Crystal Lake Mobile Home Park

For many Michiganders, particularly those seeking a tranquil and community-focused lifestyle in the beautiful northern part of the state, mobile home parks offer a compelling and often more affordable housing alternative. These manufactured home communities provide a unique blend of personal space, a sense of neighborhood, and accessibility to local amenities. Crystal Lake Mobile Home Park, situated at 6747 Ash Dr, Benzonia, MI 49616, is one such community aiming to provide a desirable living environment for residents in the scenic Benzie County area.

Crystal Lake Mobile Home Park, also referred to in some contexts as Crystal Lake Village, is described as a community that strikes a balance between relaxation and recreation. Official information highlights a range of amenities designed to enhance resident lifestyle, including a heated swimming pool and spa, shuffleboard courts, pickleball, bocce ball, a fitness center, and a variety of planned activities. The community emphasizes newly upgraded amenities, a modern clubhouse, and beautiful outdoor spaces, catering to both year-round residents and those seeking a seasonal retreat. Proximity to freshwater lakes and top-rated golf courses is also noted, appealing to outdoor enthusiasts.

However, public reviews for Crystal Lake Mobile Home Park offer a nuanced perspective that is crucial for prospective residents. While some reviews for a similarly named "Crystal Lake Village" speak glowingly of "friendly" residents and staff, a "beautiful, well maintained" community, and "awesome residents and great activities," the specific reviews provided for "Crystal Lake Mobile Home Park" at 6747 Ash Dr highlight different concerns. One reviewer notes that it's "okay if you don't mind living in real close neighbor setting" and points out a significant issue with "really no parking if you have friends or family over." Another critical piece of feedback concerns communication with management: "It would be a lot better if the managers actually answered the phone or called back to answer questions." This article will provide a comprehensive and factual overview, integrating both the advertised features and the valuable insights from resident experiences, to help local Michigan users make an informed decision about this community.

Crystal Lake Mobile Home Park is located at 6747 Ash Dr, Benzonia, MI 49616, USA. This address places the community in the heart of Benzie County, a highly sought-after region in Northern Michigan known for its stunning natural beauty, recreational opportunities, and charming small towns. Benzonia itself offers a quieter, more relaxed pace of life compared to larger metropolitan areas, while still providing access to essential services and attractions.

The community's name, "Crystal Lake," immediately highlights its proximity to the beautiful Crystal Lake, one of Michigan's clearest and most scenic inland lakes. While the exact distance from individual homes within the park to the lake may vary, being located in Benzonia strongly suggests easy access to various public beaches, boat launches, and recreational areas on Crystal Lake. For outdoor enthusiasts, this means abundant opportunities for swimming, boating, fishing, and kayaking. Beyond Crystal Lake, the region is also close to Lake Michigan (approximately 17 miles to Frankfort's shoreline), offering access to its vast beaches, lighthouses (like Point Betsie Lighthouse, about 22 miles away), and the iconic Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore (though specific distance to dunes entrance would vary, Frankfort is near its southern entrance).

Accessibility to the region is generally good, with state highways like M-115 and US-31 connecting Benzonia to other parts of Northern Michigan, including Traverse City (approximately 30-40 minutes drive, depending on route) to the north and Cadillac to the south. While Benzonia is a smaller village, it provides basic amenities such as local shops, grocery stores (like Family Fare Supermarket in Benzonia), and dining options. Larger retail and service centers would be found in nearby towns like Frankfort or Traverse City.

The setting itself is likely to be picturesque, surrounded by the natural beauty of trees and the quiet ambiance of a rural-suburban area. However, the review mentioning "real close neighbor setting" implies that while the overall location is natural, the park's internal layout might be denser. The comment about "no parking if you have friends or family over" also suggests that while the location is accessible, on-site parking for guests could be a practical consideration for residents.

