Sandstone Terrace

For Ohio residents exploring mobile home living options in the Athens area, Sandstone Terrace offers a community with a notable history and specific considerations for potential residents. Located in the picturesque Vore Ridge area, this mobile home park has undergone ownership changes and infrastructure improvements, aiming to provide an affordable housing solution. However, like any significant housing decision, understanding the full picture is crucial for those considering making Sandstone Terrace their home.

This article is designed to provide New Yorkers with a factual overview of Sandstone Terrace, drawing from publicly available information and real resident feedback. We will cover its location and accessibility, details about the services and features that have been highlighted, and crucial insights from past residents regarding utility providers and property management responsiveness. Our goal is to equip you with the information needed to make an informed decision about whether Sandstone Terrace aligns with your housing needs and expectations in the Ohio region.

It's important to approach this information with a balanced perspective. While mobile home living can offer an accessible path to homeownership or affordable renting, it comes with its own set of unique factors. Learning from the experiences of current and former residents, particularly concerning long-term costs like electricity and the responsiveness of property management, is key to navigating the decision-making process for those in Ohio contemplating a move to Sandstone Terrace.

Sandstone Terrace is located at 8078, 4239 Vore Ridge Rd, Athens, OH 45701, USA. This address places the mobile home park in a specific area of Athens, Ohio, known for its blend of rural charm and proximity to the amenities of Athens city. Situated at the corner of Vore Ridge Road and Route 691, the park benefits from being in a quieter setting while maintaining reasonable accessibility to key areas.

Athens, Ohio, is a vibrant college town, home to Ohio University, which brings with it a variety of cultural events, dining options, and recreational activities. The location of Sandstone Terrace provides residents with access to these amenities without being in the immediate hustle and bustle of the university's main campus. While the park itself is noted for being a "quiet mobile home community," it is still within a manageable distance for errands and engagements in town.

For daily needs, the park's location on Vore Ridge Road offers connectivity to local roads that lead to grocery stores, pharmacies, and other essential services in Athens. For example, local searches indicate that Athens features multiple shopping centers within a short drive. The area is generally considered car-dependent, meaning most errands would typically require a vehicle, though some areas of Athens are somewhat bikeable. Public transportation options or ride-share services may also be available in the broader Athens area, connecting residents to more distant parts of the city and beyond.

Regarding access to healthcare and education, Athens is home to OhioHealth O'Bleness Hospital and various medical facilities, providing residents with convenient access to healthcare services. The presence of Ohio University also means educational resources and opportunities are readily available. For families, schools like Morrison Elementary, Athens Middle School, and Athens High School are within a few miles, contributing to the practicality of the location for residents with children.

However, it is crucial to note a specific point about the location concerning utilities, as highlighted in a resident review: "Buckeye rural electric is through out the entire place, but across the street is AEP. AND THERE IS ABSOLUTELY NOTHING YOU CAN DO!!" This indicates a critical distinction in electricity providers based on location, which can significantly impact utility costs for residents within Sandstone Terrace compared to properties directly across the street. This is an important detail for potential residents to verify and understand before committing to living in the park.

Sandstone Terrace, as a mobile home park, primarily offers lots for manufactured homes, with new ownership having implemented changes aimed at improving the community. Based on available public information and resident feedback, the services provided focus on the infrastructure and management of the park, rather than individual home services typically found in apartment rentals.

• Lot Rentals: The core service is the provision of land lots for mobile homes. Residents typically own their mobile homes but lease the land from the park. Some listings indicate a "Mobile Home Rent Credit Program" where a portion of monthly rent can be applied towards ownership of a specific unit over time (e.g., after 48 or 53 months), or homes can be purchased outright with a separate lot rent. Lot rent has been noted to be around $198 per month (for lot only) or around $550 per month including the home in a rent-credit program.
• Infrastructure Improvement: Under recent ownership, the "infrastructure is being improved." While specific details are not provided, this generally means upgrades to roads, utilities (water, sewer, potentially electric distribution within the park), and common areas to enhance the living environment.
• Home Remodeling: New homes coming into the park, or existing homes being prepared for new tenants, are "being remodeled." This suggests a commitment to ensuring homes meet certain standards before occupancy, which can be beneficial for residents moving into updated units.
• Application and Screening Process: To maintain community standards, new tenants must "pass a background check which includes a criminal history, evictions history, and income verification." This service aims to ensure a safe and stable community for all residents.
• Management Oversight: The park has management responsible for community rules, lot assignments, and some level of common area maintenance. However, resident reviews indicate significant challenges with management responsiveness, with complaints about "corporate office is full of excuses" and "having to call 52 times for whoever is answering the phone to quit hanging up and talk" when help is needed, particularly concerning trailer repairs.
• Utility Management (with critical note): While the park provides the infrastructure for utilities, residents are responsible for their own utility bills. A major concern highlighted by a resident is the specific electricity provider, Buckeye Rural Electric, versus AEP across the street, leading to "hundreds of dollars for electric every month" and high reconnection fees if power is disconnected. This suggests utility costs are a significant independent expense for residents.

