Home Sweet (Mobile) Home

When I left my marriage of 33 years, I moved in with my sister. She and he sweet husband were my rock. Always available to lend a listening ear, but wise enough to let me work through my pain.

The live in a large house and they made me feel very at home. I still spend frequent weekends there, playing dominoes and spending time together.

My ex-spouse took off to California to take a job (which turned out to be a lie, but that’s a story for another day) so our marital residence remained. One adult kid left, Another adult kid left. There is one adult kid remaining in the marital residence. At some point we will sell it and split the proceeds but the question remained: where would I feather my new nest?

Before the divorce, I looked at a few adult mobile home communities. They are for ages 55 plus and many are hard to get in to. Units become available and are quickly scooped up.

One particular community was of interest to me. It was in a safe suburb in the Chicago area and had a good reputation.

I missed out on a few units because I didn’t act quickly enough. Yes, they go that fast!

A 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom unit became available and I did not hesitate this time. I put in a bit for the asking price and got the unit!

Did I ever imagine I would live in a mobile home community? Never.

But I am loving it.

Age-Restricted

If you are considering this route, be sure to look for a community that is age-restricted. These are generally for individuals who are 55 and over.

There are many, many all-age communities. While they might be fine for some, I am done raising kids and do not wish to be in a close-knit community with lots of kiddos running around, making messes.

A 55-plus community is quiet, quiet, quiet! While I see others out walking the property, they do not hold loud parties!

The residents look out for one another. In fact, one of my neighbors regularly brings in my trash can on trash day! It took me a few months to figure out who it was, but he is a blessing.

The police department regularly patrols the area. I see police cars touring the neighborhood at least twice a day.

Location, location, location

In my area, there were 3 communities I was considering. One was near my marital residence, which would have been my first preference, but the unit sold so quickly I lost out.

The other community is in a further suburb and was very attractive, with a small lake and was near a river. However, as I looked around the neighborhood, I noted a drug rehabilitation center had opened down the road. I learned, through having one of my own children in drug rehab, that I don’t want to live near a drug rehab. ‘Nuff said.

The community I eventually chose is not the prettiest area. On one side, a little bit away, it a large trucking concern. It is far enough away that it’s not noisy or concerning. On another side is an expressway! At night, I stand on my deck and can see a billboard on the highway!

The other two sides consist of a cemetery and across the road is a forest preserve.

Although the community itself is not he prettiest, I have the feeling every day that I am on vacation here! It’s hard to explain, but the area has an aura of peacefulness and calm.

Exactly what I needed!

Financial Factors

While a mobile home will not increase much in value, like a traditional home, it is incredibly economical.

My marital residence is located in one of the wealthiest suburbs in Illinois. The cost of housing, taxes, and upkeep is astronomical.

With a mobile home, you purchase the mobile home as an item of personal property. (In Illinois, they are titled with the Secretary of State, just like a car!) Then you pay rent on the lot where the home is located. I paid cash for the home, and my lot rent and most utilities come in at under $1200 per month. Oh, and the lot rent includes water and sewer, and trash removal. A local gardener does the grass and the snow for a few dollars a week.

I was really shocked at how economical this choice was. If I want/need to quit working, meeting my living expenses will be attainable.

Aesthetic

I have lots to do in terms of decorating. I took very little from my marriage and pretty much had to pull everything together from scratch, but I think I have made a good start!

Living Room