Cardinal Ridge Mobile Home Park

Are you an Illinois resident exploring various housing options in the Bloomington-Normal area? Cardinal Ridge Mobile Home Park, located in Bloomington, IL, presents itself as a manufactured home community. Like any significant housing decision, it’s essential to gather comprehensive information about the community's offerings, management, and resident experiences to determine if it aligns with your specific needs and expectations.

This article aims to provide a clear, informative, and balanced overview of Cardinal Ridge Mobile Home Park. We will delve into its location and accessibility, the services it states to offer, and its key features. We will also incorporate insights from resident feedback, which can offer valuable perspectives on the daily living experience within the park. For Illinois residents considering manufactured home living, understanding these aspects is crucial for making a well-informed choice.

Manufactured home communities, often referred to as mobile home parks, have evolved to offer diverse housing solutions. They can provide an avenue for homeownership that might be more financially accessible than traditional site-built homes, or they can offer rental opportunities. Residents often seek a sense of community, professional management, and access to amenities within these parks. Cardinal Ridge, according to its online presence, aims to offer a "family-friendly environment" and strives to provide "professional and courteous service."

It’s important to note that public reviews and stated intentions can sometimes differ. This guide will help you understand what to expect at Cardinal Ridge Mobile Home Park by presenting factual data alongside observed resident sentiments. Whether you are new to the Bloomington area, looking for a cost-effective housing solution, or seeking a particular community environment, this overview will assist you in your research.

We strongly encourage all prospective residents to conduct thorough due diligence beyond this article. This includes contacting the park directly, reviewing all lease agreements or purchase contracts meticulously, and potentially speaking with current residents to gain a diverse understanding of the living experience at Cardinal Ridge Mobile Home Park in Bloomington, Illinois.

Location and Accessibility

Cardinal Ridge Mobile Home Park is situated at 2402 22nd St, Bloomington, IL 61704, USA. This address places the community on the south side of Bloomington, IL, within the larger Bloomington-Normal metropolitan area. This region is a central hub in Illinois, known for its blend of urban amenities, educational institutions, and a diverse economy.

The community's location offers convenient accessibility to various points of interest within Bloomington and Normal. It is described as being "just minutes from the downtown area" of Bloomington, providing easy access to city services, local businesses, and entertainment venues. Furthermore, Cardinal Ridge benefits from "easy access to Veteran's Parkway and Interstates 74 and 55." This strategic proximity to major highways is a significant advantage for Illinois residents who commute for work, frequently travel across the state, or need quick access to larger metropolitan areas like Chicago or St. Louis.

For daily necessities and leisure, the area surrounding Cardinal Ridge provides numerous options. Residents are close to various "shopping destinations," including major grocery stores like ALDI, as well as a range of retail outlets. Dining options are also abundant, with local restaurants and fast-food establishments nearby. The community is described as being "perfectly situated near many of the exciting adventures the twin cities, Bloomington and Normal, have to offer."

Recreational and cultural attractions are also within easy reach. Residents can "spend the day at Miller Park Zoo," "take a stroll along Constitution Trail," or "explore Normal's Children's Discovery Museum." For sports enthusiasts, it's "easy to catch a football game at Illinois State University." The park is also "conveniently located near some of the most beautiful parks in Bloomington," such as Miller Park, Tri Lakes Park, and G J Mecherle Memorial State Farm Park, providing ample opportunities for outdoor activities and relaxation.

The combination of a central Bloomington location with excellent regional connectivity makes Cardinal Ridge Mobile Home Park a well-situated option for those seeking convenience and access to city amenities in Central Illinois.

Services Offered

Cardinal Ridge Mobile Home Park provides various services to its residents, as is typical for manufactured home communities. These services are designed to facilitate a structured living environment, although some resident feedback indicates challenges with their consistent execution. Based on public information and resident comments, the following services are reportedly offered:

