Mobile Home Park vs. Mobile Home Co-op: What’s the Difference?

When people think about moving into a manufactured or mobile home, one of the biggest questions that comes up is where the home will sit. In New Hampshire, two of the most common options are:

1. Living in a mobile home park (lot rent model), or


2. Living in a resident-owned community (co-op).

Both can be great choices depending on your goals, but they work very differently. Here’s a breakdown to help you understand the pros and cons of each.

Mobile Home Parks (Privately Owned Land)

In a traditional mobile home park, you own the home but rent the land from the park owner. Your monthly lot rent typically covers the land use and sometimes utilities such as water, sewer, or trash.

Pros:

• Lower upfront cost than purchasing land.


• Park may handle certain maintenance.


• Less responsibility than single-family home ownership.

Cons:

• Rent can increase at the owner’s discretion (within NH laws).


• You must follow park rules and policies.


• Limited equity growth since you don’t own the land.


• If the park is sold, residents may face uncertainty.

Mobile Home Co-ops (Resident-Owned Communities)

New Hampshire is actually a national leader in resident-owned communities (ROCs), thanks to ROC-NH. In a co-op, the residents collectively own the land through a cooperative association. Each household buys a share in the co-op (usually a few hundred dollars), while still owning their individual home.

Pros:

• Residents make the rules and vote on major decisions.


• More stability and protection from outside investors.


• Monthly lot fees tend to be more predictable than in privately-owned parks.


• Creates a sense of community ownership and pride.

Cons:

• You still pay a monthly fee to the co-op.


• Decisions are made collectively—sometimes requiring compromise.


• Participation in community meetings may be expected.

Which is Right for You?

If you’re looking for low upfront cost and minimal involvement, a privately-owned park may work for you. If you prefer stability, control, and community, a co-op could be the better fit.

Either way, moving into a manufactured home can be a more affordable way to live in New Hampshire, especially as housing prices continue to rise.