By: Lexi Kaz
Why This Overlooked Housing Model Deserves a Second Look
Mobile home parks have long been viewed as a last resort for housing. However, this perception is gradually shifting, thanks to a growing recognition of how misunderstood this real estate category truly is. Rather than being a thing of the past, mobile home parks are quietly changing discussions around affordability, community stability, and long-term housing infrastructure. Still, some misconceptions persist. Are mobile homes poorly maintained? Are the communities unsafe? Are they just a temporary solution for housing? A closer look paints a different picture.
This article explores the reality behind these stereotypes, drawing insights from real estate veteran Walter Johnson, whose two-decade career includes millions in transactions across multifamily, single-family, raw land, and notably, mobile home parks. His goal? To shed light on one of real estate’s most overlooked—but essential—sectors.
Fiction: Mobile Home Parks Are Poorly Maintained and Falling Apart
Fact: Many mobile home parks today are professionally managed, with modern infrastructure and long-term tenants who take pride in their homes.
While some older parks have earned negative reputations, the industry has experienced substantial changes in recent years. Operators and property managers now prioritize reinvestment, landscaping, security, and community amenities. “People often assume these communities are unkempt or temporary,” Johnson explains, “but the reality is that many residents live in these homes for decades. They’re invested, and that deserves recognition.”
Mobile home communities often demonstrate greater stability than apartment complexes. And unlike short-term rental models, residents here tend to form lasting relationships and establish local roots.
Fiction: There’s No Real Value in Mobile Homes
Fact: Mobile homes are an essential part of America’s affordable housing landscape, offering quality shelter at a price point that is becoming increasingly rare.
As traditional housing prices continue to rise, mobile homes stand out as one of the few remaining options for working families, seniors on fixed incomes, and others priced out of conventional markets. Mobile home parks are not only housing solutions—they serve as community hubs.
“Most people don’t realize how challenging it is to build truly affordable housing,” Johnson says. “Mobile home parks already exist, and when maintained properly, they fill that gap without requiring significant subsidies.”
Fiction: Mobile Home Parks Are a Temporary Housing Solution
Fact: Many mobile home residents own their homes and live in them for decades.
Unlike RV parks or short-term rentals, mobile home parks are often permanent housing solutions. Many residents have lived in their homes for over 30 years, raising families and retiring in place.
This long-term occupancy makes mobile home parks a stabilizing force in local housing markets, providing continuity and affordability in an otherwise volatile landscape.
A Mentor on a Mission
Walter Johnson has spent years helping others recognize the overlooked value of mobile home communities. “There’s so much misinformation out there,” he says. “But once people understand the fundamentals—how the parks operate, who lives there, and why it works—they begin to reconsider their assumptions.”
Through mentorship and education, Johnson continues to offer a practical perspective on what makes these parks sustainable. His work has encouraged many to move past outdated ideas and view mobile home parks as both a valuable community asset and an important housing option.
What to Watch: Why This Conversation Matters Now
Amidst housing shortages across the country and rising rents, alternative housing models are receiving more attention. Mobile home parks rarely make their way into policy discussions. To truly address the housing crisis, investors and tenants must reconsider outdated assumptions and become more informed about how these communities function and why they are important.
This isn’t just about politics or policy—it’s about rethinking what we value in housing. Mobile home parks may not offer luxury amenities or gated entrances, but they provide something far rarer in today’s market: stability, dignity, and affordability.
Want to Learn More About This Space?
For those looking to explore the inner workings of mobile home parks, Sonos Capital is leading the conversation. The firm provides educational resources on the mobile home park model.
Whether you’re curious about how these parks operate or interested in understanding affordable housing solutions more deeply, Sonos Capital offers valuable insights into a space that often goes unnoticed.
