Northmeadow Village

Are you an Illinois resident considering diverse housing options in the Normal area? Northmeadow Village, a manufactured home community, offers an alternative living solution that warrants a closer look. Like any community, understanding its specific characteristics, amenities, and management practices is key to making an informed decision. This article aims to provide a clear, engaging, and informative overview of Northmeadow Village, detailing its location, stated services, and highlights, helping you understand what it's like to live there from the perspective of Illinois locals.

Manufactured home communities, often colloquially known as mobile home parks, have evolved considerably over the years. They can offer a unique path to homeownership or an affordable rental alternative, often coming with community amenities and a distinct neighborhood feel. Northmeadow Village positions itself as a place aiming to provide a "safe and family friendly environment" with "professional and courteous service." As with any housing choice, it's essential to weigh the information carefully to see if it aligns with your personal needs and expectations.

This guide will delve into the specifics of Northmeadow Village, including its physical location within Normal, Illinois, the services that are reportedly offered, and the features that aim to enhance residents' lives. We'll also touch upon typical financial aspects and provide direct contact information for those interested in learning more. For Illinois residents exploring their housing options, understanding the nuances of a community like Northmeadow Village is crucial for a well-considered decision.

It is important to approach any housing decision with a comprehensive understanding of the community's operations and reputation. This article compiles publicly available information and resident feedback to offer a balanced overview of Northmeadow Village. We encourage all prospective residents to conduct their own due diligence, including direct communication with the management and potentially speaking with current residents, to ensure a complete picture.

Location and Accessibility

Northmeadow Village is located at 856 A St, Normal, IL 61761, USA. This address places the community within Normal, IL, part of the larger Bloomington-Normal metropolitan area in Central Illinois. This region is a significant hub, known for its educational institutions, diverse economy, and a broad range of amenities, offering a blend of urban conveniences and suburban comfort.

The community's location provides reasonable accessibility to various parts of Normal and the wider Bloomington-Normal area. Normal is characterized by a well-developed infrastructure, including good road networks and public transportation options. Residents of Northmeadow Village can expect relatively easy access to key areas within the twin cities. Public transportation, such as the Connect Transit bus service, is available throughout Bloomington-Normal, offering a means of getting around for those who prefer not to drive or for destinations where parking might be challenging.

In terms of amenities, the area surrounding Northmeadow Village offers a variety of conveniences. Normal is home to Illinois State University (ISU) and Illinois Wesleyan University, which contribute to the vibrant cultural scene and provide educational opportunities. Local grocery stores, dining establishments, and retail options are typically within a short driving distance, making daily errands manageable. The community is also situated in an area with access to schools and local parks, which are beneficial for families.

While specific distances to every amenity are not always precise, the general location in Normal implies that residents have access to the city's offerings, including recreational facilities, shopping centers, and healthcare providers. Normal aims to be a bicycle-friendly community with walking trails, which might appeal to active residents. For travel outside the immediate area, major highways are accessible, connecting residents to other parts of Illinois, including Chicago and St. Louis.

It is always recommended for prospective residents to personally explore the commute times and accessibility to their specific points of interest (work, school, family, preferred amenities) from Northmeadow Village's location.

Services Offered

Northmeadow Village Mobile Home Community provides certain services to its residents, as is common for manufactured home parks. Based on available public information, these services aim to create a structured and amenity-rich living environment. However, some past resident feedback indicates challenges with the consistency and quality of certain services, which is an important consideration for prospective residents.

• Lot Leasing and Utilities: Residents lease individual lots within the park. The monthly lot rent, reported to be around $545/month (as of a March 2025 listing), includes public sewer and public water. Some residents have reported issues with water billing, specifically a "flat rate" or "zero tick fee" and subsequent charges beyond township rates, which prospective residents should clarify in detail on their lease agreements.
• Community Management: Northmeadow Village indicates an "on-site management staff that strives to give you professional and courteous service." However, resident reviews mention frequent management changes and persistent issues with an office manager, describing management as "ill managed, tyrannical and vile" and alleging "stealing from the struggling." This indicates a significant area for potential concern and requires thorough investigation by interested parties.
• Road and Grounds Maintenance: The park is responsible for maintaining common areas and roads. While a new property management company, Oakwood Community Properties (took over in 2023), reportedly began "cleaning up the streets and piles of yard waste," there have been past complaints about maintenance, including accidental destruction of landscaping by park maintenance and issues with snow plowing (though a Trulia listing mentions roads being "plowed frequently").
• Amenities Maintenance: The community advertises amenities such as a basketball court, tennis court, volleyball court, playground with swing sets, and a swimming pool. The maintenance and accessibility of these facilities, particularly the pool, should be verified directly.
• Trash Collection: While recent resident feedback suggests a "trash fee" was added to increased lot rent, curbside trash collection is a standard service for communities of this type. The specifics of this fee and service should be confirmed.
• Home Sales and Rentals: Northmeadow Village offers manufactured homes for sale (both new and potentially pre-owned). Some reviews mention "rental properties," indicating they may also offer homes for rent. However, a past review mentioned management refusing to fix issues in "rental properties" (e.g., rotting floor), which highlights a potential concern regarding maintenance for rented units. Prospective renters should clarify maintenance responsibilities in their lease.

