Since the 1950’s and 1960’s, mobile homes and RV parks have been a popular housing option in Florida, but does that still stand true today and will their popularity increase due to the global pandemic? If you ask us, the answer is yes! The Village of Zephyrhills is a mobile home community for seniors and veterans (ages 55+), and we’re reimaging manufactured housing to create a true village of tiny, affordable, and sustainable homes. We think that innovations like this that increase housing choice will be the trend for 2021, and we’re sharing our top five predictions for the mobile home industry with you:

1. Mobile home parks will see more upgrades.

Forget the parks of the past! Many property owners, including Kong Management Group, have invested in both mobile home properties, replacing older units with brand-new models, enhancing amenities, and upgrading security features. At The Village of Zephyrhills, you’ll find tidy landscaping, well-lit streets, clean facilities, and a welcoming community.

These modernized properties simply don’t match the old stereotypes of mobile home parks and are drawing new interest from people of all ages and walks of life. In fact, potential mobile home residents are often surprised after touring a new unit for the first time. The new homes at The Village of Zephyrhills, for example, are spacious and open, with vaulted ceilings, laminate flooring, new appliances, air conditioning, and exterior decks. The community also offers sought-after amenities like free premium Wi-Fi, a clubhouse, and a pool!

While COVID regulations did cause some changes to operations in 2020, we think that the goal of any well-managed mobile home park should be to foster a safe and healthy living environment for all residents. Moving into 2021 and beyond, The Village at Zephyrhills remains committed the cleanliness and upkeep of the community, with enhanced sanitation procedures and maintenance policies in place. For more details about The Village’s COVID response, click here.

2. Mobile homes will be key in closing the affordability gap.

Due to job layoffs and financial instability, the COVID-19 pandemic has made affordable housing even more scarce. However, we believe that mobile homes and manufactured housing will be the solution to this housing crisis, providing both homeowners and renters with low-cost choices that bridge the affordability gap.

As housing prices continue to rise, you can buy a new mobile home at fraction of the cost of traditional “brick and mortar” housing. If you are a renter, you also can save on monthly costs, allowing you to better afford other necessities!

3. More people will be looking to downsize.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many people are choosing to downsize as a way to maximize savings for an uncertain future and to better fit their current needs. Moving from a larger home to a smaller and more manageable property offers cost-savings on home expenses, creating a larger share of the budget for other things that matter to you and your family. As the pandemic continues into 2021, we feel that more and more people (of all ages) will move to mobile homes as a cost-effective alternative to brick-and-mortar homes.

This is especially true for fixed-income seniors who want to economize. In addition to the low monthly costs, age-restricted mobile home parks – like The Village of Zephyrhills – also offer added amenities, close-knit communities, and the freedom of lifestyle that many retirees are seeking. At The Village, residents say their mobile homes make everything else possible!

4. More people will consider mobile homes as vacation accommodations.

After months of quarantine in 2020, it’s no surprise that many people are planning their vacations. But the Centers for Disease Control says that cruises, airplanes, and hotels are all in the high-risk category for COVID exposure, and many travel restrictions are still in place. Experts agree that private homes and a safer option, and we believe that will cause increased demand for mobile homes as vacation rentals!

5. Parks will be booked out by February 2021.

Even with the 18 brand new units added this year, we anticipate that The Village of Zephyrhills will be fully booked by February 2021. While the winter and spring are typically busy for mobile home and RV parks in Florida, we believe that the increased demand for low-cost and flexible housing will lead to parks being full earlier than in a typical year. If you’re interested in living in a safe and secure senior community, contact The Village of Zephyrhills for a property tour today!

As we move into 2021, we believe that the mobile home industry will continue to be responsive to our community’s needs, providing both permanent housing and rental options. And The Village of Zephyrhills will continue to lead the way – so you can live your way! For more information, contact us at (866) 499-9026 or info@kongmg.com.