If you’re looking to move, then you’ve probably chosen what type of housing you’ll end up in. Will it be an apartment, a townhome? A stick-built residence, a condo? This decision usually comes down to what you can afford in your area. Apartment living is definitely the most well known affordable housing option, with over 50 million Americans renting apartments (nmhc.org). But there are more affordable, more spacious alternatives.
20 million Americans live in manufactured homes (US census), with more and more making the move each year. They’re in the minority compared to apartment dwellers, but we think they know something that other people don’t. If you’re on the market for a new place to live, and you’re considering renting an apartment, read on to understand why so many Americans are making the switch from apartments to manufactured homes.
When you pay rent to live in an apartment each month, you’re putting money towards something that you don’t own. Renting seems like the most affordable option at first, but how much of your money are you giving away? When you pay rent, you’ll never see that money again.
But did you know you could purchase a 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom manufactured home for a similar cost of renting a one-bedroom apartment? Plus, you can build equity on those monthly payments, without the huge expenses associated with buying a stick-built home. When you buy a manufactured home in a land-lease community, you own the home you live in: which means if you ever want to sell it, you can see some money back from those payments you make every month.
Plus, buying or renting manufactured homes are often as affordable or more affordable than renting apartments in certain areas. So even if you’re not ready to buy a manufactured home, you can save money by renting a manufactured home in a land-lease community, instead of renting a unit in an apartment.
When your home is your own, you can do what you want with it! In most apartments, you’ll be limited when it comes to personalizing your space: no painting the walls or replacing the hardware. Dream on if you’re not crazy about the kitchen in your apartment, because those cabinets and countertops are there to stay.
When you buy a manufactured home, you’re free to customize the home’s interior however you’d like before you even move in. Many land-lease communities have lots available for brand new, made-to-order manufactured homes, which means you can design the home to look just how you want it to.
Speaking of freedom, remember the person who lived in the apartment next to you who always complained about noise? When you’re not sharing walls, you’re free to do what you want, when you want: crank up the volume on your TV, have guests over late, or even play your drum kit in the early hours before work… There’s no one on the other side of the wall to hear you.
Which brings us to: privacy. When your property is truly your own, that privacy goes both ways. Not only will your neighbors not have to hear what you’re up to, but also you won’t have to hear them. No more upstairs neighbor doing burpees and jumping jacks while you’re trying to relax.
Not to mention, at an apartment complex, outside amenities are shared fully amongst residents. If you’re lucky enough to have a balcony, chances are it’s immediately next to, above, or below someone else’s. When you own or rent a manufactured home in a land-lease community, you’ll have a lot all to yourself: so get outside and enjoy your yard without having to cross paths with the neighbors unless they’re invited.
If you’ve ever lived in an apartment or duplex without enough dedicated parking spaces, you’re probably all too familiar with how frustrating that can be. Let’s face it: street parking is never ideal. Your car is at risk of getting dinged up on the street, and there’s always a chance you’ll end up having to walk a block or two (or more) just to get to your home from your car.
At a land-lease community, you’ll have your own driveway, which means you’ll always have spots for you and your guests.
And all that extra space isn’t just for your car. In many cases, your options for manufactured housing will be more affordable and more spacious, especially in urban areas where apartments tend to be tinier and more expensive. Most new manufactured homes come with laundry rooms, walk-in closets, 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, and open floor plans that give you and your cohabitants space to breathe. Storage is no issue, with plenty of cabinet and closet space inside of the home. Plus, outside most homes come with storage sheds for your tools, bikes and lawn furniture.
Don’t need 3 bedrooms, or a home office? There are smaller manufactured homes available too, but seriously, consider the possibilities of an extra room. It’s a space where your dreams can live. Take up crafting in it. Lay down a mat and throw in some affordable exercise equipment for a home gym. Make it a game room for the kids so their toy mess no longer lives in the living room, or stock it with a bar and a mini fridge for the adults. The possibilities are endless.
“But what about my amenities?” You might say. Nicer apartment complexes sometimes come with fitness centers, recreation areas, a pool, on-site maintenance or clubhouses, and we can understand how those can be hard to give up. The good news is that many manufactured home land-lease communities have those amenities, too.
Like home manufacturer Clayton says in their video, with your “beautiful, affordable slice of the world to call your own,” you could truly have it made.
It’s time to ditch the shared walls for green grass and privacy. You can have the lifestyle and the home that you’ve dreamt of, without taking on the burden of an expensive land purchase.
