Ridgewood Manor Manufactured Home Community

For many residents across Pennsylvania, manufactured home communities offer a unique and often more affordable pathway to homeownership or stable living compared to traditional stick-built homes. Ridgewood Manor Manufactured Home Community, situated in Manheim, PA, is one such option that serves a segment of the local population. When considering any residential community, especially a manufactured home park, it's crucial for prospective residents to gain a comprehensive understanding of what to expect, drawing on publicly available details and the candid experiences of current and former residents. This article aims to provide an objective and factual overview of Ridgewood Manor, guiding Pennsylvanians through its offerings and community dynamics.

Manufactured home communities typically operate on a model where residents own their homes but lease the land beneath them. This structure can provide a sense of independence, often with private yards and more space than apartment living. However, the overall living experience is significantly shaped by the management and community environment. Ridgewood Manor has undergone a change in ownership, transitioning from family-owned to corporate-owned by Bayshore Homes RHP, which can sometimes bring about shifts in management style and operational practices. While residents praise the "lovely neighborhood" and "friendly people," concerns regarding management effectiveness have also been voiced. We will delve into the various aspects that define living at Ridgewood Manor, from its strategic location in Manheim to its available amenities and the important insights shared by those who have experienced it firsthand.

Ridgewood Manor Manufactured Home Community is located at 98 Breneman Rd, Manheim, PA 17545, USA. This address places the community in the charming town of Manheim, within Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. Manheim is known for its blend of historic charm, agricultural heritage, and convenient access to modern amenities, making it a desirable place to live for many Pennsylvanians.

For local residents, the park's location offers a strategic advantage. It is described as being "just 11 miles from Lancaster," providing easy access to the larger city's extensive array of shopping, dining, entertainment, and employment opportunities. Within Manheim itself, residents can find essential services, local businesses, and community facilities. The proximity to major retailers like Walmart, Target, and The Home Depot, as well as local restaurants like Bube's Brewery and Mount Joy Family Restaurant, ensures that daily needs and leisure activities are easily accessible. The community's location also sits within a "quality school district," which is a significant draw for families. Furthermore, being in Lancaster County means residents are close to popular regional attractions such as Hersheypark Amusement Park, ZooAmerica, and Long's Park, offering fun for all ages. While specific public transportation directly at the park's doorstep may vary, the overall accessibility of the area, including general access to trains for broader travel, contributes to the convenience of living at Ridgewood Manor for those navigating central Pennsylvania. The location offers a pleasant blend of a residential setting with the benefits of nearby urban conveniences and recreational options.

As a manufactured home community, Ridgewood Manor provides specific services that are typically covered by the monthly site fee, which for some homes includes water. While individual utility bills for electricity and heating fuel (propane or oil) are common, services related to the common areas and infrastructure are generally handled by park management. Based on available information, key services offered or implied include:

• Lot Rental: Residents own their manufactured homes but lease the individual lot (site) on which their home is situated. The site fee for some homes is around $629, which includes water. Sewer is an additional $35, and there's a $5 doublewide fee (if applicable), plus $11 for each extra person after the first.
• Community Water and Sewer: As indicated by the site fee breakdown, community water and sewer services are provided.
• Trash Service: Included as part of the HOA/site fees for residents, ensuring convenient waste removal.
• Snow Removal: For community roads and common areas, snow removal is provided, which is a crucial service during Pennsylvania winters.
• Property Management: An "experienced and professional management staff" handles day-to-day responsibilities, overseeing community rules and maintaining the grounds. However, it is important to note that a former resident reported significant issues with the property manager, citing "unprofessional, incompetent, a liar" behavior and multiple instances of "dropping the ball" during a home sale transaction, necessitating intervention from the Regional Manager and corporate office. This suggests that while management is in place, the quality of this service has been a considerable concern for some.
• Maintenance of Common Areas: Management is responsible for maintaining "beautifully landscaped grounds" and common areas, though specific details on routine maintenance beyond landscaping are not fully outlined.

Ridgewood Manor Manufactured Home Community offers several features and highlights designed to appeal to residents in Manheim and the wider Pennsylvania area. However, it's also important to acknowledge aspects that residents have highlighted as areas of concern.

