Garfield Oaks - A Manitou Community

For Michigan residents exploring housing solutions in the bustling and often expensive Traverse City area, manufactured home communities like Garfield Oaks – A Manitou Community can offer a different pathway to stable living. Positioned as a provider of "affordable homes, mobile homes, tiny houses, and homes for families" and "built perfectly for workforce housing," Garfield Oaks aims to address a critical need in the local housing market. It represents a living option where residents typically own their home while leasing the land, a common model in the manufactured housing sector.

This article seeks to provide a factual, engaging, and informative overview of Garfield Oaks – A Manitou Community for prospective residents in Michigan. We will explore its strategic location within Traverse City, detail the services and features it offers, examine its approach to promotions, and provide essential contact information. It's crucial to acknowledge that, like many communities, experiences can vary. While some residents express gratitude for a safe and pet-friendly environment at a reasonable rent, others have raised concerns regarding community upkeep and the overall atmosphere. We will present available public data to help Michigan locals make an informed decision.

Manufactured home parks play a vital role in providing diverse housing options, particularly for those on a tighter budget or seeking a more streamlined living arrangement. Garfield Oaks, managed by Manitou Communities, is actively working to transition and improve its offerings. As a resident shared, it's an "old trailer park with very old mobile homes" but with an owner who "does try very hard to address any problems such as plumbing quickly." This suggests a community in evolution, striving to balance its history with ongoing improvements to meet resident needs.

The decision of where to live involves many factors, and for Michigan locals, finding a balance between affordability, location, and community quality is paramount. This guide will provide the necessary details to assess if Garfield Oaks – A Manitou Community could be a suitable place to call home, especially for those prioritizing reasonable rent and the ability to keep beloved pets in a generally quiet and safe environment.

Garfield Oaks - A Manitou Community is conveniently located at 3011 N Garfield Rd, Traverse City, MI 49686, USA. This central Traverse City address places it in a highly accessible and practical area for residents, balancing proximity to urban amenities with access to natural attractions.

The community boasts a prime location that connects residents to "everything Traverse City has to offer!" It is situated "right in the middle of them all," including beaches, downtown Traverse City, the Grand Traverse Mall, and local schools. This central positioning makes daily errands, shopping trips, and entertainment easily manageable. Specifically, Garfield Oaks is a short walk from shopping centers like Cherryland Center (0.4 miles away, an 8-minute walk) and 1280 S Airport (0.5 miles away, a 9-minute walk), providing immediate access to retail and services. Garfield Village Shopping Center is also just a 3-minute drive (1.3 miles) away.

For recreation and nature enthusiasts, the location offers convenient access to several parks and natural reserves. Joseph H. Rogers Observatory, Traverse City State Park (5-minute drive / 2.4 miles), Miller Creek Nature Reserve (5-minute drive / 2.9 miles), Boardman River Nature Center (7-minute drive / 3.4 miles), and Grand Traverse Natural Education Reserve (8-minute drive / 3.5 miles) are all within a short drive. This allows residents to enjoy Michigan's outdoor beauty with ease.

In terms of broader accessibility, Garfield Oaks is located just 3.3 miles (a 10-minute drive) from Cherry Capital Airport, which is beneficial for travel. While the area is described as "Somewhat Walkable" (Walk Score® 58), indicating some errands can be accomplished on foot, a car is generally needed for others. Public transportation options are minimal, with a "Minimal Transit" score. For healthcare needs, Munson Medical Center is approximately an 11-minute drive (4.8 miles) away. This combination of central location, proximity to essential services, and access to both urban and natural attractions makes Garfield Oaks highly accessible for Michigan locals.

Garfield Oaks - A Manitou Community provides a range of essential services typical of a manufactured home park, aimed at offering stable and affordable living in Traverse City. These services contribute to the daily life and comfort of residents.

• Lot Leasing: The core service involves leasing the land plots to residents who own their manufactured homes. This allows individuals and families to achieve homeownership at a potentially lower cost compared to traditional housing.