To start designing your picture-perfect dream home, visit UMHSalesCenter.com, and find a land-lease community near you with UMH’s community finder. It’s time to create a home to call your own: one with more space, more privacy, and more amenities than the apartment options you’ve been considering.
Discover the True Value of Manufactured Homes: Unlocking the Value of Manufactured Home Living We’re here to delve into the value of manufactured homes by UMH Properties, Inc. As experts in owning and operating affordable housing communities, we aim to shed light on determining their worth. We’ll explore all aspects, from resale and market values […]
March 25, 2024
Complete Home Maintenance Checklist: Stay Prepared with Our Complete Winter Home Maintenance Checklist! At UMH Properties, Inc., we understand that home maintenance can sometimes feel like a never-ending task. It’s as if there’s always something that needs fixing or updating. That’s why we’ve created our complete home maintenance checklist, designed to help homeowners stay on […]
January 31, 2024
What You Need To Know About The Cost of Prefabricated Homes! At UMH Properties, Inc., we provide a range of prefabricated home options to suit different budgets and needs. As a leading provider of manufactured and modular homes, we understand the key factors that impact costs and aim to offer beautiful prefabricated homes at competitive […]
January 20, 2024
As seniors age, they and their families will start making decisions about the care and safety of their future. While each senior's situation and needs are different, there are many great choices
July 4, 2021
As seniors age, priorities change and life takes on a new perspective. Many seniors find themselves unable to maintain the strains of a large home, no longer feel safe living on their own, or simply seek a new environment, closer to family and friends. When seniors enter into the next phase of their lives, they […]
June 30, 2021
Take advantage of the next stage of life with all the information you need on retirement in Vineland, NJ. From full nursing care facilities to independent living communities, there is a retirement option for all family needs. As Vineland area residents hit their retirement goals and begin looking towards their next stage in life, many […]
May 20, 2021
Discover all the ways affordable independent living for seniors can create a vibrant and supportive lifestyle for the seniors in your family. Our affordable independent living community options by UMH Properties, Inc. provide assistance with activities, affordable housing options for residents, and additional services to make life for seniors comfortable and enjoyable. With special communities […]
March 21, 2021
Senior living communities have been helping seniors with amenities, daily assistance, memory care, and medical support. When moving into the next stage of life, many seniors and their families begin to ask questions, like what level of care do they need, what is the average cost of senior living communities, or how will daily living […]
March 21, 2021
Find out how to achieve the lifestyle and property you’ve been searching for at a price you can afford with this beginners guide to manufactured home living. Whether you’re looking to downsize your empty nest, you’re ready to invest in the purchase of your first home, or you want to rent a property you can […]
January 30, 2021
Annual Capital Improvements for Your Home There are many ways to plan the future of your home to provide an investment return. One effective way to grow your home’s equity and provide yearly monetary gain is through a plan of annual capital improvements for your home. What are Annual Capital Improvements Annual capital improvements are […]
January 30, 2021
Manufactured homes are the perfect solution to America’s affordable housing crisis. Here’s why. For years, America has been in an affordable housing crisis. With home prices rising, more Americans are either moving in with family members or trapped in an expensive renting cycle. Those who can afford to own their own home often settle for […]
July 25, 2018
Approximately 2-3 million households in the United States live in manufactured housing communities, according to the 2013 American Housing Survey. As the standards of manufactured housing have increased, so have the number of Americans considering manufactured housing as a high-quality, affordable option. The question is, who lives in the modern manufactured home community these days, […]
January 29, 2018
From our restaurant portions to the cars that we drive, it seems like the United States was built on the mantra that bigger is better. Which is why it’s so surprising that something many refer to as “The Tiny House Movement” could sweep the nation by storm. And yet, Instagram feeds, internet blogs and even […]
December 27, 2017
When you think of the Baseball Hall of Fame, great players like Hank Aaron and Joe DiMaggio jump to mind. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame has honored hundreds of all-time musical greats like The Beatles, Aretha Franklin and David Bowie. But there’s another hall of fame you may not have heard of, […]
August 3, 2017
UMH Properties, Inc. – 50 Years in the Business Happy 50th Birthday to UMH Properties, Inc.! UMH Properties, Inc. is proud to announce its 50th year of business. What started as United Mobile Homes, Inc. in 1968, is now a publicly traded company known as UMH Properties, Inc. Operating in eight states throughout […]
July 10, 2017
