Categories
Manufactured Homes

Three Key Advantages of Buying a Manufactured Home vs. a Stick-Built Home

Three Key Advantages of Buying a Manufactured Home vs. a Stick-Built Home

Manufactured Homes Are Cost-Effective, Energy Efficient, and Often Embedded in Community

When it comes to purchasing a home, prospective buyers often weigh the pros and cons of various types of housing. Manufactured homes, sometimes known as mobile homes, present a distinct set of advantages compared to traditional stick-built homes. While each option has its unique benefits, here are three key advantages of opting for a manufactured home.

1. COST EFFECTIVENESS

One of the most compelling reasons to consider a manufactured home is its cost-effectiveness. Manufactured homes typically come with a lower price tag compared to traditional stick-built homes. This affordability is largely due to the efficient construction process, which takes place in a factory setting. Because manufactured homes are built on assembly lines, with streamlined production techniques and bulk purchasing of materials, the overall cost is significantly reduced.

For many buyers, especially first-time homeowners or those looking to downsize, the lower price point of manufactured homes makes homeownership more accessible. Reduced costs don’t only apply to the purchase price; many manufactured homes are designed to be energy-efficient, potentially leading to lower utility bills in the long run.

If the manufactured home is already built by a company like Casa Park Homes and within a community like one of Monte Christo’s on the west coast, you may have built-in financing options through partner companies they work with, making the buying process a bit simpler. Additionally, these management companies often run special offers, like Monte Christo’s $5,000 buyer rebate on new manufactured homes.

Manufactured Home with front porch in the Clear Creek Estates community in French Gulch, CA
Manufactured Home in Clear Creek Estates | French Gulch, CA

2. ENERGY EFFICIENCY AND MODERN FEATURES

Many modern manufactured homes are designed with energy efficiency in mind, featuring high-quality insulation, energy-efficient windows, and advanced HVAC systems. Additionally, they often include contemporary design elements and upgrades that might be more expensive or less commonly found in older stick-built homes.

Additionally, manufactured homes are built in a controlled factory environment (like Clayton Homes’ and Champion Homes’), so the construction process is less susceptible to weather delays and other external factors that can slow down the building of traditional stick-built homes. As a result, manufactured homes can often be completed in a fraction of the time it takes to build a conventional home.

If you are looking to move into a brand new home quickly, this expedited construction timeline translates into a quicker move-in date. For buyers eager to settle into their new home or those facing time constraints, the ability to move into a new manufactured home sooner can be a significant advantage. The efficiency of the factory assembly line and pre-built components mean that what would take months to achieve with traditional construction can be accomplished in a matter of weeks. There are also many already-built manufactured homes that are embedded in communities, which brings us to our next point.

Clayton Fairpoint Manufactured Home large bathroom staged
Clayton Fairpoint | Manufactured Home | Large Bathroom

3. EMBEDDED IN COMMUNITY

If you are looking for a quick close on a home or prefer to skip the construction process altogether, opt for a manufactured home in an established private community. Typically, a manufactured home is built within or moved to an established neighborhood of fellow MH dwellers. Well-maintained manufactured home communities can foster a sense of pride in ownership among the residents, making them a pleasant place to live for all. There are anywhere between 35,000–40,000 of these communities across the US both in rural and metropolitan areas.

Plus, many private manufactured home communities feature amenities such as pools, laundry rooms, tennis courts, community rooms, playgrounds and more. These amenities are typically provided and maintained by a management company who keep up the landscaping and maintenance of the community and can look after your home if you’re away. As a community member, you’ll likely pay a monthly space rent (much like an HOA) to support the maintenance and amenities of the community.

Ultimately, It’s a No-Brainer

Choosing between a manufactured home and a traditional stick-built home involves considering various factors, but the advantages of manufactured homes—cost-effectiveness, faster construction, and the support of an established community—make them an appealing option for many buyers. By offering significant savings, quicker move-in times, and a range of customization options, manufactured homes provide a practical alternative that can meet the diverse needs of today’s homebuyers.