• Utility Inclusion: Some essential utilities are included in the monthly rent. Specifically, "Water," "Trash Removal," and "Sewer" services are covered, helping residents manage their monthly expenses more predictably. However, it is noted that the community operates on "well water," which means "rust is being battled constantly," though it is "tested frequently and is safe." Cable TV/Internet is also available, with a reported charge of $95.00 per month.

• On-Site Laundry Facilities: For resident convenience, laundry facilities are available within the community. This eliminates the need to travel off-site for washing and drying clothes, particularly beneficial for those without in-home hookups.

• Pet-Friendly Policy: Garfield Oaks is a pet-friendly community, allowing both dogs and cats. This is a significant service for many residents, as highlighted by a review stating gratitude for being able to keep "sweet dogs" who are "like family." There are specific pet policies, including a monthly pet rent of $50 per pet (up to two pets), and a pet deposit of $600. Breed restrictions may apply, so prospective residents should inquire for full details.

• Maintenance and Management: As a managed community, there is an expectation for maintenance to address issues. One resident noted that "the owner does try very hard to address any problems such as plumbing quickly," indicating a responsiveness to maintenance concerns, despite the age of some homes.

• Parking: The community offers assigned parking, typically one space per unit, ensuring residents have a designated spot for their vehicles.

• New Home Supply: Manitou Communities, the owner, is a proud supplier of homes by Champion, known for quality manufactured and modular homes. This suggests that new, modern homes are available or can be purchased to place within the community, offering updated living spaces.

Garfield Oaks - A Manitou Community, while an older mobile home park, possesses several key features and highlights that contribute to its suitability and appeal for certain Michigan locals, particularly those prioritizing affordability and specific lifestyle needs in Traverse City.

• Affordable Rent for Traverse City: A significant highlight, especially for those experiencing financial hardship, is the "reasonable rent (for Traverse City)." In a city where housing costs can be high, Garfield Oaks offers a more accessible entry point to living in the area, particularly for "workforce housing, affordable homes, mobile homes, tiny houses, and homes for families."

• Pet-Friendly Environment: For many, the ability to live with their beloved pets is non-negotiable. Garfield Oaks is explicitly pet-friendly, allowing up to two dogs and cats with a pet rent and deposit. This feature is deeply appreciated by residents who might otherwise struggle to find housing that accommodates their furry family members, as one reviewer gratefully noted.

• Safe and Quiet Atmosphere: Despite some challenges, a resident explicitly stated, "It is quiet for the most part and I feel safe living here after over a year being here." This sense of personal safety and relative peace contributes significantly to the quality of life within the community.

• Responsive Management/Owner: While the park has older infrastructure, the owner "does try very hard to address any problems such as plumbing quickly." This indicates a commitment to resolving immediate issues and supporting residents, which is a valuable aspect of community management.

• Essential In-Home Appliances: Homes within Garfield Oaks often come with essential appliances already installed, including a "built-in gas range, range hood, refrigerator, and garbage disposal." This reduces upfront costs and hassle for residents moving into a new home.

• On-Site Laundry Facilities: The presence of "laundry facilities on site" adds a layer of convenience for residents, eliminating the need to travel elsewhere for this common household chore.

• Central Traverse City Location: The park's address on N Garfield Rd places it very close to major shopping centers (Cherryland Center is an 8-minute walk), dining, and entertainment options. It's also well-situated for accessing various Traverse City schools and parks, making it convenient for daily life.

• New Home Options from Champion: Manitou Communities partners with Champion Homes, a recognized builder of quality manufactured and modular homes. This suggests that residents have the option to purchase or rent newer, professionally designed homes, contributing to the ongoing revitalization of the community.

Based on the provided information and common practices for mobile home parks, specific short-term "promotions or special offers" for Garfield Oaks - A Manitou Community are not detailed in the provided reviews. Manufactured home communities primarily focus on long-term residency rather than temporary discounts.

