Pheasant Ridge

For many Pennsylvanians, particularly in the vibrant Lancaster County region, mobile home communities offer a unique and often affordable pathway to homeownership. Among these, Pheasant Ridge stands as a notable example, presenting itself as a family-friendly manufactured home community in Lancaster, PA. While it aims to provide a comfortable and active lifestyle, it's essential for prospective residents to understand the full picture of living within such a community.

Pheasant Ridge is part of the Sun Communities network, which often implies a certain standard of amenities and managed services. The community is described as offering affordable homes in a peaceful setting, designed to provide residents with an active and carefree living experience. The presence of amenities like a swimming pool, clubhouse, playground, fitness center, and basketball courts suggests a focus on providing diverse recreational opportunities for all ages.

However, like any community, Pheasant Ridge has its own dynamics and challenges, particularly concerning the balance between amenities and the rising costs of lot rent for long-term residents. It's crucial for locals considering this community to weigh the advertised benefits against the experiences shared by current and former residents to make an informed decision. This article will provide a factual overview of Pheasant Ridge, drawing on available public information and resident feedback to offer a comprehensive perspective.

Location and Accessibility

Pheasant Ridge is located at 209 Longwood Ct W, Lancaster, PA 17603, USA. This address places it in the picturesque Pennsylvania Dutch Country, offering residents a blend of historic charm and modern conveniences. Lancaster is a thriving city known for its rich history, vibrant arts scene, diverse culinary offerings, and proximity to numerous attractions.

The community's location provides good accessibility to essential services and entertainment options. Residents can easily reach local shopping centers, grocery stores, and healthcare facilities. For those who enjoy exploring, Lancaster boasts attractions such as the historic Central Market (the country's oldest continuously operating farmers market), numerous museums, and various entertainment venues.

Pheasant Ridge is also strategically located near major roadways, offering convenient commutes for work or leisure. It’s noted to be near public bus routes and walking paths, enhancing local mobility. For those who appreciate outdoor activities, the area surrounding Lancaster provides opportunities for hiking, biking, and enjoying the scenic beauty of the Pennsylvania Dutch Country. The community's position makes it a practical choice for individuals and families who desire a quiet residential setting with easy access to the amenities and charm of Lancaster city.

Services Offered

As a manufactured home community, Pheasant Ridge, managed by Sun Communities, typically provides a range of services covered by the monthly lot rent. These services contribute to the overall living experience and convenience for residents:

• Lot Rental: Residents own their manufactured homes but pay a monthly lot rent to Pheasant Ridge (Sun Communities) for the use of the land their home occupies. This is a common structure in manufactured home communities.
• Utility Connections: The community provides the infrastructure for utility connections, including public water, public sewer, natural gas, and electricity to individual homes. While the connections are provided, residents are generally responsible for their own utility bills, though some older listings have indicated cable TV as included in lot rent.
• Waste Management: Trash removal services are typically included in the HOA/lot rent fee, providing convenient disposal for residents.
• Snow Removal: Snow removal for common areas and internal roads within the park is generally provided as part of the lot rent, ensuring accessibility during winter months.
• Common Area Maintenance: The upkeep of common grounds, recreational facilities, and shared spaces is the responsibility of the community management.
• On-Site Management/Customer Service: Sun Communities aims to provide customer service staff to ensure a pleasant living experience, handling inquiries and maintaining community standards.

Features / Highlights

Pheasant Ridge offers various features and amenities designed to enhance the residents' lifestyle. However, it's important to present these alongside resident feedback to give a complete picture.