Mobile home parks typically provide a core set of services that contribute to the residents' living experience, usually covered by the monthly lot rent. While detailed specifics for Crystal Lake Mobile Home Park are not fully enumerated in the provided reviews, general expectations based on similar communities in Michigan and public information about "Crystal Lake Village" suggest the following services are likely offered, with some caveats based on resident feedback:

• Lot Rental: The primary service, where residents lease a designated space for their manufactured home. This fee typically covers access to community amenities and certain utilities.
• Utility Connections: Common utilities facilitated by the park generally include water, sewer, and potentially trash removal. Residents are typically responsible for their individual electricity and gas bills.
• Community Management: An on-site or accessible management team is responsible for the overall operation of the park, including enforcing community rules and addressing resident concerns. However, a significant concern from reviews for this specific park is that "managers actually answered the phone or called back to answer questions," indicating potential issues with management responsiveness.
• Common Area Maintenance: The park would be responsible for maintaining shared spaces such as internal roads, landscaping in common areas, and any recreational facilities. Information about a "clean trailer park" suggests positive aspects of this service.
• Recreational Amenities: As per descriptions for a similarly named "Crystal Lake Village," amenities may include:
  • Heated Swimming Pool & Spa: Offering a space for relaxation and exercise.
  • Clubhouse: A community center for gatherings, events, and potentially featuring a kitchen or meeting rooms.
  • Playground: Providing a dedicated outdoor play area for children.
  • Fitness Center: For residents to maintain an active lifestyle.
  • Sports Courts: Such as shuffleboard, pickleball, and bocce ball, encouraging outdoor activity and social interaction.
• Planned Activities: Some mobile home communities, including "Crystal Lake Village," host various events throughout the year, such as holiday parties, potluck dinners, and outdoor movie nights, fostering a sense of community engagement.

Prospective residents should confirm directly with Crystal Lake Mobile Home Park management which specific services are included in the lot rent and inquire about the responsiveness of the management team, especially concerning the reported communication challenges.

Crystal Lake Mobile Home Park, located in Benzonia, Michigan, offers a unique set of features and highlights that can appeal to local residents, alongside some points highlighted by current feedback:

• Prime Northern Michigan Location: A significant highlight is its setting in Benzonia, offering access to the natural beauty of Crystal Lake and the surrounding Benzie County. This means easy access to recreational activities like boating, fishing, swimming, and exploring nearby natural attractions such as Lake Michigan beaches and Sleeping Bear Dunes.
• Community Atmosphere: The term "community" is inherent in mobile home parks. While one review points to a "real close neighbor setting," this can also be interpreted as fostering a tight-knit community where residents are close to one another, which many people appreciate in a residential park environment.
• Peaceful Environment: The mention of a "quiet" atmosphere is a strong draw for those seeking a tranquil place to live away from the hustle and bustle, allowing for relaxation and enjoyment of the natural surroundings.
• Cleanliness: One reviewer noted it's a "clean trailer park," which indicates that common areas and potentially individual lots are generally well-maintained, contributing to a pleasant living environment.
• Resort-Style Amenities (Potential): Based on information for "Crystal Lake Village," which may be the same or a closely related entity, the community could offer a range of amenities. These include a heated swimming pool and spa, a clubhouse, playground, fitness center, and courts for shuffleboard, pickleball, and bocce ball. These features are designed to enhance leisure and social engagement.
• Organized Activities (Potential): Again, drawing from "Crystal Lake Village," the presence of planned activities like holiday parties, potluck dinners, and outdoor movie nights suggests a vibrant social calendar for residents who wish to participate.
• Affordability: Mobile home living often represents a more affordable housing option in Michigan compared to traditional homes, allowing individuals and families to live in a desirable area within their budget.
• Parking Challenges (Reported): A key concern raised by a resident is the "really no parking if you have friends or family over." This is a significant practical issue for residents who enjoy entertaining guests and could be a major inconvenience.
• Management Responsiveness Issues (Reported): Another critical highlight, though a negative one, is the difficulty in reaching managers, with a reviewer stating, "It would be a lot better if the managers actually answered the phone or called back to answer questions." This suggests potential frustrations with problem resolution and communication from park management.

