Through a community enhancement program, Parkbridge Lifestyle Communities has been able to update existing manufactured homes (MH) and replace old homes with new ones in Crestway Bays in Surrey, British Columbia, Canada, just outside Vancouver. Lachlan MacLean of Parkbridge, noting the 1970’s build era of many manufactured home communities (MHC) says, “ There seemed to have been building boom of them in that time. A lot of the homes in these communities date from 1973, 1974, just like in regular construction. Probably more so because it was a less tried and proven thing at the time, but what you got in 1974 doesn’t resemble in any way what you buy today.”

Today you can buy a two-bedroom, two-bath new manufactured home for $79,900, according to thenownewspaper.com. Crestway resident Don Johnson says “The difference between that and an apartment is that you get to cut your grass, you step on grass, you sit on your deck, you wash your car in your own driveway, and you plant your flowers,” Johnson said. “In that sense, (it’s) hard to give up and move into an apartment where you can’t turn your music up (or) watch a movie.” The sense of a community derives from a center where residents create their own activities with social committees, and a swimming pool, as well as the usual neighborliness of tending gardens and lawns, and cooking out, as MHProNews understands. Johnson: “We have a little dog, a lot of people walk their dogs, you know, you run into the same people at the same time every day. It’s a good feeling.” ##

(Image credit: Parkbridge Lifestyle Communities)