Home Buying Guide
Finding the Right Location for Your Home:
Manufactured Home Communities, Private Properties, Age-Restricted Communities & More
When deciding on the location of your new home, it’s important to consider what each potential area offers in terms of geographical area, local neighborhood and community amenities, as well as how they can accommodate your lifestyle. Consider what you want for you and your family and gather information on each location to make the most informed decision possible.
You and your family can have your factory-built home on private land in rural Arizona, or you can choose to live in one of many manufactured home communities. If you decide to purchase real estate instead of residing in a land-lease community, you will have plenty of options. You can buy a lot of land on private property or in a subdivision or you can buy land in a community with common ownership, such as a condominium or cooperative. Before you purchase your own real estate, it is crucial to take care of preliminary steps such as surveying the land, researching the zoning laws, establishing water and sewer service, and obtaining the necessary title permits. For more information, it’s best to visit a retailer or real estate agent that can guide you in the right direction, as they are familiar with the local real estate markets and can help you find the property you need.
Alternatively, you can buy or lease a home in a manufactured home community. There are several benefits to living in a land-lease community, including social or activity clubs, fitness amenities, and, of course, friendly neighbors. There are two main types of manufactured home communities:
- All-age communities – These communities are designed to accommodate families of all ages. There are no age restrictions, so families with children are welcome. These communities offer different amenities and features, so be sure to research what’s important to you in a planned community and neighborhood.
- 55+ communities – These communities typically require at least one resident in the home to be 55 years of age or older. A 55+ community – also called an age-restricted community, retirement community, or active adult community – is a place designed to accommodate the lifestyle goals of older individuals who desire affordable, low-maintenance housing inside of a development with lots of age-appropriate facilities and activities.
Finding a location to build your home is easier when you can talk to knowledgeable people in the industry. The Manufactured Housing Industry of Arizona (MHIA) website– the voice of the factory-built housing industry in Arizona – can connect you with home retailers, manufactured home communities, lenders, installers, and other service providers in our network who can assist you during the decision-making process.