Features / Highlights

Northmeadow Village Mobile Home Community in Normal, IL, advertises several features and amenities designed to enhance the living experience for its residents. While some resident reviews raise concerns, these are the stated highlights of the community:

• Recreational Facilities: The community offers a range of recreational amenities including a basketball court, tennis court, and volleyball court, providing opportunities for sports and active living within the park. A "playground with swing sets" is also available, making it appealing for families with children.
• Community Swimming Pool: A significant draw, a "swimming pool" is available for residents, offering a place to relax and cool off during the warmer Illinois months. A Trulia listing specifically mentions this amenity.
• Pond with Ducks and Picnic Area: The presence of a "picnic area overlooking our pond with ducks" suggests a tranquil natural element within the community, providing a pleasant setting for outdoor gatherings and relaxation.
• All-Ages Community: Northmeadow Village is designed as a family-friendly, all-ages environment, welcoming individuals and families from all life stages. This fosters a diverse and inclusive neighborhood.
• Affordable Housing Potential: Manufactured homes generally offer a more affordable path to homeownership or rental compared to traditional stick-built homes in the Normal area. While lot rents have seen increases, it remains a relatively more accessible housing option for many.
• On-Site Management (Stated Goal): The community website states a commitment to an "on-site management staff that strives to give you the professional and courteous service you deserve." This indicates an intent for responsive local oversight.
• Proximity to Local Amenities: Located in Normal, IL, the park offers convenient access to local schools (e.g., Parkside Elementary, Normal Community West High School), shopping centers, restaurants, and public transportation, enhancing the overall convenience for residents.
• Homes with Modern Amenities: A listing for a home within Northmeadow Village highlighted features such as a generous primary bedroom with a private bath and walk-in closet, two additional bedrooms, a large living room, dining area, and appliances including a refrigerator, dishwasher, stove, washer, and dryer hookups, suggesting that individual homes can offer contemporary living spaces.

Promotions or Special Offers

Publicly advertised promotions or special offers for Northmeadow Village are not extensively detailed, and recent resident feedback indicates a focus on increased fees rather than discounts. However, manufactured home communities may, at various times, have internal incentives or offers for prospective residents. Based on common industry practices and limited available information, potential considerations might include:

• Home Sales Opportunities: Northmeadow Village offers manufactured homes for sale, including new units. While current pricing isn't a direct "promotion," purchasing a home through the park (or an affiliated sales center) might involve standard financing options or potentially some flexibility on price for pre-owned units, although recent reviews suggest new homes are expensive. A March 2025 listing for a 2010 home in the park was $35,000, illustrating the potential for more affordable homeownership if you are buying a pre-owned unit.
• Utility Inclusion: The inclusion of public water and sewer in the lot rent (as stated on a sales listing) can be viewed as a standing benefit, providing a predictable cost for these essential utilities, though some residents have reported additional water charges that were not on their lease.
• Community Amenities Access: Access to the swimming pool, basketball, tennis, and volleyball courts, and playground are included with residency. While not a "promotion," these amenities add value to the living experience without additional membership fees.
• Military or Senior Discounts: It is always worth inquiring directly with community management if they offer any specific discounts for military personnel, veterans, or seniors, as these are sometimes provided in manufactured home communities.

Given the recent resident feedback about increased lot rents and added fees, prospective residents should be diligent in clarifying all financial obligations, including base lot rent, any additional fees (e.g., "trash fee," "indemnity waiver fee," water charges beyond stated inclusions), and the terms of any lease or purchase agreement directly with the management before committing. Contacting Northmeadow Village at the provided numbers is crucial for obtaining the most current and accurate information on any offers or costs.

Contact Information

For inquiries, to schedule a visit, or to learn more about home availability and lot leasing options at Northmeadow Village, please use the following contact details:

Address: 856 A St, Normal, IL 61761, USA

Phone: (309) 260-6200

Mobile Phone: +1 309-260-6200

It is highly recommended to call during regular business hours to speak directly with a community representative. Due to varying past resident experiences, it is especially important for prospective residents to ask detailed questions regarding current lot rent, all applicable fees, lease terms, utility billing practices, and policies on home and common area maintenance. Scheduling an appointment in advance will ensure you receive dedicated attention and can thoroughly explore the community and its offerings.

Conclusion: Why This Place Is Suitable for Locals

For Illinois locals exploring housing options in the Normal area, Northmeadow Village offers a specific type of manufactured home community living. While it presents some appealing amenities and is located in a convenient area, prospective residents should carefully weigh the benefits against recent concerns raised by current and past residents regarding management practices and additional fees.

On the positive side, Northmeadow Village's location in Normal provides residents with easy access to a thriving Central Illinois community. Proximity to Illinois State University, local schools, shopping centers, restaurants, and public transportation offers a convenient lifestyle for daily needs and leisure. The presence of recreational amenities like a swimming pool, basketball, tennis, and volleyball courts, along with a playground, can be attractive for families seeking on-site recreational opportunities.

The concept of manufactured home living itself can be suitable for locals looking for a more affordable entry into homeownership compared to traditional stick-built homes, or for those seeking rental options. The inclusion of public water and sewer in the base lot rent (as per some information) is also a beneficial factor for budgeting.

However, it is crucial for Illinois residents considering Northmeadow Village to acknowledge and thoroughly investigate the significant concerns raised in recent reviews. These include issues with consistent and fair management, unexpected fees ("zero tick fee," "trash fee," "indemnity waiver fee") added to lot rent, lack of transparency regarding lease terms and utility billing, and unsatisfactory responses to maintenance requests (like rotting floors in rental units) or community upkeep (like mailbox issues and accidental landscaping destruction). The high turnover in management and the strong negative sentiment expressed by some residents should prompt extensive due diligence.

In summary, while Northmeadow Village offers the potential for affordable living and community amenities in a desirable Normal, IL location, its suitability for locals hinges significantly on personal tolerance for potential management challenges and a thorough understanding of all financial commitments and service level agreements before moving in. It is paramount that interested individuals directly engage with current management, review all lease terms meticulously, and perhaps even speak with a variety of current residents to form their own comprehensive and up-to-date assessment.

Northmeadow Village

856 A St, Normal, IL 61761, USA