Port Royal Village chosen as Land-Lease Community of the Year UMH Properties, Inc. is proud to announce the Port Royal Village community has been awarded the 2017 Land-Lease Community of the Year by the Manufactured Housing Institute. UMH Properties, Inc. CEO, Sam Landy, accepted the award at the 2017 National Congress & Expo in […]
June 6, 2017
The housing market hasn’t been kind to young, new-home buyers for more than a decade. At this point, housing is the largest part of family expenses, while health care costs continue to climb. Any money that’s saved on food, clothing, and transportation has been offset by both mortgage and rent. New homes aren’t being built […]
March 7, 2017
As the oil and natural gas industry continues to generate more jobs in areas that are within the Marcellus and Utica Shale basin, the need for affordable housing near extraction sites will grow. In many cases, depending upon the scope of the project, oil and gas workers will be on site for years at a […]
January 3, 2017
Like many people, the Millennial generation, those born between 1980 – 2000, list “owning a home” as one of their goals for the future. In past decade, however, housing prices have skyrocketed in many areas, and Millennials have a particularly hard time saving enough money to buy a home for many reasons: Many cities […]
November 2, 2016
According to a report that was recently released by Harvard University’s Joint Center for Housing Studies, there’s been more than a 30% increase in the number of households that are economically hampered by the amount they pay in rent. That’s likely because rent, which has been a stable option in the past for those […]
November 2, 2016
When you think about celebrity homes, what comes to mind? Probably a $10 million mansion with several pools, a movie theater, a sport court, and a huge kitchen, all set on many acres of property. The sheer size of most of these homes certainly catches the eye, but it’s not like anyone could actually afford […]
October 6, 2016
Most home buyers are not only looking for the perfect house, but also for particular features that have become popular in the past decade. The National Association of Realtors ® reports that eat-in kitchens and ample storage areas are some of the top reasons why buyers choose particular homes. At the same time, many […]
July 7, 2016
Although the terms “manufactured home” and “mobile home” are used interchangeably, they are completely different products. Mobile homes haven't been constructed since the mid-1970s, when the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) established stringent construction guidelines. In the place of mobile homes, the manufactured home industry took off and started to offer spacious […]
May 24, 2016
Buying a starter home is a longstanding tradition for young people and their families. In the past 15 years, however, the prices of starter homes—and we’re talking about starter homes in mid-population cities—have soared to more than $150,000. In California, it’s even higher, with several cities in that state topping $350,000 or more for starter […]
April 28, 2016
If you are considering a move, there’s more to think about than living in a beautiful home. You’ll also want to consider the area you’re moving to, the surroundings, and the people who will become your neighbors. Many homeowners believe that what’s around them (or, in some cases, NOT around them) is just as important […]
March 21, 2016
Drops of sweat form at the temples. Pulses skip a beat. As April 15th nears, many taxpayers are scrambling to file their federal state and tax returns. But if you’re one of the nearly 80% of Americans who will receive a refund of hundreds—or even thousands—of dollars, you’re doing a happy dance. Now, the question […]
February 25, 2016
As the United States shakes off the last vestiges of a recession that has affected every area of the country, and the Federal Reserve has hiked its key interest rate for the first time in many years, everyone is watching to see what’s going to happen with the job market. A more pertinent question would […]
February 25, 2016
After the financial crisis of 2008, mortgage lending rules were adjusted in a way that made it difficult to save enough for a down payment for a house. Prospective homeowners now need larger down payments and higher credit scores in order to close a mortgage loan. However, it may take years to save up enough […]
November 9, 2015
Nestled in the heart of the resplendent New Jersey town of Millville, Fairview Manor, a premier UMH Properties, Inc. community, has been selected as the 2014 Best Manufactured Housing Community by The Daily Journal. UMH Properties prides itself in progressing and cultivating high-quality manufactured home communities, and it is truly an honor and a privilege […]
August 4, 2015
Sam Landy is the CEO of UMH Properties, Inc., a Freehold, New Jersey based Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT), for over two decades. Having fostered the company’s eminent success and rapid growth in the manufactured home market, Sam Landy takes great pride in working within his industry, as well as the prosperity of his firm. […]
July 6, 2015
In the past, a lot of people thought of manufactured homes as the awkward stepchild of other houses. They couldn’t be more wrong. After doing some research, it’s easy to see manufactured houses are some of the most affordable homes on the market. These houses are built in climate-controlled environments, usually in fewer than two […]
May 28, 2015