• Affordable Homeownership: Manufactured homes often provide a more accessible entry point to homeownership compared to traditional housing, making it an "affordable housing option" in the region.
• Friendly Community: Multiple residents praise the "lovely neighborhood" and describe the people as "very friendly" and "extra friendly." This suggests a welcoming and social atmosphere among neighbors.
• Pet-Friendly: The community is explicitly "pet-friendly," which is a significant advantage for animal lovers seeking a home where their furry family members are welcome. It also features a "fully fenced dog park" for residents and their pets.
• Individual Homes with Yards: Residents typically have their own individual manufactured homes with private yards, offering more personal space and outdoor living opportunities than apartment complexes. Some homes also offer off-street parking, including carports, and sheds for storage.
• Convenient Location: Its proximity to Manheim and Lancaster, with access to shopping (Walmart, Target, Home Depot), dining, and attractions like Hersheypark, is a strong highlight for daily life and leisure.
• All-Ages Community: Unlike 55+ communities, Ridgewood Manor is an "all-ages manufactured home community," welcoming individuals and families of various life stages.
• Community Amenities: While one review stated "zero amenities," the community's official site indicates it offers a "clubhouse" and a "dog run," and promotes "RHP Social community events" like "BBQs, holiday parties, and more" to encourage resident socialization. Other common amenities listed for similar Bayshore communities (which own Ridgewood Manor) include basketball courts, picnic areas/pavilions/grills, suggesting potential for more facilities within the broader RHP portfolio or future plans.

However, it is crucial to present the noted concerns:

• Management Challenges: Significant complaints about the property manager's "unprofessional, incompetent, a liar" behavior and "dropping the ball" on a home sale transaction are major concerns. This suggests potential difficulties in administrative processes and resident support, requiring corporate intervention in at least one instance.
• Lack of Amenities (per one review): While the official site mentions some amenities, one resident's statement of "zero amenities" may reflect a perception of limited recreational facilities compared to expectations or other communities.
• Transition to Corporate Ownership: The change from "family owned" to "corporate owned" by Bayshore Homes RHP has been noted by a former resident with a cautionary tone, implying a shift in operational style that might not always be to every resident's preference.

Based on direct information from Bayshore Homes, the owner of Ridgewood Manor, promotions can be available. The official website for Ridgewood Manor (on BayshoreHomes.com) explicitly mentions:

• "Rent Special on Select Homes for Sale: 1 month FREE rent."
• "All Online Application Fees Waived!"

These promotions are designed to make it more attractive for prospective residents to consider purchasing a home and moving into the community. It is always recommended for interested Pennsylvanians to contact the community directly to confirm the availability of these or any other current offers, as promotions can be subject to change and specific terms and conditions.

For Pennsylvanians interested in learning more about Ridgewood Manor Manufactured Home Community, or to inquire about available homes and current promotions, please use the following contact information:

• Address: 98 Breneman Rd, Manheim, PA 17545, USA
• Phone: (717) 653-7202
• Mobile Phone: +1 717-653-7202

Given the feedback about past management issues, prospective residents are encouraged to engage in thorough communication, ask specific questions about the application and sales process, and clarify any concerns they may have about property management, site fees, and community rules. Directly contacting the management team is the best way to get the most up-to-date and accurate information.

Ridgewood Manor Manufactured Home Community in Manheim, PA, offers a compelling housing option for many local Pennsylvanians, particularly those seeking an affordable entry into homeownership within a structured community. The undeniable highlight of Ridgewood Manor is its strong sense of community spirit among residents, described as "lovely," "friendly," and "extra friendly." This neighborly atmosphere can foster a supportive and pleasant living environment, which is a significant draw for anyone looking to establish roots. The pet-friendly policy, complete with a dedicated dog park, further enhances its appeal for animal-loving households.

Moreover, the community's location in Manheim, with excellent accessibility to Lancaster, shopping centers, dining, and popular regional attractions, offers a balanced lifestyle that combines quiet residential living with urban conveniences and recreational opportunities. For those looking for more space and privacy than typical apartment living, individual manufactured homes with their own yards present a desirable alternative. While some past residents have raised significant concerns regarding the professionalism and competence of the property management, leading to cautionary advice, the current ownership (Bayshore Homes RHP) explicitly promotes community amenities like a clubhouse and social events, indicating a focus on resident engagement. Prospective residents in Pennsylvania should weigh the attractive community aspects and affordability against the reported management challenges, conducting thorough due diligence and clear communication with the park to ensure it aligns with their expectations for a positive living experience. For those prioritizing a friendly neighborhood feel and affordable homeownership in a convenient Lancaster County location, Ridgewood Manor remains an option worth exploring.

Ridgewood Manor Manufactured Home Community

98 Breneman Rd, Manheim, PA 17545, USA