• Lot Leasing and Utilities: Residents lease individual lots for their manufactured homes. Listings for homes in Cardinal Ridge indicate that utilities such as "Public Sewer" and "Public Water" are provided. Some sources also state that "free trash pickup" is included. However, it's crucial to note resident complaints about additional bills and late fees being added to accounts, and an alleged lack of clear communication regarding rental payments and unexpected charges.
• Community Management: Cardinal Ridge advertises "On-site Management" and "On-Site Maintenance," aiming for "professional and courteous service." However, resident reviews highlight significant issues with management responsiveness, with complaints about maintenance requests going unresolved for months, multiple changes in property ownership/management (at least 5 times since 2018), and allegations of "unprofessional" behavior and "ill managed, tyrannical and vile" practices, including threats of eviction over disputed charges. Some specific staff members (Ashley, Tonya, Cristina) were mentioned positively, but overall management concerns are prominent.
• Maintenance and Upkeep: The park is responsible for common area maintenance, including roads and shared spaces. While a listing mentions "roads plowed frequently" during winter, residents have reported issues such as back porches deemed "unsafe and unusable for over 2 years," and instances of yard work causing damage (e.g., dead grass dumped on driveways and lawns, killing grass underneath, and refusing to remove it), which residents had to pay to resolve themselves.
• Home Sales and Rentals: Cardinal Ridge offers both homes for sale (including new construction and pre-owned units, some available for as low as $10k) and potentially rentals. However, a former employee stated that "The new company is doing away with all rentals as soon as they can, and are not starting any new rentals," suggesting a shift away from rental properties. If considering a rental, it's vital to confirm current availability and landlord maintenance responsibilities.
• Electronic Payments: The community reportedly accepts "Electronic Payments" for convenience, simplifying the rent payment process.
• Pet Policy: Cardinal Ridge is a "pet-friendly" community. While some general listings for manufactured home parks might mention no breed restrictions, a Redfin listing for Cardinal Ridge indicates a "Weight restriction: 45lbs." and "Limit: 2 Pets Max." with a "$250 deposit" and "$25/mo pet rent" per pet. Breed restrictions are implied by another "Cardinal Ridge" (Chatham, IL) listing managed by a related company, so specific breed restrictions for the Bloomington location should be directly confirmed.

Features / Highlights

Cardinal Ridge Mobile Home Park in Bloomington, IL, presents several features and amenities that aim to attract residents, though some aspects are contrasted by resident feedback. Here are the advertised and observed highlights:

• Central Location with Excellent Access: The park's location on the south side of Bloomington provides convenient access to downtown Bloomington, major interstates (I-74, I-55), and Veteran's Parkway. This makes commuting and accessing various parts of the twin cities, including shopping, dining, and attractions, relatively easy.
• Proximity to Local Amenities and Attractions: Cardinal Ridge is situated near a variety of family-friendly attractions such as Miller Park Zoo, Constitution Trail, Normal's Children's Discovery Museum, and numerous local parks. This offers residents diverse options for recreation and entertainment within a short distance.
• Off-Street Parking: The community provides "Off Street Parking," which is a convenient feature for residents, ensuring dedicated space for their vehicles.
• On-Site Management and Maintenance (Stated Goal): The presence of "On-site Management" and "On-Site Maintenance" is intended to provide prompt support and upkeep for the community. While resident experiences vary, the aim is to have responsive personnel available.
• Playground: A "Playground" is listed as a community amenity, offering a dedicated space for children to play, which is beneficial for families residing in the park.
• Affordable Homeownership Potential: Compared to traditional housing, buying a manufactured home in Cardinal Ridge can represent a more affordable entry into homeownership, with some pre-owned units listed for as low as $10,000. This makes it a financially accessible option for some Illinois residents.
• Individual Leases: The community reportedly signs "individual leases," which gives residents some control over their specific rental or lot terms.
• Included Utilities (Partial): Some essential utilities, such as public water, sewer, and trash pickup, are typically included in the lot rent (though specific billing practices should be confirmed to avoid unexpected fees).
• Pet-Friendly (with restrictions): The park allows pets, with a stated weight limit of 45 lbs and a maximum of two pets per unit, along with associated deposits and monthly pet rent. This policy, while having limitations, accommodates pet owners.