• Community Amenities:
  • Swimming Pool: A sparkling outdoor swimming pool is available for residents to relax and cool off during warmer months.
  • Clubhouse: A spacious clubhouse serves as a social hub for gatherings, events, and community activities.
  • Playground: An outdoor playscape provides a space for children to play and create adventures.
  • Fitness Center: A state-of-the-art fitness center is equipped for residents to stay active and reach their health goals.
  • Basketball Court: Well-maintained basketball courts are available for friendly games and connecting with neighbors.
  • Pet-Friendly: The community is pet-friendly, allowing residents to have pets, with specific policies (e.g., typically 2 big dogs allowed with breed restrictions) noted in some home listings.
  • Walking Paths/Sidewalks: The community features walking paths and sidewalks, making it walkable and suitable for strolls with pets.
• Location Advantages: Situated in Lancaster, residents benefit from proximity to historic Pennsylvania Dutch Country attractions, shopping, dining, and easy access to major routes.
• Customer Service: One positive review specifically highlighted "Lynda has been nothing short of AMAZING!" indicating strong individual support from staff for some residents during the home buying process.

However, it is crucial to address significant concerns raised by some long-term residents:

• Rising Lot Rent: A major point of contention is the substantial increase in lot rent, with some residents noting it has risen from around $560 to almost $800. This is a significant concern for those on fixed incomes.
• Perceived Lack of Value for Rent Increases: Residents express frustration that rent increases are not matched by an increase in amenities or services. Claims include "no community center, no bus trips, nothing but greedy owners wanting to take senior citizens incomes and price them out of affordable housing." While the official website lists amenities, the sentiment suggests that existing residents may not feel these justify the rising costs or that some previously enjoyed benefits have been reduced.
• Owner Responsibility for Property: Residents own their homes and are responsible for maintaining their own properties and paying property taxes, raising questions about what the escalating lot rent truly covers if not additional community benefits or maintenance beyond basic common areas.
• Corporate Ownership Concerns: The ownership by Sun Communities, a large corporation, is cited as contributing to "corporate greed" and a lack of responsiveness to long-term residents' financial situations.

Promotions or Special Offers

Based on public listings and the nature of manufactured home sales within such communities, specific promotions or special offers at Pheasant Ridge typically revolve around the sale of individual homes. While a general overarching "promotion" for all new residents is not consistently advertised, prospective buyers might encounter offers tied to specific properties.

For instance, a new home sale might include incentives such as a certain amount back in closing cost credits or a particular financing rate for qualified buyers. Buyers should inquire directly with the real estate agents listing homes in Pheasant Ridge, or with the park management, about any current incentives, available homes, and the exact terms of lot rent and included services. Given the concerns raised by existing residents regarding rent increases, it is particularly vital for potential buyers to gain full clarity on the current and historical lot rent trends, as well as the long-term outlook for these costs.

Contact Information

Address: 209 Longwood Ct W, Lancaster, PA 17603, USA

Phone: (717) 291-4986

Mobile Phone: +1 717-291-4986

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

For Pennsylvania locals considering a move to a manufactured home community in Lancaster County, Pheasant Ridge offers a compelling proposition in terms of location and initial amenities. Its setting in Lancaster provides easy access to the city's vibrant attractions, shopping, and essential services, alongside the charm of Pennsylvania Dutch Country. The presence of a swimming pool, clubhouse, fitness center, and playground can be attractive features for families and individuals seeking an active lifestyle within their community.

However, it is critically important for potential residents to approach Pheasant Ridge with a thorough understanding of the financial commitment, particularly concerning lot rent. While the concept of owning a home while leasing the land can be appealing for affordability, the experiences shared by existing residents highlight significant concerns about escalating lot rent that is perceived as not matching the value in return, especially for those on fixed incomes. The sentiment of "corporate greed" and a lack of amenities compared to the rising costs should be a major point of inquiry for any local considering this community.

Before committing, prospective residents are strongly advised to engage in detailed discussions with the park management (Sun Communities), inquire about the history of lot rent increases, understand the full breakdown of what the lot rent covers, and speak with current residents to gather a comprehensive perspective on daily life and financial expectations. While the promise of "all the amenities and meet new people" (as one new resident stated) might be enticing, a balanced view that includes the concerns of long-term residents is essential for making a truly informed decision about whether Pheasant Ridge is the right long-term fit for your housing needs in Pennsylvania.

Pheasant Ridge

209 Longwood Ct W, Lancaster, PA 17603, USA