Meadow Estates

For many Iowans, the search for a home that offers both affordability and a strong sense of community is a significant consideration. Manufactured home parks, often referred to as mobile home parks, have long provided a viable and accessible housing solution across the state. In the charming town of Madrid, Iowa, Meadow Estates stands as a community that has recently undergone significant changes, impacting the lives of its residents. This article aims to provide a clear, engaging, and informative overview of Meadow Estates, helping local users in Iowa understand what this evolving community has to offer.

Modern manufactured home communities are designed to provide a comfortable and often economical alternative to traditional housing, fostering a neighborhood feel with shared amenities. Meadow Estates, under new ownership by RV Horizons, is in a period of transition, with residents noting both positive developments and significant changes to living costs.

One resident offered overwhelmingly positive feedback about the new management: "Andrea has been amazing to work with, you can tell she has that get stuff done attitude and is on it. She’s listened to our many requests of stuff that just wasn’t completed yet and she’s been so understanding and helpful. She seems to be changing the estates to a very family friendly environment and making sure people are taking care of there lots making them presentable. We feel safe and at home thanks to her." This highlights a proactive and supportive management presence, focused on creating a family-friendly atmosphere and improving the overall appearance of the park. Feeling "safe and at home" is a crucial aspect of any residential community, and this review suggests that the new management is successfully fostering such an environment.

However, another long-term resident, while appreciative of their 13 years in the community, raised a significant concern regarding the financial impact of the new ownership. They stated, "We have very much enjoyed the 13 years we have lived here. The community is quiet, well-kept, and we have people from all ages and generations living here. Crime is low, we watch out for one another. A new owner recently took over and while they have some things to iron out, it seems like the transition is going smoothly. Removed one star because of a pretty big hike in lot rent. From the time we moved here in 2005 until the first of August, our lot rent had only increased a total of $49 in that entire 13 year time frame. When RV Horizons bought it, they hiked the lot rent again, and everyone seems to be paying $30-50 more than what we were paying before the sale. This doesn't make us happy given the fact that we had already dealt with one rent hike of about $15 already this year, just a couple months before this one." This feedback reveals that while the community is "quiet, well-kept" with "low crime" and a good mix of ages, the transition to new ownership brought with it substantial lot rent increases. This is a common concern across the country when corporate entities acquire manufactured home parks, as they often seek to "bring rents in line with other properties in the market." While some rent increases are typical, significant hikes can impact residents, especially those on fixed incomes. It is important to note that RV Horizons, the new owner, has faced scrutiny and legal action in other states (like Wisconsin) regarding alleged unfair rental practices and lot rent increases. While no specific legal action in Iowa related to Meadow Estates is provided, this context is relevant for prospective residents.

Understanding both the positive efforts of new management to create a welcoming and well-maintained environment and the financial implications of lot rent increases is crucial for any Iowan considering Meadow Estates. The following sections will provide further details on the park's location, common services and features, and contact information.

Meadow Estates is conveniently located at 917 S Kennedy Ave, Madrid, IA 50156, USA. This address places it within the heart of Madrid, a charming town in Dallas County, Iowa. Madrid offers residents a peaceful, small-town atmosphere with access to essential amenities, providing a desirable blend of tranquility and convenience.

The community's location provides good accessibility for its residents. Madrid is situated near major roadways that connect it to larger cities in Iowa. Highway 17 runs through Madrid, offering direct access to Boone to the north and connecting to the Des Moines metropolitan area to the south. This makes commuting for work, shopping, or entertainment in the Des Moines area relatively straightforward, typically within a 30-40 minute drive. The ease of access to these routes is a significant advantage for those who enjoy the quiet of small-town living but need connectivity to urban resources.

Within Madrid itself, residents of Meadow Estates have access to various local conveniences. The town offers essential services such as grocery stores, local shops, and dining options, ensuring that daily needs are met without extensive travel. Madrid is known for its strong community spirit and provides several local attractions. This includes the High Trestle Trail, a popular destination for biking and walking that spans impressive bridges and offers scenic views. The town also has local parks and recreational facilities.

For families, Madrid is served by the Madrid Community School District, which provides educational opportunities for children residing in the area. The combination of a welcoming small-town atmosphere, local amenities, and convenient access to the greater Des Moines area positions Meadow Estates as a practical choice for those seeking a balanced lifestyle in central Iowa.

Meadow Estates, under the management of RV Horizons, aims to provide a professionally managed community with essential services for its residents. Based on resident feedback and typical offerings in manufactured home communities, the following services would generally be expected:

• Professional On-Site Management: The presence of an active manager like Andrea, who is praised for being "amazing to work with," "understanding," and "helpful," indicates a commitment to professional oversight and resident support.

• Community Maintenance: Management is focused on "making sure people are taking care of there lots making them presentable," suggesting an emphasis on overall park appearance and maintenance of common areas. This likely includes upkeep of roads, landscaping, and shared spaces.