Prospective residents should carefully weigh these highlights, particularly focusing on how the "close neighbor setting" and reported parking/management issues might impact their daily lives, alongside the attractive location and potential amenities.

Based on the limited direct public reviews provided for Crystal Lake Mobile Home Park at 6747 Ash Dr, Benzonia, MI 49616, there is no specific information available about current promotions or special offers. Mobile home parks, like other residential communities, may sometimes offer incentives to attract new residents, such as discounted first month's rent, waiving application fees, or offering incentives for referring new tenants. However, such details are typically communicated directly by the park management or on their official website.

While the provided reviews do not mention any specific deals, the general nature of mobile home park living in Michigan often inherently serves as an "offer" in terms of affordability compared to traditional housing. For those seeking a long-term residence, the potential for lower monthly costs (lot rent plus home payment) compared to conventional mortgages or higher apartment rents can be a significant draw. For more definitive information on any available promotions, current lot rents, or purchase incentives for homes within Crystal Lake Mobile Home Park, interested individuals should contact the park directly using the provided contact information. It would be prudent to inquire about any specific offers during your call or visit.

For Michigan residents interested in learning more about Crystal Lake Mobile Home Park, inquiring about lot availability, or seeking clarification on any of the points discussed, the following contact details are provided:

• Address: 6747 Ash Dr, Benzonia, MI 49616, USA
• Phone: (231) 882-5291
• Mobile Phone: +1 231-882-5291

Given the resident feedback regarding communication issues ("managers actually answered the phone or called back"), prospective residents should be persistent in their attempts to reach management. It might be beneficial to try both phone numbers if one is unresponsive. When you do connect, be prepared with specific questions about lot rent, included services, parking policies for residents and guests, and how tenant concerns are typically addressed. If possible, an in-person visit to the park and the management office could also provide valuable insights into the community's atmosphere and the responsiveness of its staff. Maintaining a record of your communication attempts and any information received is always a good practice.

For Michigan residents seeking a unique blend of community living and access to Northern Michigan's renowned natural beauty, Crystal Lake Mobile Home Park in Benzonia offers several compelling reasons for consideration. Its location at 6747 Ash Dr places it squarely in a picturesque area, providing easy access to the stunning Crystal Lake, as well as being within reasonable driving distance of Lake Michigan beaches, the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, and numerous other outdoor recreational opportunities. This is a significant advantage for those who cherish Michigan's diverse landscapes and outdoor activities, offering a tranquil base from which to explore the region.

The community's structure as a mobile home park inherently provides an often more affordable pathway to stable housing compared to traditional homeownership in desirable areas of Northern Michigan. The reported cleanliness of the park and the "quiet neighborhood" atmosphere contribute to a pleasant living environment, appealing to individuals and families looking for a peaceful retreat. Furthermore, if the amenities listed for "Crystal Lake Village" (such as a heated pool, clubhouse, playground, and various sports courts) are indeed applicable to this specific park, these features significantly enhance the quality of life, offering on-site recreational and social opportunities for residents of all ages.

However, suitability for locals must also acknowledge the critical feedback from existing residents. The concern about a "real close neighbor setting" and "really no parking if you have friends or family over" highlights practical challenges that could impact daily living and social interactions. More importantly, the reported difficulty in reaching management via phone suggests potential issues with communication and responsiveness, which are vital for a well-functioning community. While Michigan law provides certain tenant rights in mobile home parks, including "just cause" for eviction and rights to a meeting with management, the practical application of these rights can be challenging if communication channels are difficult.

In conclusion, Crystal Lake Mobile Home Park could be a suitable option for Michigan locals prioritizing a quiet, affordable living solution in a beautiful natural setting, especially if they are comfortable with a denser neighborhood layout and are prepared to be proactive in communicating with management. Those considering this park should conduct thorough personal investigations, including visiting the property, speaking with current residents if possible, and directly verifying all amenities and management's responsiveness, to ensure it aligns with their expectations for a long-term home in Northern Michigan.

Crystal Lake Mobile Home Park

6747 Ash Dr, Benzonia, MI 49616, USA