Making the best use of closet space in manufactured homes is much easier and more affordable than you might think. Here are four simple ways to maximize your closet. 1) Hang more with rods and soda tabs Quadruple your space for hanging clothes by adding an extra row of clothing rods and then slipping soda […]
May 18, 2015
Whether on a Florida shoreline or in the middle of a Kansas cornfield, manufactured homes are the perfect candidates for cozy, beach-themed getaways—and you don't even have to get away to enjoy them. Here are five tips for creating your own tropical oasis. 1) Paint with Beachy Colors Painting with colors from light brown and […]
May 15, 2015
Your manufactured home is your castle, and you want it to stand out from all the others. But how? The options seem nearly endless. You might not have as much of a yard to work with as others do, but that does not mean you can't work to maximize your space and help it achieve […]
May 12, 2015
Imagine you've been looking for a simple but noticeable way to make your manufactured home stand out from the rest, but you’re having a hard time coming up with just the right touch. Shutters are a simple and relatively cheap way to get just what you're looking for, and they have the extra advantage of […]
May 8, 2015
At some point, everyone wants a change in their surroundings, regardless of the size of their dwelling. When you live in a manufactured home, it might initially seem like the process would be somewhat easier, especially if you have a smaller space to work with. However, there are some unique challenges when it comes to […]
May 7, 2015
When you own a manufactured home, you've got a unique set of challenges to consider. Being mindful of your space makes all the difference, so consider these points for the maintenance and continued welfare of your home. Keep the Outside Pristine It might seem like a huge hassle to regularly wash the outside of your […]
May 5, 2015
So, you think your manufactured home is in need of a breath of fresh air? We've all been there, but the process of making the change can seem daunting. You don't have to go all out and make your space unrecognizable. In fact, if you're on a budget and concerned about sticking to it, you'd […]
May 4, 2015
At some point, everyone gets sick of their living spaces, be it a manufactured home or a massive mansion on a hill. However, when you're living in a small space, it can seem like there isn't much you can do to breathe new life into your home. With a little creativity and elbow grease, however, […]
April 30, 2015
If you live in a manufactured home, odds are that you have wondered how you could better utilize your space. It might seem difficult to live small without overwhelming clutter, but you might be surprised to learn that there are several steps you can take to make your limited space really count. Shine a Little […]
April 30, 2015
All homes depreciate over time if not properly maintained, but with manufactured homes, the process can sometimes move more quickly. This depreciation is similar to the way that cars can quickly lose value over time. After you have your property appraised to determine its exact worth, you can get to work on these simple yet […]
April 24, 2015
Decorating a manufactured home is a unique but fun challenge. Just like in any other small home or apartment, residents want to maximize space without limiting style or their own personal flair. Thankfully, top decorators and home designers have developed foolproof methods of opening up even the most cramped space without sacrificing an inch of […]
April 23, 2015
Most homeowners agree that any enhancement they can make to their property that will save them money in the long run is a good one! At the same time, most of us are looking for ways we can lessen our impact on the environment. Fortunately, there are lots of things you can do to your […]
February 18, 2015
The holidays are here and in full swing! One of the favorite pastimes during this time of year is decorating. If you live in a manufactured home, there are a few tips you can follow to make the most of your decorating efforts. These are some our favorites: 1. Don't go too big with your […]
February 18, 2015
There’s no doubt you have a laundry list of preparations to complete if you’re awaiting the arrival of a new baby in your life. Among the most important of those preparations is childproofing your manufactured home. While it may not seem like it at first glance, there are dozens, if not hundreds, of everyday dangers […]
February 13, 2015
If you live in a manufactured home located in a high-risk area for hurricane impact, you should always be proactive in the prevention of water damage from hurricanes. Here are five ways to help protect your home. 1. Seal gaps. Windows and doors should be completely sealed. Replace damaged caulking. Inspect areas around […]
February 5, 2015
An old stereotype holds that manufactured homes are more vulnerable to storm and disaster damage than traditionally built homes. It’s possible that this idea comes from Hollywood or local news footage of tornadoes ripping through trailer parks, leaving piles of rubble in their wake. It's time this myth was debunked. First off, a manufactured home […]
February 2, 2015
Winter weather can be severe and frightening at times. If you have a manufactured home, you’ll want to take a few steps to protect your roof in advance. Here are five ways to help prevent roof damage from heavy snow. 1. Use a roof rake. Find these tools at your local hardware store, and use […]
January 29, 2015