Recommended Manufactured Home Communities on the West Coast

Paradise Estates in Paradise, CA

Oak Grove Manufactured Home Community in Redding, CA

Bear Creek Estates in Medford, OR

Heavenly Valley Estates in South Lake Tahoe, CA

Redding HIlltop Estates in Redding, CA

Pleasant Valley in Oroville, CA

Casa Estates Arvin in Arvin, CA

Featured Communities

Monte Verde Estates 1924 Sheridan Ave Escondido, CA VIEW COMMUNITY
Clear Creek Estates 13905 Trinity Mountain Road French Gulch, CA VIEW COMMUNITY
Rio Vista Estates 500 Rio Vista Avenue Red Bluff, CA VIEW COMMUNITY
Categories
RV Parks

The Ultimate Pacific Coast Scenic Byway Road Trip by RV

The Ultimate Pacific Coast Scenic Byway Road Trip by RV

This Drive Beckons for a Leisurely Pace and Long Stays at Coastal RV Parks

We think the best RV road trips are ones that you can take at a leisurely pace. And by leisurely, we mean long-term RV reservations – 1 month to several months – at scenic RV parks you can use as a jumping off point for further adventure, relaxation, and exploration. One of the top west coast RV road trips we recommend is the Pacific Coast Scenic Byway.

The Pacific Coast Scenic Byway stretches border to border along Oregon’s breathtaking coast.

This stretch of highway in Oregon is open to the public, giving it the nickname “The People’s Coast.” This is a popular road trip route for ample reasons, especially if you take it at a laid-back pace in your RV. RVs afford you the ability to stay in short-term and long-term RV parks along the coast with no pressure on your itinerary, or, should we say, “What itinerary?” 

 

Scenic Overlooks, Rocky Tide Pools, Sandy Beaches, Coastal Communities and More

From Astoria to Newport to Coos Bay to Brookings, you’ll discover a bounty of natural wonders and coastal communities brimming with character. Starting in Astoria in northern Oregon will ensure you and your RV are cruising on the coast-side of the road, affording you prime views.

Oregon’s Pacific coastline stretches for 363 miles, which makes drive time about 10-12 hours for the full route. But of course, we hope you’ll make many stops and stays along the way to fully immerse your senses in all the Pacific Coast has to offer. Who knows, maybe you’ll want to stay for the long haul?

 

Recommended RV Road Trip Itinerary for the Pacific Coast Scenic Byway

Days 1-2: Astoria to Garibaldi (55.5 mi)

Kick off your RV road trip in Astoria where the mighty Columbia River meets the Pacific. 

Where to stay: Nehalem Bay State Park

Sites and Stops Along the Way:

Columbia River Maritime Museum – Astoria’s intertwined heritage with the sea

Fort Stevens State Park – Where the Columbia River meets the Pacific

Seaside, OR – 1920s-era promenade and boardwalk games

Cannon Beach – Galleries, boutiques and views of 235-foot Haystack Rock offshore

Ecola State Park – Sandy coves, forested trails and the cape of Tillamook Head

Nehalem Bay – Forested bike path with views of the bay

Sunset on Sea stack formations off the town of Cannon
Sunset on Sea stack formations off the town of Cannon Beach on the Oregon Coast

Days 2-3: Garibaldi to Newport (78.3 mi)

With this stretch of the road trip, take some extra time to detour inland along the Trees to Sea Scenic Byway to the Cape Meares Lighthouse.

Where to stay: 

Pacific Shores Motorcoach Resort in Newport, OR

Port of Newport RV Park and Marina in Newport, OR

Sites and Stops Along the Way:

Garibaldi – A hub for fishing and kayaking

Tillamook – Sample cheeses at the Tillamook Creamery

Trees to Sea Scenic Byway to the Cape Meares Lighthouse

Three Capes Scenic Loop to Cape Lookout State Park

Pacific City – Little beach town touting the massive sand dune of Cape Kiwanda

Cascade Head Preserve – Trails through old-growth forests

Cape Meares Lighthouse on the Oregon Coast State Park

Days 3-5: Newport to Coos Bay (97.9 mi)

Consider extending your stay in Newport to spend an afternoon at the Oregon Coast Aquarium and take in the lighthouse and abundant natural beauty found in Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area.

