Just like there’s a difference between a mobile home and an RV, there’s a difference between the parks that are home to each. Mobile home parks and RV parks are both popular alternatives to traditional housing options, like buying or renting a house or even apartment living. They’re usually more affordable options, though you might want to try them out ahead of time to make sure living in an RV or mobile home suits your lifestyle.
What Are The Main Differences Between An RV Park And Mobile Home Park?
Surprisingly, there are quite a few differences between RV parks and mobile home parks, so we’ll start with the main ones that are likely to impact your daily life as you search for a place to call home.
1. Amenities
Living in an RV park may be right up your alley if you’re all about those perks and the resort-style life. RV parks offer basic amenities like showers, restrooms, and on-site laundry. Resorts tend to provide more amenities, including outdoor recreation areas (sports courts), swimming pools, hiking trails, walking paths, playgrounds, dog parks, etc.
Mobile home parks usually have fewer extras and amenities. Each property has its own laundry hookup, plus at least one restroom and shower, so there’s no need for community facilities. As with RV parks, you will likely have a shared space, whether a community building or a local park.
2. Community
Speaking of community, if you’re looking for long-term relationships with your neighbors, your best bet is to put down roots in a mobile home park. Residents of these properties usually stay much longer than those in RV parks since the residents either own the mobile home or rent long-term.
Many RVers own their rigs (though some do rent them), and they often move from place to place and don’t stay in one spot for more than a short time. Full-time RVers are the exception, with many of these people choosing to live in RV parks year-round, giving them more of an opportunity to form friendships and community with fellow full-time RVers.
3. Living Spaces
If you plan to travel a lot in the future, then living in an RV park may be right for you. You can stay in one place for a few months before moving on to another and making it your temporary home base–before moving on yet again. A major perk of an RV is the mobility that comes with it–being able to transport your house on wheels from one RV park to the next until you find one you want to stay in for a while.
Despite their name, mobile homes are less than mobile. You can’t decide to pack up and move your house halfway across the country. Technically, you could, but it would take much more effort than living in an RV. That’s not to say there isn’t something to having a stable environment and calling one town your home.
4. Utilities
With mobile home living, you’re responsible for your property and utilities. You’ll pay your rent or mortgage, trash pickup or dumpster fees, water, sewer, Wi-Fi (if needed), and electricity.
RV parks’ monthly rates usually include water, sewer, dumpster fees, or trash pickup. Most parks also include Wi-Fi, but they don’t usually include electricity.
5. Management
RV parks usually have management present 24/7 due to the number of people who check in and out daily. With so many people in and out of the park, management needs to be close by to make sure things run smoothly and be sure that everything stays clean and orderly. Plus, they may need to be on hand to deal with any emergencies or guest issues that come up.
Mobile home park management is usually a lot more relaxed. Since the residents are more permanent, management doesn’t always have to be present because people aren’t constantly checking in and out. There may be instances where management has to deal with some of the residents’ complaints, but these are usually on an as-needed basis and don’t require them to be at the park full-time (though some managers live on-site).
Which Park Is Best For You?
A mobile home park is an excellent place for your family to thrive, make friends, and build community. This option is great for those looking for the opportunity to stay in one town and be close to work, good schools, or even family and friends. You might see fewer amenities at a mobile home park, but you will benefit from long-term housing, which may help you have better peace of mind in the long run.
On the other hand, RV parks may satisfy the adventurer in you. If you jump at the chance to explore new places and see new things, RVing is the best way to experience this lifestyle without sacrificing all the comforts of home. RV resorts typically have amenities like pools, community buildings, outdoor areas, and practical facilities like laundry, showers, and restrooms. Whether your stay is long or short, choose an RV resort that feels like home as long as your visit lasts.
RVing? Choose Albuquerque Tijeras Mountain RV Resort
If you’re looking for an RV resort in the mountains of New Mexico, look no further than Albuquerque Tijeras Mountain RV Resort. Our goal is to make your stay as enjoyable and convenient as possible. We welcome short- and long-term travelers, so you can call our park home for as long as you want.
Call us at (505) 281-3363 today to book your site or make your reservations online!