New homeowners ask the same question: How do I customize my new manufactured home to feel like me? In many ways, a new house can feel like a blank canvas, ready to absorb your personality and become a statement of who you are. This can be exciting, but it can also be intimidating. If you’re […]
January 27, 2015
It is not unusual for new home shoppers to go straight to the nearest builder and check out the models. However, these folks are really missing out on some terrific options. Manufactured homes have made great strides in the last 30 years, and it is now possible to get affordable and high-quality deals. What […]
January 20, 2015
A manufactured home can present an interesting challenge when it comes to obtaining financing. You see, financing is often based on a number of factors and certain requirements. People searching for loans may all have different situations, and you must decide which loans offer the best deal for your circumstances. Let’s examine the requirements for […]
January 16, 2015
When you purchase a home from a builder, you can easily stop by and watch the construction of your new home. However, a manufactured home is constructed at the factory, and you won't be able to watch the building progress. This guide explains the typical building process and timelines to expect from the factory. […]
January 13, 2015
Hurricanes and tornadoes can deliver pretty high wind speeds. They are often erratic in nature, and wind speeds can increase in just an instant. Storms of this magnitude often make homeowners question whether their home could survive. Some homeowners with site-built homes may believe they are not as vulnerable as folks that live in a […]
January 5, 2015
Why would millions of people purchase a manufactured home if they didn't expect it to retain some value? These homes are very affordable, well constructed, and in high demand. Lets see how appreciation factors, regulations, and construction qualities could affect home appreciation values. Home Appreciation Market factors determine whether a home will appreciate […]
January 2, 2015
Americans purchase thousands of manufactured homes each year. These homes are assembled in a factory and then placed on the homeowner’s leased or owned property. Purchasing a “manufactured” home is far more affordable than a traditional site-built house, making homeownership more realistic for many middle and lower-income families. If you are in the market for […]
December 29, 2014
Economic times are tough, and many families all across America are making the decision to purchase manufactured homes. These high-quality, fully customizable houses are factory built according to a strict code and can be tailored to your exact specifications. No matter what your family's unique needs may be, a manufactured home is the smart, affordable […]
December 26, 2014
There are many different types and styles of manufactured homes available. Learn more about the options and decide which might be right for your family. Manufactured homes allow millions of American families to experience the pride of homeownership each year. These quality homes are built in one-fifth the time and often at half the […]
December 22, 2014
Manufactured homes are built according to a strict set of building guidelines. Learn more about how these residences are actually constructed. Since the 1960s, manufactured homes have risen in popularity both as vacation homes and permanent residences. In 1978, the national building code, nicknamed HUD, was established by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban […]
December 19, 2014
A manufactured home can be the perfect solution to your housing needs. Find out the advantages of this structure versus a traditional on-site home. Homeownership is part of the great American dream. Nearly every family dreams of owning their own home and building a place to grow old, raise a family, and eventually retire. […]
December 17, 2014
Chairman and Founder of UMH Properties, Inc., Eugene Landy, is featured in an interview with MHProNews’ Tony Kovach. They discuss the progress of UMH Properties, Inc. and the manufactured housing market. Click this link to watch this interview on MHProNews: http://www.mhmarketingsalesmanagement.com/home/featured-articles/june-2014/138-general-manufactured-housing-industry-topics/7676-inside-manufactured-housing-a-video-with-eugene-landy-chairman-and-founder-of-umh-properties-manufactured-home-communities-investing-and-industry-outlook
June 2, 2014
Regardless of price point, factory-built homes are the cost effective way to create quality housing. Based on factory built housing’s indisputable cost advantage, factory built homes should increase market share compared to other forms of housing. The increase in manufactured home shipments occurred every decade but the last one. The billions lost in conventional […]
March 3, 2014
The profile of the average manufactured homeowner has certainly shifted. Chances are, prospected home buyers will have more in common with residents inhabiting manufactured homes than not. Below we have gathered a list of people that fit the description of your new neighbors. Without further adieu, let's introduce them. The Downsizers The Downsizers have been […]
April 29, 2013
Find out why manufactured homes are the hottest trend in housing: AFFORDABILITY Manufactured home prices are a big draw for families searching for a peaceful, affordable place to live. On average, a double-wide manufactured home in Pennsylvania will cost around $62,000. The average price of a similar size site-built home is not even comparable to […]
April 25, 2013