However, the inherent value proposition of Garfield Oaks can be considered its ongoing "offer" to locals:

• Affordable Rent in Traverse City: The most significant "special offer" is the availability of "reasonable rent (for Traverse City)." In a city known for its rising housing costs, Garfield Oaks provides a more accessible and budget-friendly option for individuals and families seeking to live in the area.

• Inclusive Utilities: The inclusion of "Water," "Trash Removal," and "Sewer" in the monthly rent simplifies budgeting for residents, as these essential services are covered. This can lead to cost savings compared to living situations where all utilities are separate expenses.

• Pet Accommodation: For many Michiganders, finding housing that welcomes pets is a major challenge, especially for those with multiple or larger dogs. Garfield Oaks' pet-friendly policy, while having associated fees (monthly pet rent and deposit), is a significant "offer" that provides a crucial housing solution for pet owners who might otherwise face limited options.

• New Home Opportunities: The partnership with Champion Homes allows for the placement of brand-new, modern manufactured homes within the community. While these come at a purchase price plus lot rent, they can offer a new, energy-efficient living space that might be more affordable than purchasing a traditional stick-built home of similar quality in the Traverse City market.

Prospective residents are encouraged to directly contact Garfield Oaks - A Manitou Community for the most current information regarding available homes, specific lot rent figures, any specific lease incentives that might be available at the time of inquiry, and details on pet policies and utility inclusions. Speaking directly with the management team will provide the most accurate and up-to-date information on what the community offers.

To connect with Garfield Oaks - A Manitou Community for inquiries about residency, available homes, or any other information, please use the following contact details:

• Address: 3011 N Garfield Rd, Traverse City, MI 49686, USA

• Phone: (231) 735-8673

• Mobile Phone: +1 231-735-8673

Direct contact with the community management or leasing office is the best way to get the most accurate and current information. This includes details on specific lot availability, any homes currently for sale or rent within the community, precise monthly lot rent fees, utility inclusions, pet policy specifics (including any breed restrictions), and the application or approval process for residency. Given the nature of mobile home communities and the dynamics of housing markets, it is always recommended to verify all information directly with the property.

Garfield Oaks - A Manitou Community, despite its age and some resident concerns, offers a uniquely suitable housing solution for a specific segment of Michigan locals, particularly those in the Traverse City area seeking affordable and pet-friendly living.

The most compelling reason for its suitability for locals is its emphasis on "reasonable rent (for Traverse City)." In a region where housing costs can be prohibitive for many, Garfield Oaks provides an accessible entry point to homeownership or stable renting for individuals and families facing financial hardship or those simply seeking a more budget-conscious lifestyle. This focus on "workforce housing" directly addresses a significant need in the Traverse City area, allowing people to live where they work and contribute to the local economy without being priced out.

Furthermore, the explicitly pet-friendly policy is a significant advantage for a considerable portion of Michigan residents. As one reviewer highlighted, the ability to keep beloved dogs that are "like family" is a crucial factor, especially when many other low-income or subsidized housing options have restrictive pet policies. This inclusiveness ensures that residents do not have to choose between their financial well-being and their cherished companions.

While the community is noted for its "very old mobile homes" and battles with "rust" from well water, the responsiveness of the owner to address problems like plumbing quickly demonstrates a commitment to resident well-being. The presence of on-site laundry facilities and the inclusion of water, sewer, and trash in the rent further simplify living and budgeting for residents. The availability of new Champion homes for placement also suggests a positive direction for the community, offering modern living spaces for future and current residents.

Finally, Garfield Oaks' central location in Traverse City offers excellent accessibility to shopping, entertainment, schools, and natural parks. This convenience allows residents to fully engage with the broader Traverse City community while enjoying a relatively quiet and safe living environment, as attested by a long-term resident. For Michigan locals prioritizing affordability, pet inclusion, and a practical location over luxury amenities or pristine newness, Garfield Oaks – A Manitou Community presents a viable and much-needed housing option in Northern Michigan.

Garfield Oaks - A Manitou Community

3011 N Garfield Rd, Traverse City, MI 49686, USA