Residential Communities Now Accepting Manufactured Homes As “Real Homes”

Today’s manufactured homes are truly the only quality affordable housing in America. Assuming that is a true statement, and it is, why are manufactured homes not permitted on private property and in residential neighborhoods and communities across the country?

A majority of the today’s modern manufactured homes are placed on rural private property, not in towns or cities. Municipal planners and housing regulators have long held beliefs and myths that mobile homes are only purchased by “poor” families and that these kind of homes negatively impact the values of the adjoining properties. Fortunately these beliefs an inaccurate assumptions are beginning to change.

More towns,cities and counties across the nation are beginning to realize that manufactured homes truly are an affordable housing alternative and an important source of tax revenues. City planners and officials have also determined that manufactured homes do not depreciate the value of nearby properties and that the socioeconomic status of today’s manufactured home owners is no different than site-built home owners.

Below are some recent news reports that illustrate that manufactured homes, or mobile homes, deserve to be considered and treated like “real homes”:

*Massachusetts–State legislation passed 43 years ago, Chapter 40B, requires that a percentage of available housing in the state to be deemed affordable. Mobile homes were excluded in the affordable housing equations.

As more housing has become increasingly expensive, municipal officials are trying to persuade state officials that manufactured homes should be included in the consideration of affordable housing to meet requirements of the legislation.

Rep. Susan Gifford, R-Wareham wants communities to be able to count mobile homes as affordable homes. “Clearly I don’t think anyone can dispute that these are affordable homes,” she said. “While 40B was written with the best of intentions, it has become a detriment to some communities,”  Gifford concluded.

*Kentucky–An eastern Kentucky mayor wants his city to rethink a ban on mobile homes within the city limits.

Loyall Mayor Clarence Longworth says allowing the mobile homes – with some restrictions – could help offset the shrinking tax base and give the city a boost in a struggling economy.

“I think its time we look at the ordinance we have banning mobile homes in the city,” said Longworth. “We can put stipulations on the ordinance and allow only mobile homes that meet the fire codes.” (Editor’s note: HUD requirements on fire safety will most likely be superior to local codes.)

Here at ManufacturedHomes.com we have posted numerous blog articles detailing the many advantages of manufactured homeownership. You are welcome to use this information to enlighten local officials that don’t understand today’s manufactured homes. Suggested articles that would be helpful are just a click away

Impact of Manufactured Homes on Communities——Manufactured Homes: Myth vs. Reality—–10 Reasons Why Manufactured Homes are Better Than Site-Built——Not a Mobile Home Anymore—–Site-Built Prices Soar: Affordability Gap Widens