Exeter River MHP Co-Op

exeter river mhp co op

For New Hampshire residents considering their housing options, Exeter River MHP Co-Op in Exeter presents a distinctive model of community living that combines affordability with resident ownership. Unlike traditional mobile home parks where residents rent the land, this is a cooperative, meaning the residents collectively own the entire community. This unique structure empowers residents with a direct say in the management and future of their neighborhood, fostering a strong sense of community and stability. Situated in the charming and historic town of Exeter, it offers a practical and engaged living solution for those seeking a more rooted lifestyle in the Seacoast region.

The concept of a resident-owned community (ROC) like Exeter River MHP Co-Op is gaining traction for its numerous benefits. Here, each household purchases a share in the cooperative, which collectively owns the land and manages the park's facilities. This model provides residents with greater control over their living environment, including decisions on community rules, budgets, and improvements. It’s a place where neighbors can truly become stakeholders in their shared home. This is particularly appealing for those looking for a long-term, stable housing solution, free from the uncertainties of rent increases imposed by private landlords.

Exeter River MHP Co-Op, being the largest manufactured housing cooperative in New Hampshire with 392 homes spread across 89 acres, exemplifies the potential of this ownership model. It strives to create a supportive and engaged environment, highlighted by testimonials praising dedicated individuals who contribute significantly to the community's well-being. While large communities can sometimes face challenges with communication or infrastructure, the co-op structure provides a framework for addressing these issues through collective action and resident participation. For New Hampshire locals, this represents a unique opportunity to not just find a home, but to become an active member of a self-governed community.

Exeter River MHP Co-Op is strategically located at 10 Vincent St, Exeter, NH 03833, USA. This address places it within the vibrant and highly desirable town of Exeter, New Hampshire. Exeter is a historic town nestled along the Squamscott River in Rockingham County, known for its rich history, picturesque downtown, and excellent quality of life.

For New Hampshire residents, the location of Exeter River MHP Co-Op offers a blend of peaceful suburban living with convenient access to a wide array of amenities and services. Exeter is consistently ranked as one of the best places to live and retire in New Hampshire, offering a "dense suburban feel" where "most residents own their homes." This makes the co-op an attractive option for those looking to stay within a desirable area while managing housing costs.

Accessibility is a key advantage. Exeter's charming, walkable center is easily reachable, providing residents with access to local shops, diverse restaurants, and cultural attractions like the American Independence Museum. The town also boasts excellent public schools and is home to Exeter Hospital, ensuring convenient access to healthcare services. For commuters, Exeter's location provides good access to major roadways, making it feasible for those working in other parts of the Seacoast region or even southern Maine and northern Massachusetts. Public transportation services, including COAST Bus Route 7 On Demand and other community ride programs, are available in Exeter, potentially benefiting residents who prefer not to drive for all their needs. The proximity to Swasey Parkway offers scenic paths for walks along the Squamscott River, and Hampton Beach is just 15 minutes away for those seeking coastal recreation. This blend of local charm, essential services, and regional connectivity makes Exeter River MHP Co-Op an exceptionally well-located choice for New Hampshire residents.

As a resident-owned cooperative (ROC), Exeter River MHP Co-Op offers a unique suite of services and benefits that stem from its ownership model. While it may not provide the same extensive recreational amenities as some larger, privately-owned parks, its focus is on essential infrastructure, community governance, and fostering a stable living environment.

• Lot Rental/Co-op Share: Residents own their manufactured homes and purchase a share in the cooperative, which then grants them the right to occupy a specific lot. This replaces traditional lot rent with monthly contributions covering shared expenses.

• Infrastructure Maintenance: The cooperative is responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of shared community infrastructure, which includes roads, water systems, and sewage/sanitation systems. Recent large grants indicate ongoing improvements to water and wastewater systems, including installation of a new well, storage tank, and pump station, and replacement of sewer lines.

• Snow Plowing: Plowing services for community roads are typically provided, though the effectiveness of this service has been an area of past resident feedback.

• Community Governance: Residents have direct participation in the management and operation of the community. This includes voting at annual meetings on bylaws, community rules, annual budgets, and other important issues. Members are also welcome to attend monthly board meetings.

• Shared Community Facilities: The cooperative manages the provision and maintenance of common areas, which may include recreational facilities like a swimming pool (though maintenance and opening can depend on community efforts and resources, as seen in past initiatives).

• Safety and Security Oversight: While not explicitly listed as a service, resident testimonials highlight the role of community staff, such as the maintenance man, in ensuring the safety and security of residents, particularly older individuals.

• Trash/Recycling Services: While specific details aren't provided, cooperative mobile home parks typically facilitate communal trash disposal and may offer recycling options.

• Community Rules and Bylaws: The cooperative establishes and enforces community rules and bylaws, which are designed to ensure a harmonious living environment for all residents. New members acknowledge they have read these rules.

• Resident-Owned Community (ROC): This is the foremost highlight. Exeter River MHP Co-Op is New Hampshire's largest resident-owned manufactured housing community. This means residents collectively own the land, leading to increased stability, control over monthly fees, and direct participation in community decisions, differentiating it significantly from investor-owned parks.

