Friendly Village of Gorham

Hello, fellow Mainers! When considering a place to call home in our beautiful state, many factors come into play: location, community feel, affordability, and available amenities. For those exploring manufactured home living, Friendly Village of Gorham offers a unique option right here in Southern Maine. Situated in the charming town of Gorham, this community has been a long-standing fixture, providing a residential choice for many individuals and families.

Manufactured home communities often present a more accessible entry point to homeownership compared to traditional stick-built homes, and they can foster a strong sense of neighborhood. Friendly Village of Gorham aims to provide a comfortable and managed environment for its residents. The community is owned by Maine Mobile Homes LTD, who have managed the property since 1982, indicating a long-term commitment to the area.

However, it's essential for prospective residents to gain a complete and nuanced understanding of any community they are considering. While marketing materials highlight amenities and a professional on-site management team, current resident experiences can offer additional insights. Some reviews touch upon aspects that future residents should be aware of. One reviewer mentioned, "It could be a little brighter. It is very dark and uninviting. So many speed bumps. Even on the way out, 10 feet before you are out of the park. No one is very friendly that lives there.." Another review, specifically from the perspective of families with children, stated, "If you have kids or plan on having kids AVOID like the plague. Lots of claims to be family friendly but in reality kids are a not very welcome. Park Manager gives 0 cares on what happens within the park because unlike residents, he can leave. Do not expect to feel safe in your neighborhood if you live here."

This feedback, while critical, provides crucial context and highlights the importance of visiting the community, speaking with current residents, and thoroughly understanding the community guidelines and management style before making a decision. Despite these concerns, the park does offer a range of features and services that contribute to its appeal for many residents. This article will provide a comprehensive overview of Friendly Village of Gorham, detailing its location, the services and features it offers, and important considerations for any Mainer contemplating a move to a manufactured home community.

Friendly Village of Gorham is conveniently located at 5 Ash Dr, Gorham, ME 04038, USA. This address places the manufactured home community within the town of Gorham, Maine, a vibrant and growing community in Cumberland County. For Maine locals, this location offers an appealing blend of small-town charm with easy access to major urban centers.

Gorham itself is often considered a desirable place to live, known for its good schools, community initiatives, and proximity to larger hubs. Friendly Village is situated "just off State Route 22, and directly off Hodgdon Road," which provides straightforward access for residents commuting to work or exploring the surrounding areas.

The community's location ensures excellent accessibility to a wide array of amenities. Gorham Village, just "5 miles away," offers "several banks, restaurants, gas stations, grocery store and shops," fulfilling daily needs. For more extensive shopping and services, the "Maine Mall shopping area in South Portland is just 8 miles away." This means residents have access to a vast selection of retail, dining, and entertainment options within a short drive.

Beyond daily conveniences, the location provides easy access to some of Maine's most cherished natural attractions. "Pine Point Beach, in Scarborough and Sebago Lake, in Standish are both ten miles from Friendly Village of Gorham." This proximity to both the ocean and a large freshwater lake offers abundant opportunities for swimming, boating, fishing, and enjoying Maine's beautiful outdoors. The community's tagline, "Residents have the best of all worlds by being an easy commute to work or the drive to the beach and lakes in the area," effectively summarizes its strategic positioning. Furthermore, Gorham is home to the University of Southern Maine, and is close to other colleges like Maine College of Art and Saint Joseph's College, potentially appealing to students, faculty, or those seeking lifelong learning opportunities. The close proximity to Portland, Maine's largest city known for its "working waterfront, filled with shops and award-winning restaurants," further enhances the appeal, offering diverse cultural and culinary experiences just fifteen miles away. This combination of local convenience and regional access makes Friendly Village of Gorham a well-positioned choice for many Maine residents.

Friendly Village of Gorham provides a range of services designed to enhance the living experience for its residents, focusing on maintenance, community features, and administrative support.

• Professional On-Site Management: The community boasts a "professional, on-site management team" that works to keep the "Village in A-1 shape" and offers "maintenance and service to residents." This suggests readily available assistance for residents' needs.

