: While price varies based on your location, buying a mobile home will likely run you an average of $111,900  for a new manufactured home in 2021, while the median sales price for a traditional home is now more than $400,000. Lot rent ranges about $200–$300 a month on average in the US—although higher in more upscale communities.^[1]

Family-oriented neighborhoods: Most mobile home parks implement background checks and up-to-date safety protocols to ensure residents feel protected and comfortable to develop relationships with neighbors.

Community perks: Many communities host fun, curated events for residents, are located in convenient, easily accessible areas, and provide ample spacing between mobile homes. Plus, no more worrying about pet rental fees or loud upstairs neighbors!

Trendy: Tiny homes are the 21st century, hipster-approved mobile home option that make unsightly mobile homes a thing of the past. From eco-luxe camping trailers that are entirely suited for full-time living to actual tiny homes that are just smaller versions of the real deal on wheels, single- and double-wide are no longer the only options.

Customizable space: Whether you’re looking to downsize or are an interior design fiend with custom home decor dreams, you will find you can be more selective and practical with a mobile home’s condensed space. They’re designed to fit everything you need in a smaller space and provide you with the perfect opportunity to do more with less.

Age-restricted communities: It’s no secret that senior citizens make up the vast majority of mobile home communities. For that reason, many communities are still age-restricted for residents under the age of 55.

Small yards: While many people appreciate that they don’t have to maintain their home’s outdoor property, this also means that they’ll be giving up the opportunity for a big yard. Keep that in mind if you have a lot of fur babies!

Negative stereotypes: Living in a mobile home or “trailer park” has had negative connotations for some time, even though many mobile communities are clean, safe, and convenient.

Can be hard to resell or relocate: If you do decide you want to leave your mobile home, reselling can be hard as the homes have poor appreciation potential. Home transportation can also be tricky, depending on the home’s age and condition. Plus, park owners can sell the park with little notice, which can be stressful.

Mortgages can be tricky: Unfortunately, traditional mortgages are not an option for mobile homeowners, and finding a manufactured home loan can be difficult. A potential buyer may need to obtain conventional loans through establishments like Fannie Mae and government agencies like the Federal Housing Administration if they need assistance.

Our take? Go for it. Many people are challenging the stereotype of the run-down, dangerous mobile home of the past and reimagining it as a clean, safe, and modern space in a futuristic community.

If buying a traditional home terrifies you, consider mobile home living as an alternative option. For new couples just getting started in the world, young professionals investing in their careers over their housing, or even retirees looking to downsize their lifestyle to match their retirement fund better, the savings associated with mobile home living are practically too good to pass up.

Interested in a mobile home? Check out the web’s number one place to buy, sell, or rent mobile and manufactured homes: MHVillage. Or maybe you’ve found one already and need some help moving. We’ve got you covered!

1. Sydney Bennet, Apartment List, “Are Manufactured Homes a Solution to the Housing Affordability Crisis?” June 15, 2018. Accessed December 31 2022.
2. Devon Thorsby, U.S. News, “How Much Does it Cost to Buy a Mobile Home?” Jan 22, 2021. Accessed December 31 2022.