Bledsoe's Lake James Mobile Home Park

For many Indiana residents, the dream of living by the water, enjoying the tranquility and recreational opportunities that a lake offers, often comes with a hefty price tag. Bledsoe's Lake James Mobile Home Park in Angola, Indiana, however, presents a unique and historically significant opportunity to experience lakeside living on the beautiful Lake James, potentially at a more accessible cost. Mobile home parks, or manufactured home communities, provide a distinct housing solution that blends independent living with a neighborhood feel.

The allure of a community like Bledsoe's Lake James Mobile Home Park extends beyond just affordability; it's about embracing a lifestyle centered around one of Indiana's premier lake destinations. For Indiana locals considering this type of living, it's essential to understand the park's offerings, its historical context, and any contemporary considerations.

Reviews for Bledsoe's Lake James Mobile Home Park offer a fascinating, albeit mixed, perspective. One reviewer beautifully captures the enduring appeal: "Historically Happy place with the best memories! It is the least expensive way to be on a beautiful lake that is connected to 6 lakes with the best sand bar in the are!" This speaks to the park's long-standing reputation as a cherished spot, offering unparalleled access to a vast lake chain and a popular local sandbar, all at a competitive price point. The mention of "historically happy place" and "best memories" suggests a strong sense of nostalgia and community that has been present for generations. Indeed, historical information indicates that "Bledsoe's Beach" has been a popular resort destination since the early 20th century, evolving to include a "trailer park" by the 1950s and an RV park by 1953, showcasing its deep roots in lakeside leisure.

However, another review offers a more contemporary and somewhat critical view: "Great spot but owner is not helpful at all, hard to get a hold of." This suggests that while the location itself remains highly desirable, prospective residents might encounter challenges with current management responsiveness. The long history of the park, as described in detailed historical accounts, also notes a significant decline in overall condition after 1972 under various owners, despite promises to "clean the place up." While recent attempts at cleanup have been observed, this historical context means that prospective residents should conduct thorough on-site inspections and engage directly with current management.

Therefore, while the historical charm and incredible lake access are significant draws, it is crucial for anyone considering Bledsoe's Lake James Mobile Home Park to:

• Verify the current state of maintenance and upkeep across the entire park, especially the mobile home sections.
• Directly assess the responsiveness and communication of current management.
• Understand all terms of the lease agreement, particularly regarding property maintenance responsibilities and any lake access rules.

These steps will help ensure that the current reality aligns with the promising historical legacy and the undeniable appeal of a lakeside location.

Bledsoe's Lake James Mobile Home Park is ideally situated at 3995 N 300 W, Angola, IN 46703, USA. Its location is a primary asset, as it offers direct access to or is immediately adjacent to Lake James, one of Indiana's largest and most beloved lakes. Angola, the county seat of Steuben County, is located in the heart of Indiana's "Lake Country," a region famed for its more than 101 lakes, natural beauty, and abundant outdoor recreational opportunities.

The park’s address on N 300 W places it a short, convenient drive from downtown Angola. This means residents have easy access to a variety of local amenities. Angola provides essential services such as grocery stores (including Kroger and Meijer), pharmacies, local shops, a range of restaurants, and medical facilities like Cameron Memorial Community Hospital. The presence of Trine University in Angola also adds to the vibrant local community, offering cultural and educational events.

Connectivity to major transportation routes is another advantage. The park is within easy reach of US Highway 20, a significant east-west corridor, and Interstate 69. I-69 provides direct access to Fort Wayne to the south (approximately an hour's drive), Indiana's second-largest city, which offers extensive urban amenities, employment opportunities, and a major airport. To the north, I-69 connects to Michigan, making regional travel convenient.

However, the most significant aspect of its location is undoubtedly Lake James itself. Lake James is part of a five-lake chain encompassing nearly 2,000 acres, including Jimmerson Lake and Snow Lake. This offers residents unparalleled opportunities for boating, fishing (bass, bluegill, northern pike, perch), swimming, and various water sports. The "best sand bar in the area" mentioned in a review likely refers to the popular sandbar in the First Basin, a hub for boaters. Additionally, Pokagon State Park, one of Indiana's most beautiful state parks, is just a short drive away, providing extensive hiking trails, camping, and unique attractions like a winter toboggan run. This blend of accessible small-town amenities and extraordinary natural recreational opportunities makes Bledsoe's Lake James Mobile Home Park a highly desirable location for locals who cherish the outdoors.