• Water and Sewer Services: Friendly Village has its "own private wells on site" providing "pristine, safe, great tasting drinking water," and is regulated by the Safe Drinking Water Act. Wastewater is handled through sub-surface disposal systems, with individual septic tanks for Phase I and a modern Septitech system for Phase II. These utilities are typically covered by the lot rent.

• Snow Removal: Snow removal services for streets and common areas are provided, helping residents navigate the community during Maine's winter months.

• Daily Large Item Pickup (nominal fee): For a "nominal fee per item," residents can arrange for daily pickup and disposal of large items, which is a convenient service.

• Free Limb/Brush and Bagged Leaf Pickup: The park offers free collection of limbs, brush, and bagged leaves, assisting residents with yard waste management.

• Road and Driveway Maintenance: There is a "yearly repaving schedule to manage the paving of the roads and driveways of the community, to keep them safe and well maintained."

• Emergency Maintenance Pager: For water, sewer, or power emergencies after office hours or on weekends, residents can contact a dedicated pager service at (207) 400-0368.

• Mail Services: The community has "two cluster mailboxes at each side of the park for residents to pick up their mail."

• Online Rent Payment & Automatic Payment Options: Residents have multiple ways to pay lot rent, including online payments, automatic payments, and cash/check drop-off at the office.

• Notary Services: Notary services are available in the Friendly Village Office during business hours.

These services collectively aim to provide a well-maintained and convenient living environment for the residents of Friendly Village of Gorham.

Friendly Village of Gorham offers several features and highlights that contribute to its appeal as a manufactured home community in Maine:

• Attractive Landscaped Lots: The community consists of "attractively landscaped lots that are roughly 5000 square feet," designed to provide pleasant outdoor spaces for residents.

• Paved and Lighted Streets: "Lots are fronted by fully paved and lighted streets, many of which are quiet cul-de-sacs," contributing to a neat appearance and safer environment within the park. Speed bumps are also present to manage traffic speed.

• Clubhouse/Office Building: A centrally located "Clubhouse/Office building" serves as a community hub. It features a "function room, full kitchen and restrooms" and is available for "private parties and functions free of charge for residents." The clubhouse has undergone significant upgrades, including insulation, window replacement, new siding, and a major kitchen facelift in 2018.

• Heated Swimming Pool: Residents have access to a "heated swimming pool" during the warmer months, providing a recreational amenity for relaxation and exercise.

• Adjacent Playground: Next to the clubhouse and pool, there is a "fully equipped playground," making it an appealing feature for families with children.

• Game Room: The clubhouse includes a "Large Game room" with amenities such as "Ping Pong, Darts, Pool, Foosball, Air Hockey, and Board Games," offering indoor recreational options.

• Outdoor Sports Court: There's an outside court for shooting hoops, adding another recreational outlet.

• Excellent Water Supply: The community prides itself on its "own private wells on site" that provide residents with "pristine, safe, great tasting drinking water." It even won an award for "Best Tasting Drinking Water" in 2005.

• Neighborhood Watch Program: Friendly Village is a "NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH community," holding monthly meetings at the clubhouse with the Gorham Police Department, aiming to enhance safety and community engagement.

• New Home Sales: The park offers "New Homes for Sale," including "Energy Star Certified Homes" manufactured by Pine Grove Homes, with a "10-Year Limited Factory Warranty." This provides options for those looking for a brand-new manufactured home.

• Wildlife Visits: The community's location "nestled in groves of beautiful hardwood and evergreen trees" means residents "often have visits from wildlife," contributing to a natural setting.

These features, particularly the recreational amenities and commitment to maintenance, aim to create a comfortable and engaging living environment for residents.

Friendly Village of Gorham occasionally offers specific promotions or programs designed to attract new residents and reward existing ones. While general discounts may vary or not be publicly advertised extensively, one notable ongoing program is a referral incentive.

• Sales Referral Program: Friendly Village offers an incentive for current residents who refer new buyers. Any current resident can earn "one month free rent by referring a party who purchases a new home." For brokered home sales (where Maine Mobile Homes acts as a broker), if the seller participates by paying a referral fee, the same free month of rent applies. If the seller does not participate, a "current award of $100 for the referral of a brokered home sale applies." To qualify, the referral's name and the resident making the referral must be submitted in writing to Friendly Village management before the referred party's first meeting with the sales department.