• Utility Infrastructure: The park provides the necessary connections for essential utilities to each home site, such as water, sewer, and electricity. Residents are typically responsible for their individual utility bills, but the park ensures the underlying infrastructure is in place.

• Lot Leasing: The core service offered is the leasing of individual lots upon which residents place their manufactured homes, providing a space to live within the community. Lot rent is a key component of this service, though recent increases have been noted by residents.

• Rule Enforcement: Management enforces community rules, as suggested by efforts to ensure "people are taking care of there lots making them presentable." This helps maintain a consistent standard of living and appearance throughout the community.

Meadow Estates offers several features and highlights that contribute to its appeal as a manufactured home community in Madrid, Iowa. These aspects, combined with the new management's efforts, define the living experience.

• Proactive and Responsive Management: A significant highlight is the new manager, Andrea, who is described as "amazing to work with" and having a "get stuff done attitude." This indicates a management team that is actively engaged in improving the community and responsive to resident requests.

• Family-Friendly Environment: Management is "changing the estates to a very family friendly environment," making it suitable for families with children. The community also boasts "people from all ages and generations living here."

• Well-Kept Community: Residents note that the community is "well-kept," and management is actively "making sure people are taking care of there lots making them presentable," contributing to a pleasant aesthetic.

• Quiet Environment: The community is described as "quiet," providing a peaceful living experience for residents.

• Low Crime Rate & Neighborly Watch: Residents feel "safe and at home" and mention that "Crime is low, we watch out for one another," highlighting a secure and supportive neighborhood atmosphere.

• Affordable Living Option: Despite recent rent increases, manufactured home living generally remains a more affordable path to homeownership or stable housing compared to traditional site-built homes in Iowa.

• All-Age Community: Welcoming residents of all generations fosters a diverse and dynamic living environment.

• Individual Home Sites: Residents have their own designated lots, offering personal space and a sense of ownership.

Specific promotions or special offers for Meadow Estates are not explicitly detailed in the provided public data. However, manufactured home communities, especially those under new ownership or management like RV Horizons, often implement various incentives to attract new residents and facilitate the sale of homes within the park.

Prospective residents interested in Meadow Estates should directly contact the community management office, as they are the best source for current incentives. Common types of promotions or special offers might include:

• Financing Assistance: Partnerships with specialized lenders to help prospective buyers secure financing for their manufactured home purchase.

• Reduced Lot Rent: A temporary reduction in monthly lot rent for new residents to ease their transition.

• Move-In Incentives: Such as waived application fees or assistance with relocation costs.

• Home Purchase Specials: Special pricing or upgrade packages on newly available or renovated homes within the community.

Given the positive feedback about Andrea's helpfulness, reaching out directly is encouraged to inquire about any available offers that could make a move to Meadow Estates more appealing. It is also an opportunity to discuss the current lot rent structure and understand any future potential increases.

For Iowans interested in learning more about Meadow Estates, inquiring about available homes or lots, or scheduling a visit to the community, the management team can be reached using the following contact details:

Address: 917 S Kennedy Ave, Madrid, IA 50156, USA

Phone: (616) 202-5702

Mobile Phone: +1 616-202-5702

The positive feedback about the manager, Andrea, suggests that inquiries will be handled professionally and with a "get stuff done attitude." Direct communication is the best way to get personalized information and confirm current offerings and policies.

For Iowans seeking an affordable and evolving community to call home, Meadow Estates in Madrid offers a compelling option. Its location in a peaceful, small town provides a desirable balance of quiet living and convenient access to essential local amenities, as well as a reasonable commute to the greater Des Moines metropolitan area. This allows residents to enjoy a relaxed pace of life while maintaining connections to urban opportunities.

A significant draw for this community is the recent transition to new ownership, with a highly praised manager, Andrea, who is actively working to transform Meadow Estates into a "very family friendly environment." Her responsiveness, understanding, and commitment to improving the appearance of lots contribute to a feeling of safety and comfort among residents. The community's existing strengths, such as being "quiet, well-kept," having "low crime," and fostering a sense of mutual watchfulness among neighbors, further enhance its appeal as a secure and welcoming place.

However, prospective residents must carefully consider the impact of recent lot rent increases under the new ownership. While the community offers the inherent affordability of manufactured home living, the noted "pretty big hike in lot rent" is a significant financial factor. It is crucial for locals to understand the current rent structure and inquire about potential future increases before committing. Despite this, for individuals and families who prioritize a proactive and improving management team, a family-friendly atmosphere, and a secure, well-maintained environment, Meadow Estates presents a viable and evolving housing solution in central Iowa. A thorough inquiry into current rental terms is highly recommended to ensure the community aligns with long-term financial expectations.

Meadow Estates

917 S Kennedy Ave, Madrid, IA 50156, USA