• Mobile Home Lots: The park offers sites for manufactured homes, where residents own their homes but lease the underlying land. This can be a more affordable way to live on or near a prime lake.
• Lake Access: Direct or immediate access to Lake James, allowing for water-based activities like boating, fishing, and swimming. Historical notes suggest there was once a beach area, potentially with a diving board raft.
• Utility Hookups: Individual lots typically come with the necessary hookups for essential utilities such as water, sewer, and electricity. Residents are generally responsible for their own utility accounts.
• Community Management: There is a management entity responsible for the park's operations, lot rent collection, and rule enforcement. While a review indicates potential issues with responsiveness, management is present.
• Roads and Infrastructure: As a mobile home park, there are internal roads and infrastructure that connect the various lots. Historical accounts mention a strong emphasis on well-maintained roads in the past, though current conditions should be verified.

• Prime Lake James Location: The most significant highlight is its position on Lake James, providing direct access to a premier recreational lake and its interconnected chain of lakes.
• Access to "Best Sand Bar": Reputed access to a highly popular local sandbar, a gathering spot for boaters.
• Affordable Lakeside Living: Offers a potentially less expensive way to reside on or near a highly desirable lake compared to traditional lakefront real estate.
• Historical Charm: The property has a rich history as "Bledsoe's Beach," a long-standing resort destination, which may appeal to those who appreciate local heritage.
• Proximity to Pokagon State Park: Close to one of Indiana's top state parks, offering extensive outdoor activities year-round.
• Recreational Opportunities: Excellent for fishing, boating (high-speed allowed on Lake James), swimming, and other water sports.
• Small-Town Angola Amenities: Convenient access to grocery stores, restaurants, and local services in Angola.
• Connectivity: Easy access to US-20 and I-69 for regional travel to Fort Wayne and beyond.

Specific, ongoing promotions or special offers for Bledsoe's Lake James Mobile Home Park are not consistently advertised in publicly available information. Manufactured home communities, particularly those with a strong recreational component, may offer a variety of incentives that can vary depending on the season, availability, or current management strategy. Potential promotions might include:

• Reduced Lot Rent for New Residents: A temporary discount on the monthly lot lease fee for a specified period, especially for those looking to place a new manufactured home.
• Seasonal Site Discounts (if applicable for RVs/short-term): Although primarily a mobile home park, its history and name suggest it might also cater to seasonal RVs, which could have specific seasonal rates or discounts.
• Home Purchase Incentives: If the park or an affiliated dealer sells homes, they might offer special pricing, upgrades, or financing options on new or pre-owned manufactured homes placed in the community.

Given the reviewer's comment about difficulty reaching the owner, it is especially important for prospective residents to make persistent efforts to contact the park directly. It is recommended to inquire specifically about any current promotions or available homes when you make your initial contact and to get all terms in writing.

If you are interested in learning more about Bledsoe's Lake James Mobile Home Park, inquiring about lot availability, or discussing home options, you can contact them directly using the information below.

• Address: 3995 N 300 W, Angola, IN 46703, USA
• Phone: (260) 833-2240
• Mobile Phone: +1 260-833-2240

It is advisable to call during standard business hours. Given the feedback, you may need to be persistent to ensure you connect with a representative who can answer your questions and, if you wish, arrange a visit to the park to assess its current condition.

For many Indiana residents, particularly those who cherish the state's natural beauty and desire a lakeside lifestyle, Bledsoe's Lake James Mobile Home Park presents a highly appealing, and potentially more affordable, opportunity. Its prime location directly on or very near Lake James offers unparalleled access to boating, fishing, swimming, and all the recreational activities that the famous "Lake Country" has to offer, including access to a popular sandbar and the broader chain of lakes. The historical significance of "Bledsoe's Beach" also adds a unique charm, reflecting generations of cherished memories.

The appeal for locals lies in securing a piece of lakeside living at a potentially lower cost than traditional lakefront property, combined with the convenience of being close to Angola's amenities and major transportation routes. However, it is paramount for any Indiana local considering Bledsoe's Lake James Mobile Home Park to perform thorough due diligence. While the location and the historical reputation are strong draws, recent feedback about management responsiveness and historical accounts of varying park conditions necessitate a careful personal inspection. Understanding the current state of maintenance across the entire park and confirming clear communication channels with management will be key to ensuring that the dream of lakeside living at Bledsoe's aligns with a positive and comfortable reality. For those willing to do their homework, this park offers a rare chance to enjoy the best of Indiana's lake region.

Bledsoe's Lake James Mobile Home Park

3995 N 300 W, Angola, IN 46703, USA