Beyond this, prospective residents should be aware of standard programs that might offer property tax relief, which are typically managed at the town or state level rather than directly by the mobile home park:

• Homestead Exemption: If you will have owned your home for at least 12 months prior to April 1st, you might qualify for a Homestead Exemption from the Town of Gorham, which can reduce the valuation of your property for tax purposes. Information and forms are available at the Gorham Town Office or on www.gorham-me.org.

• Veteran's Exemption: Veterans may also be eligible for a reduction in the valuation of their property. It is recommended for veterans to inquire at the Gorham Town Office for details.

It is always advisable to contact Friendly Village of Gorham directly for the most current information on any promotions or offers they may have for new home purchases or lot leases. Additionally, checking with the Town of Gorham's assessor's office for potential property tax benefits is a good step for any Maine resident considering homeownership.

For those interested in learning more about Friendly Village of Gorham, inquiring about available homes or lots, or discussing the community directly, here is their contact information:

• Address: 5 Ash Dr, Gorham, ME 04038, USA

• Phone: (207) 839-5577

• Mobile Phone: +1 207-839-5577 (This is often provided to indicate a direct or mobile-friendly contact line, though it may be the same as the main office line.)

• Email: friendlyvillage@mainemobilehomes.com (As noted in community newsletters, email is a good way to receive receipts and notices from the office.)

• Website: The official website for Friendly Village of Gorham is www.mainemobilehomes.com/friendly-village-of-gorham/. This site provides extensive information about the community, homes for sale, resident resources, and contact details.

• Facebook: You can also find them on Facebook at facebook.com/friendlyvillage.ofgorham for community updates and engagement.

• Office Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM (Hours are subject to change without notice, so it's always good to call ahead.)

• Emergency Maintenance Pager: For water, sewer, or power emergencies only (weekends & after office hours), dial (207) 400-0368.

Direct contact with the Friendly Village office is recommended for the most accurate and personalized information regarding current availability, community guidelines, and to schedule a visit.

For Maine locals exploring their housing options, Friendly Village of Gorham presents itself as a well-established manufactured home community with a range of features designed for comfortable living. Its suitability for residents of the Pine Tree State stems from a combination of its strategic location, dedicated services, and the lifestyle it aims to provide.

Firstly, the location in Gorham, Maine, is a significant draw. It offers the tranquility of a suburban setting while providing excellent accessibility to essential services and attractions. For many Mainers, living in a town like Gorham that balances small-town charm with proximity to major hubs like Portland, the Maine Mall, and scenic coastal beaches and lakes (such as Pine Point Beach and Sebago Lake) offers the "best of all worlds." This means less travel time for daily errands, work commutes, or weekend recreational activities.

Secondly, the community provides a substantial array of services and amenities that enhance the daily lives of its residents. The presence of a "professional, on-site management team" that handles snow removal, road maintenance, and yard waste pickup alleviates common homeowner burdens. Furthermore, the private water supply, boasting award-winning taste, and the robust wastewater systems add to the quality of life. The clubhouse with its function room, heated swimming pool, playground, and game room offers valuable recreational and social outlets right within the community, fostering a sense of belonging and providing family-friendly options. The existence of a Neighborhood Watch program also aims to build a safer and more engaged community.

While some past resident reviews highlight concerns regarding perceived friendliness and family-friendliness, it's crucial for prospective residents to conduct their own due diligence. Visiting the park, observing the environment, and speaking with current residents can provide a firsthand perspective and help individuals determine if the community culture aligns with their expectations. The availability of new, Energy Star-certified homes with warranties also offers an attractive proposition for those seeking modern and efficient living spaces.

In conclusion, Friendly Village of Gorham offers a viable and often more affordable homeownership option for Maine locals seeking a managed community environment. Its strong operational foundation, comprehensive amenities, and prime location make it a suitable choice for individuals and families who value convenience, community facilities, and a supportive living structure within the appealing landscape of Southern Maine.

Friendly Village of Gorham

5 Ash Dr, Gorham, ME 04038, USA