Highland Hills

For many residents across Michigan, finding a comfortable and affordable place to call home is a significant undertaking. In Kalamazoo, a city known for its vibrant atmosphere, diverse culture, and educational opportunities, manufactured home communities like Highland Hills offer an alternative housing solution. This article aims to provide a clear, engaging, and factual overview of Highland Hills Mobile Home Park to help our Michigan neighbors understand what this community entails.

Manufactured home parks, often referred to as mobile home communities, have evolved over time, presenting a distinct housing option that can offer individual space and a sense of neighborhood, often with greater affordability compared to traditional stick-built homes or apartments. Highland Hills is one such community in Kalamazoo, offering lots for manufactured homes. As with any significant life decision, understanding all aspects of a potential living situation is crucial for prospective residents.

This overview will delve into the park's location, the services it offers, its key features, and how it fits into the broader Kalamazoo landscape. We will present information based on publicly available data, including resident feedback, to provide a balanced perspective. Our goal is to equip prospective residents with the information they need to make an informed choice about whether Highland Hills is the right fit for their housing needs in Michigan.

Considering a move is a big step, and for those exploring manufactured home living, learning about communities like Highland Hills is an essential part of the process. Let's explore what this Kalamazoo community has to offer.

Highland Hills is conveniently located at 2425 Douglas Ave, Kalamazoo, MI 49007, USA. This address places it squarely within Kalamazoo, a dynamic city in Southwestern Michigan. Kalamazoo is renowned for its diverse economy, cultural attractions, and educational institutions, including Western Michigan University and Kalamazoo College.

The park's location on Douglas Avenue offers practical accessibility for residents. It is well-connected to major roadways, facilitating easy commutes within Kalamazoo and to nearby areas. Residents can benefit from close proximity to various local amenities. For instance, the neighborhood is described as being "walking distance to Kalamazoo College," and "very close to downtown and west main shopping." This provides easy access to a variety of shops, restaurants, and entertainment options that Kalamazoo offers.

Public transportation is available near Douglas Avenue, with bus lines such as 15 and 7 serving the area, and a bus stop at Douglas Ave & Mosel just a 5-minute walk away. This can be beneficial for residents who rely on public transit for their daily commutes or errands. The Kalamazoo/Battle Creek International Airport is also within a reasonable driving distance, providing convenience for travel.

The community falls within the Kalamazoo Public Schools district, with nearby schools including Woodward School for Technology and Research (PK-5), Linden Grove Middle School (6-8), and Kalamazoo Central High School (9-12). This makes Highland Hills a consideration for families with school-aged children. Furthermore, the area around Douglas Avenue is home to several parks, including Fairmount Dog Park and Adda Dilts Peace Park, offering recreational opportunities for residents and their pets.

The neighborhood around Highland Hills is described by some as "very friendly and safe," with a "sense of community" and "well-kept homes with tidy lawns and mature old growth trees." This suggests a pleasant living environment that balances urban access with a neighborhood feel.

Highland Hills, as a managed residential community, typically aims to provide services that contribute to a structured and maintained living environment. Based on common practices in manufactured home communities and the provided resident feedback, here are some points regarding services:

• Site Maintenance: One review praises the park as "very clean," suggesting that management (or residents) generally maintains the common areas and individual lots. However, another review highlights a severe issue with recurring mold due to an initial cracked tub, indicating that some maintenance issues, particularly those requiring more specialized attention (like mold remediation), may not be adequately resolved initially or may require external contractors.
• Professional Management (Mixed Reviews): The presence of an office staff, with "Mandy at the front office" being described as "really helpful," suggests a direct point of contact for residents. However, the lengthy and unresolved maintenance issue described in one review indicates potential challenges with the efficiency or effectiveness of the overall maintenance system, particularly when a contractor is needed.
• Community Management Efforts: One positive review mentions that "they have done a great job at getting the ruffians out," which suggests active management efforts to maintain a safe and orderly community environment. This is a significant service for residents concerned about peace of mind and safety.
• Tenant Support: While not explicitly detailed, the existence of an office suggests services such as lease management, rent collection, and addressing resident inquiries. The experience of the resident with the mold issue, however, highlights potential frustrations with the process for major repairs.
• Utilities: Residents typically manage their own utility accounts, but the park provides the necessary infrastructure for these services to individual homes.

It's important to note the contrast in reviews regarding maintenance and management effectiveness. While some residents find the park clean and management helpful in maintaining order, others have experienced significant and prolonged issues with home repairs, particularly those requiring professional external contractors. Prospective residents should inquire about the park's specific maintenance policies and procedures, especially for complex issues, and understand how quickly concerns are typically resolved.

