When it comes to finding a place to live, there are definitely some housing options. If by chance, you have found yourself trying to decide between renting an apartment or a mobile home, then you have come to the right place. Both living situations have pros and cons. But, deciding which is right for you may involve a little more research. Thus, in order to assist you with your decision, here is a quick synopsis of whether it is better to rent an apartment or mobile home.
The truth is there are a few reasons why mobile homes for rent speak to a certain group of people versus apartments. For starters, when you choose to rent a mobile or manufactured home, you get more bang for your buck. Moreover, especially with everything that is going on right now, a mobile or manufactured residence has more square footage, which is ideal for home offices and remote learning areas.
In contrast, apartments for rent might be a better living situation for individuals looking for affordable housing near major cities. Furthermore, you tend to get a few more amenities with apartments than you would with a mobile home. That said, there are still a few reasons why even if you have not seen yourself as a mobile home person in the past, you may want to start seeing yourself as one now.
Rent Is Less Expensive
As briefly mentioned, there is this common misconception that renting an apartment is more affordable than renting a mobile or manufactured home. But, for the amount of space, along with the added home comforts, renting a mobile home is actually more affordable. Plus, renting a mobile home is cheaper than purchasing a traditional home or condo/townhouse. So, if you are looking to maximize the extra money you save each month renting a mobile home or if you simply prefer access to a place of your own that feels like an actual home then, renting a manufactured residence might be the best option for you.
Attractive
Manufactured or mobile residences are also more attractive, both inside and out these days. Plus, you have a little more control over how the exterior and interior look when it comes time to decorate your living space. In fact, today’s mobile homes revive some of the best luxurious stick-built or traditional houses around.
Environmentally Friendly
Yet another perk to renting a manufactured home is that you likely have the latest technology and energy-efficient appliances, and so much more. Thus, if you care about climate change and reducing your carbon footprint, then you may want to consider renting a manufactured or mobile home. A few other notable energy-saving items with a mobile home include energy star certified heating and cooling equipment, high-performance windows, superior insulations, and highly efficient hot water systems. The nice thing here is that you also save on your monthly utility bills thanks to having a more environmentally friendly home.
You Get Space of Your Own
Renting an apartment might mean that you do not have a private outdoor space that is all your own or not enough outdoor space. Thus, mobile and manufactured residences rank high in the available outdoor space, outdoor storage, a driveway, and more. Though some apartment communities do offer units with a small private balcony or patio, it is often nothing compared to the outdoor backyard, deck, and so on that come with mobile home living.
More Privacy
Along those same lines, with more space comes more privacy. Not only does living in a mobile or manufactured residence mean you have more personal space, but it also means you do not have to share a wall, an entryway, or your private conversations with your neighbors. Plus, with that environmentally friendly insulation, any additional outdoor noise can easily be drowned out, making it easier to live, work, and play in the comfort of your own mobile residence.
Pet Friendliness
Both apartments and mobile/manufactured homes tend to be pet friendly these days. However, there tends to be more pet amenities available when you rent a mobile or manufactured residence. What’s more, there is additional space, like your backyard, for your pet or dog to run around in with a leash or invisible fence, of course. Most apartment communities also have breed and weight restrictions. In contrast, mobile home communities tend to be more welcoming to all pets, and as long as you follow their park rules/leash laws, then you can pretty much have your four-legged best friend with you at all times.
Access to Community Activities
Moreover, since mobile home communities tend to feel like more of a suburban neighborhood then a multifamily housing building, there are often more communal activities like picnics, fireworks displays, management sponsored events, and more. That is not to say that apartment communities do not put on special events for their residents, but rather that people are more inclined to participate in such events in a mobile home community.
Suburban Community Amenities
Likewise, mobile or manufactured residences for rent in mobile parks or communities typically offer their residents more suburban-like amenities. This means there are often community gardens, community centers, playgrounds, large open green spaces, dog parks, and more. On the other hand, Apartment living may have a clubhouse or a designated pet potty area and a picnic area. But, if you are looking for an overall suburban feel, then you know which option is better suited for your needs.
To Downsize/Start Fresh
Last but not least, with apartment living, you have to learn to live in a smaller space. As a result, you are likely making use of available onsite storage, a storage unit down the road, and you probably have some of your belongings still at your parents/family’s house. Yet, when you opt for mobile home living, there is often more of a need to downsize, be organized, and even start fresh. Since you are renting a home, there is often less of a need to have all this stuff that you do not even use, nor is it worth the cost of paying for additional storage anymore.
Why There is No Clear Winner
Despite the fact that there are several reasons that a manufactured or mobile home might work better for you and your family, the reality is that only you know which one is right for you. For instance, if you prefer city living, do not have a pet, and do not need extra square footage, then apartment living might be for you. Alternatively, if you have a family, a pet, and what to have a real sense of community with some added privacy, then mobile home living might be the better option for you and your family. The point here is that it depends on your particular set of circumstances and what you are looking for out of your next living space or situation.
Take Away
At the end of the day, figuring out whether you should rent an apartment or a mobile home is a personal decision only you can make. That said, if you are ready to get a taste of home ownership or what it feels like to live in a suburban neighborhood, then it may be time to weigh the pros and cons of mobile home living. If you find that you are not quite ready for additional space and responsibility, that is perfectly fine too. There is no denying that apartment living has its perks as well, especially when it comes to amenities.