• Enhanced Stability and Affordability: Ownership through the co-op model aims to provide long-term housing stability and protection from arbitrary rent increases often seen in traditional parks. It is seen as a key source of affordable housing in Exeter, particularly for low to moderate-income residents.

• Dedicated On-Site Maintenance: Testimonials specifically praise the "Wonderful" Maintenance Man who is seen as "Totally In charge, helpful," and instrumental in keeping residents, especially older individuals, feeling "safe and secure." This highlights a strong, positive presence for day-to-day operations.

• Community Engagement and Spirit: Despite its size, the co-op fosters a sense of community where residents can volunteer for committees and engage in social events. Past initiatives, like the organized candy drops during holidays or community pool parties and movie nights, demonstrate a resident-driven effort to build connections and enhance quality of life.

• Investment in Infrastructure: The co-op has secured significant grants (e.g., nearly $2 million in ARPA funding) for major improvements to its water and wastewater systems, including a new well, storage tank, and pump station. This indicates a proactive approach to upgrading essential infrastructure for the long term.

• Spacious Layout: The community is described as having "enough space between trailers," contributing to a sense of privacy and comfort that might not be found in all mobile home parks. Its 89-acre sprawl for 392 homes suggests a less dense environment.

• Prime Exeter Location: The community's location in Exeter is a significant asset, providing residents with easy access to the town's amenities, schools, healthcare, and recreational opportunities, while enjoying a residential setting.

As a resident-owned cooperative (ROC), Exeter River MHP Co-Op does not typically offer traditional "promotions" or "special offers" in the way a commercial business might. The core "offer" of a co-op is its unique ownership structure and the long-term benefits it provides to its members.

Key benefits that serve as ongoing "offers" include:

• Affordability and Stability: The primary advantage is the inherent affordability and stability that comes with collective ownership. Residents are not subjected to the fluctuating rent increases often seen in investor-owned mobile home parks. Instead, monthly contributions are managed by the resident-elected board, aiming for cost stabilization.

• Equity Building: While purchasing a share in the co-op, residents are building equity through their ownership. This contrasts with renting where no equity is gained.

• Community Control: The ability for residents to vote on major decisions, elect a board of directors, and participate in committees provides a level of control and influence over their living environment that is a significant "offer" in itself. This direct involvement can lead to better responsiveness to resident needs and more tailored community improvements.

• Infrastructure Investment: The co-op's success in securing substantial grants for infrastructure improvements (such as the nearly $2 million ARPA grant for water and wastewater systems) demonstrates a commitment to maintaining and upgrading essential services, benefiting all residents without direct, immediate cost increases to monthly fees for these large projects.

For those interested in becoming a member-owner, the "special offer" is the opportunity to become part of a self-governed community where residents actively shape their living experience and contribute to the park's well-being. To understand the current financial structure, share purchase requirements, and monthly contributions, prospective members should contact the Exeter River MHP Co-Op office directly. They can provide detailed information on the costs associated with becoming a member-owner and what is covered by the monthly fees.

To learn more about becoming a member-owner at Exeter River MHP Co-Op, inquire about available homes for sale within the cooperative, or to understand the application process, please use the following contact details:

• Address: 10 Vincent St, Exeter, NH 03833, USA

• Phone: (603) 778-0865

• Mobile Phone: +1 603-778-0865

• Email: exeterriveroffice@yahoo.com (as listed on their website)

We encourage prospective residents to reach out directly to the Exeter River MHP Co-Op office. The staff can provide comprehensive information regarding the membership application, the co-op's bylaws and community rules, details on the benefits of resident ownership, and available homes. This direct communication will help you understand if the cooperative living model is the right fit for your housing needs in Exeter, New Hampshire.

For residents of New Hampshire, Exeter River MHP Co-Op offers a compelling and uniquely suitable housing solution, particularly for those seeking stability, affordability, and a strong sense of community. Its status as a resident-owned cooperative (ROC) fundamentally differentiates it from traditional mobile home parks, placing control and decision-making power directly into the hands of its residents. This is an invaluable asset for locals looking for a long-term home where their voice matters.

Firstly, the co-op model addresses a critical need for affordable housing in desirable areas like Exeter, a town often praised for its quality of life but where housing costs can be a barrier. By collectively owning the land, residents gain protection from unpredictable rent hikes, offering greater financial stability and peace of mind. This aspect is especially beneficial for retirees or those on fixed incomes in New Hampshire, as it allows them to maintain a high quality of life within a supportive community.

Secondly, the community's location in Exeter is a significant draw. Residents enjoy the benefits of living in a well-regarded town with excellent schools, healthcare facilities, a charming downtown, and abundant recreational opportunities. The proximity to local amenities, beautiful natural spaces like the Squamscott River, and even the New Hampshire Seacoast, enhances the overall living experience without requiring residents to sacrifice convenience for affordability.

Lastly, the active participation of residents in the co-op's governance fosters a genuine sense of belonging and collective responsibility. While community dynamics can sometimes present challenges, the underlying structure empowers residents to work together towards common goals, such as improving infrastructure (as evidenced by recent grants for water and wastewater improvements) and organizing social events. This provides a supportive network and a true neighborhood feel, making Exeter River MHP Co-Op an ideal and empowering place for New Hampshire locals to establish roots and thrive.

Exeter River MHP Co-Op

10 Vincent St, Exeter, NH 03833, USA