Highland Hills offers several features that contribute to its appeal as a residential community in Kalamazoo, alongside some areas noted for concern:

• Clean Community: A notable highlight, as per one review, is that "the park is very clean." This suggests that the common areas and overall environment are well-maintained, contributing to a pleasant living experience for residents.
• Responsive Local Office Staff: The positive mention of "Mandy at the front office" being "really helpful" indicates that residents may have a supportive contact for daily inquiries and minor issues.
• Efforts to Maintain Order: The comment about "getting the ruffians out" suggests that management actively works to ensure a safe and respectful environment for residents, which is a valuable feature for community living.
• Individual Home Sites: Residents in manufactured home parks generally benefit from having their own individual lot, providing more personal space and privacy than traditional apartment living, often with dedicated parking and a small yard.
• Pet-Friendly Environment: While not explicitly stated for Highland Hills, other mobile home communities managed by Bayshore Homes Sales (a potential management group associated with "Highland Hills Estates" in Novi) advertise as pet-friendly, and some neighborhood reviews mention people walking dogs and a nearby "Fairmount Dog Park," suggesting a pet-welcoming atmosphere in the broader area.
• Proximity to Kalamazoo Amenities: The park's location on Douglas Avenue provides excellent access to Kalamazoo College, downtown shopping, restaurants, and various city attractions. This is ideal for residents who wish to be close to urban conveniences and cultural offerings.
• Access to Public Transportation: With bus stops nearby, residents have an option for public transit, which enhances accessibility around Kalamazoo.
• School District Access: Being part of the Kalamazoo Public Schools district, with elementary, middle, and high schools relatively close, makes the park a feasible option for families with children.

However, a significant feature that stands out as a critical concern from the reviews is the reported issue with persistent and severe mold due to unresolved leaks from a cracked tub. This highlights a potential challenge with the quality and timeliness of major maintenance and contractor work. Such issues can significantly impact the health and safety of residents, and should be a primary consideration for prospective residents.

Information regarding specific promotions or special offers for Highland Hills Mobile Home Park in Kalamazoo is not explicitly available in the provided data. However, manufactured home communities often have various incentives to attract new residents, which might include:

• Move-in Specials: This could involve reduced security deposits, discounted first month's rent, or assistance with moving costs for new residents.
• Home Purchase Incentives: If the park facilitates the sale of manufactured homes, they might offer special pricing on certain models, financing assistance, or included upgrades. For instance, another "Highland Hills Estates" (though in Novi, MI) advertises pre-owned homes at various price points and mentions assisting with financing options. It's possible similar offers could exist at the Kalamazoo location.
• Referral Programs: Some communities offer bonuses to current residents who refer new individuals or families who successfully move into the park.

To obtain the most accurate and up-to-date information on any promotions or special offers Highland Hills might currently have, it is always recommended to contact the park management directly. They will be able to provide details on available homes, current pricing, and any incentives that could benefit new residents. Given the serious maintenance concerns raised in one review, it would also be prudent to inquire about any guarantees or warranties related to home conditions and repairs.

For those interested in learning more about Highland Hills Mobile Home Park, understanding current availability, or discussing the concerns raised in resident reviews, you can reach out directly using the following contact information:

• Address: 2425 Douglas Ave, Kalamazoo, MI 49007, USA
• Phone: (269) 363-2734
• Mobile Phone: +1 269-363-2734

It is highly recommended that prospective residents directly contact the park management to discuss any questions or concerns, especially those related to property maintenance policies, the handling of major repairs, and any specific health and safety protocols. Obtaining specific details in writing about all charges, included services, and park policies is strongly advisable before making any commitments.

Highland Hills Mobile Home Park in Kalamazoo presents a potential housing option for Michigan locals seeking affordable living within an urban setting. Its suitability stems from several factors, balanced against important considerations highlighted by resident feedback.

On the positive side, the park's location on Douglas Avenue offers excellent accessibility to Kalamazoo's many amenities. Residents are close to educational institutions, various shopping and dining options, and cultural attractions, making it ideal for those who desire urban conveniences. The availability of public transportation further enhances its practicality. Furthermore, the park is described as "very clean," and efforts are reportedly made to "get the ruffians out," suggesting a management commitment to maintaining an orderly and pleasant community environment. The presence of a "helpful" local office staff member indicates that residents may find support for their day-to-day needs.

However, it is crucial for prospective residents to carefully consider the significant concerns raised in one detailed review, particularly regarding the long-standing and unresolved issue of mold due to a leaking tub. This suggests potential challenges with the efficiency and quality of major maintenance and repair services, which can have serious implications for resident health and safety. While minor issues can be expected in any community, persistent, unresolved problems of this nature are a critical factor to weigh.

For Michigan locals prioritizing affordability and a clean, managed community within close proximity to Kalamazoo's offerings, Highland Hills might seem appealing. However, a thorough investigation into the park's maintenance protocols and a clear understanding of how serious repair issues are addressed is paramount. Prospective residents should engage directly with management, ask specific questions about the reported issues, and perhaps seek input from current residents (if possible) to ensure that the living experience aligns with their expectations for a safe, comfortable, and well-maintained home.

Highland Hills

2425 Douglas Ave, Kalamazoo, MI 49007, USA