Promotions or Special Offers

Publicly advertised promotions or specific special offers for Cardinal Ridge Mobile Home Park are not widely detailed in available information. However, manufactured home communities may, at various times, have internal incentives or standard practices that could be considered advantageous. Based on general industry norms and the specific details found, potential considerations include:

• Affordable Home Purchase Opportunities: Cardinal Ridge offers manufactured homes for sale, including pre-owned units. Some listings indicate homes for sale for "as low as $10k," which can represent a significantly more affordable entry into homeownership compared to traditional housing in the Bloomington area. This could be considered an ongoing "special offer" in terms of accessibility.
• New Home Placement Options: The park facilitates the placement of new manufactured homes. While the cost of new homes can be higher, residents have the option to purchase and customize a brand-new home within the community, working with various manufacturers.
• Included Basic Utilities: The inclusion of public water, sewer, and trash services in the monthly lot rent (as per some sources) provides a level of cost predictability for residents, which can be a financial benefit compared to managing separate utility bills.
• Individual Lease Terms: The option for "individual leases" (as mentioned in a listing) provides clarity on the terms for each resident's lot and home, which can be seen as a benefit for those seeking defined agreements.

Given the significant concerns raised in resident reviews regarding fees, billing, and management transparency, it is critically important for any prospective resident to:

• Directly contact Cardinal Ridge Mobile Home Park to inquire about all current vacancies, lot rental rates, and homes for sale.
• Request a detailed breakdown of all fees, including any "trash fee," "late fees," or other charges, and ensure they are clearly stipulated in any lease agreement or purchase contract.
• Thoroughly review all terms of the lease or purchase agreement with an independent advisor if necessary, paying close attention to maintenance responsibilities, pet policies, and rent increase clauses.
• Inquire about any current move-in specials or incentives directly from the management team at the time of inquiry.

Contacting the park directly at the provided phone numbers is the best way to get the most accurate and up-to-date information on available offers and community specifics.

Contact Information

For inquiries, to learn more about home availability, or to discuss lot leasing options at Cardinal Ridge Mobile Home Park, please use the following contact details:

Address: 2402 22nd St, Bloomington, IL 61704, USA

Phone: (309) 731-4605

Mobile Phone: +1 309-731-4605

It is highly recommended to call during regular business hours to speak directly with a community representative. Due to the significant concerns expressed in recent resident reviews, it is especially important for prospective residents to ask detailed questions regarding current lot rent, all applicable fees, lease terms, utility billing practices, maintenance responsibilities (especially for rental units), and the current management structure. Scheduling an appointment in advance will help ensure you receive dedicated attention and can thoroughly explore the community and its offerings.

Conclusion: Why This Place Is Suitable for Locals

For Illinois locals in the Bloomington area considering manufactured home living, Cardinal Ridge Mobile Home Park offers a unique set of circumstances that warrant careful consideration. While it presents some inherent advantages of manufactured home living and a desirable location, the numerous and significant concerns raised by current and past residents are critical factors that directly impact its suitability.

On the positive side, Cardinal Ridge's location on the south side of Bloomington is highly advantageous. Its proximity to downtown Bloomington, major interstates (I-74, I-55), and Veteran's Parkway provides excellent accessibility for commuting, shopping, dining, and accessing various amenities in the twin cities. The array of nearby attractions like Miller Park Zoo and Constitution Trail adds to the lifestyle appeal for families and individuals alike. The availability of homes at potentially very affordable prices (some as low as $10k for pre-owned units) can make homeownership accessible to a wider range of Illinois residents.

However, the recurring themes in recent resident reviews paint a challenging picture regarding the overall living experience. Frequent management changes, allegations of unprofessional and "tyrannical" behavior, refusal to address critical maintenance issues (like rotting floors), arbitrary fees and billing disputes, and lack of responsiveness to complaints are serious concerns. Issues with common area maintenance, such as improper lawn care and unaddressed backyard issues, also detract from the quality of life.

While the concept of affordable homeownership and convenient location is appealing, the consistent pattern of negative feedback, particularly concerning management and maintenance, suggests that the reality of living at Cardinal Ridge may fall short of expectations. For Illinois locals, the decision to move to Cardinal Ridge Mobile Home Park requires extensive caution and thorough due diligence. It is paramount to verify all claims, scrutinize lease agreements for hidden fees or unfavorable clauses, and ideally, speak with multiple current residents to get a balanced view of the current living conditions and management practices.

In conclusion, while Cardinal Ridge offers the framework of an affordable and well-located manufactured home community, its suitability for locals is severely impacted by the reported operational challenges. Prospective residents must be exceptionally vigilant and proactive in their information gathering to ensure they fully understand what they are committing to, and to determine if the potential benefits outweigh the significant reported drawbacks.

Cardinal Ridge Mobile Home Park

2402 22nd St, Bloomington, IL 61704, USA