Where to stay: Sun Outdoors RV Park in Coos Bay, OR

Sites and Stops Along the Way:

Newport – Marine life and science at the Oregon Coast Aquarium

Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area – Marine gardens and Oregon’s tallest lighthouse

Cape Perpetua Scenic Area – 800 feet high and trails lead through old-growth forest

Heceta Head Lighthouse – Oregon’s brightest beacon

Sea Lion Caves – Ride the elevator down 208 ft to an observation area in a large natural cavern to see Steller sea lions and more wildlife

Florence – Fishing boats and historic buildings filled with shops

Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area – Dune buggy tours, sandboarding, ATVing

Stop at Cape Perpetua on your RV road trip to check out this view: High angle view of Highway 101 on the Oregon coast, seen from Cape Perpetua.
High angle view of Highway 101 on the Oregon coast, seen from Cape Perpetua

Days 5, 6, 7 (and beyond!): Coos Bay to Brookings (107 mi)

Where to stay: 

Rogue Pacific RV Park and Cottages in Gold Beach, OR (details below)

Driftwood RV Park in Harbor/Brookings, OR (details below)

Sites and Stops Along the Way:

Coos Bay – Recreational fishing, crabbing, clamming

Bandon – World class golf, art, and sandy beaches

Port Orford – Scenic fishing harbor and the start of the Wild Rivers Coast Scenic Bikeway

Gold Beach (stay a while!) – Where the Rogue River, a Wild and Scenic River known for its rafting and fishing, meets the Pacific

Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor – Overlooks, hiking trails, beach access

Harbor and Brookings (stay a while!) – Known for its temperate “banana belt” climate and largest stand of coastal redwoods in the state. These seaside towns are sure to charm! 

Beach near Driftwood RV Park in Harbor, OR at sunset
Beach near Driftwood RV Park in Harbor, OR at sunset

Where to Stay (for more than a day or two) on Oregon’s Southwest Coast

Rogue Pacific RV Park and Cottages image of Pacific Coast beach at sunset. RV sites for rent and cottages for rent in Gold Beach, OR
Rogue Pacific RV Park and Cottages image of Pacific Coast beach at sunset. RV sites for rent and cottages for rent in Gold Beach, OR

Rogue Pacific RV Park and Cottages in Gold Beach, OR

What this RV Park Offers:

  • Long-term RV site reservations
  • Ocean views
  • Pet friendly (and pet area)
  • Full hook-ups (utilities available for purchase)
  • 30 or 50 amp services
  • Back-in spaces
  • Welcomes all ages
  • Long-term ocean-view cottage rentals

Make an RV Site Reservation at Rogue Pacific RV Park

 

Driftwood RV Park view of RVs and ocean in Harbor, OR with long-term RV site reservations and short-term RV site reservations
Driftwood RV Park in Harbor, OR with RVs parked at sites and ocean view

Driftwood RV Park in Harbor/Brookings, OR

What this RV Park Offers:

  • Short-term RV site reservations
  • Long-term RV site reservations
  • Pet friendly
  • Welcomes all ages
  • On-site laundry
  • Gathering space (banquet room and kitchen)
  • Full hook-ups (water/sewer/trash/cable TV/electricity available for purchase)
  • 30 or 50 amp electric services
  • Picnic tables in sites
  • Pull-through and back-in spaces
  • On-site laundry
  • 2 pet areas
  • Sundeck along Tuttle Creek
  • 1 block to the beach
  • Redwood forest trailheads a short drive away
  • Hot and clean complimentary showers
  • 2 sets of restrooms

Make an RV Site Reservation at Driftwood RV Park

 

Bonus for RV Lifers

For those of you looking to settle into a new place for the long haul, spending a month or more in a handful of these coastal towns to “test” them out affords you a good sense of what it would be like to live there. By spending more than a few nights in an RV park, you’ll get to know local places, people, climate, and more to see if it’s a good fit for you. 

Happy travels!

Looking to retire in an RV Park? Check out this article: “5 Reasons to Retire to a Long-term RV Park”

Featured Communities

Monte Verde Estates 1924 Sheridan Ave Escondido, CA VIEW COMMUNITY
Clear Creek Estates 13905 Trinity Mountain Road French Gulch, CA VIEW COMMUNITY
Rio Vista Estates 500 Rio Vista Avenue Red Bluff, CA VIEW COMMUNITY