Prospective residents should thoroughly investigate all aspects of the services, especially utility arrangements and management responsiveness, before making a decision.

Sandstone Terrace in Athens, Ohio, possesses several features that contribute to its character as a mobile home community. While some aspects have been highlighted positively, others present significant challenges that potential residents should be fully aware of. It's important to consider both sides to gain a comprehensive understanding of what living here might entail:

• Quiet Community Setting: A consistent highlight is its environment as a "quiet mobile home community." This indicates a generally peaceful atmosphere, which can be appealing for individuals and families seeking a serene residential setting away from the direct hustle and bustle of city life, yet still accessible to Athens.
• New Ownership and Infrastructure Improvements: The park has "recently purchased by new owners and its infrastructure is being improved." This signals a commitment to enhancing the physical condition of the park, which can lead to a more pleasant and functional living environment over time. Remodeling of homes also suggests an effort to provide updated living spaces.
• Affordable Housing Options: Public listings indicate that Sandstone Terrace offers mobile homes for sale or through a "rent credit program," which can be a more affordable pathway to homeownership compared to traditional stick-built homes in the Athens area. This financial accessibility is a significant draw for many Ohio residents.
• Community Stability Measures: The requirement for new tenants to "pass a background check which includes a criminal history, evictions history, and income verification" is a feature aimed at fostering a safer and more stable community by vetting potential residents.
• Proximity to Athens Amenities (with caveats): While located in a quieter area, the park is still reasonably close to Athens, offering access to its university, shopping centers, and healthcare facilities. This balance of rural peace and urban access can be a positive feature.

However, it is crucial to address the significant concerns raised by residents, which act as major counter-highlights:

• High Electricity Costs: A major reported drawback is the "hundreds of dollars for electric every month" due to the exclusive service of Buckeye Rural Electric, contrasted with the potentially lower rates of AEP across the street. This can lead to utility bills that are higher "than rent," significantly impacting overall affordability and causing financial strain for residents.
• Unresponsive Corporate Management for Repairs: A critical issue highlighted is the lack of support for trailer repairs. Residents report that "Corporate office is full of excuses and have ignored our trailer to the point of it's not repairable anymore." The difficulty in reaching management ("having to call 52 times for whoever is answering the phone to quit hanging up and talk") is a severe concern regarding property upkeep and resident welfare.
• High Reconnection Fees for Utilities: The experience of paying "over $1000 to get it turned back on and a trip to Jackson" after a $50 shortage on an electric bill points to extremely punitive and costly consequences for minor financial difficulties, posing a significant risk for residents.

These challenges related to utility costs and management responsiveness are critical factors that overshadow some of the otherwise positive features and should be heavily weighed by prospective residents.

Mobile home parks like Sandstone Terrace typically do not offer "promotions" or "special offers" in the traditional sense of discounts or limited-time deals, as their core offering revolves around lot leases and home sales. However, the park's model does present a specific "offer" related to homeownership, alongside other practical considerations for New York residents:

• Mobile Home Rent Credit Program: The primary "special offer" or unique benefit at Sandstone Terrace is its "Mobile Home Rent Credit Program." Under this program, as detailed in public listings, a portion of the monthly rent can be applied towards the purchase of a mobile home over a set period (e.g., 48 to 53 months). This allows residents to eventually own their unit outright, after which they would only pay the monthly lot rent. This program can be an attractive pathway to homeownership for those who might not qualify for traditional mortgages or prefer a rent-to-own structure. For instance, an example program mentioned involved a $550 deposit, $550 in rent credits, and $550 first month rent to move in, followed by $550 per month rent (including lot rent), leading to ownership after 48 months. Alternatively, some homes can be purchased outright, with a separate lot rent of around $198.
• Remodeled Homes: While not a discount, the fact that homes are "being remodeled" and feature "vinyl siding, asphalt roof, and 2x6 walls with better insulation" means that tenants are acquiring or leasing updated units. This reduces the immediate need for personal renovation expenses and potentially offers better energy efficiency (though this is contradicted by resident reviews on electric costs), which can be seen as an indirect saving.

It is crucial for any prospective resident from Ohio to thoroughly investigate the terms and conditions of the "Mobile Home Rent Credit Program," as well as verify all associated costs, particularly utilities. The significant concerns raised by previous residents regarding high electric bills and unsupportive management for repairs should be a central part of this investigation. Always request a full breakdown of all fees, inclusions, and exclusions in any agreement before committing.

For specific details on available homes, lot rent, or the rent credit program, direct contact with Sandstone Terrace management or consulting available listings through real estate platforms is necessary. Given past resident feedback, prepare to be diligent in your inquiries.

For inquiries about Sandstone Terrace, including information on available mobile homes for purchase or through the rent credit program, lot rental details, or to discuss any specific concerns, you can use the following contact information:

• Address: 8078, 4239 Vore Ridge Rd, Athens, OH 45701, USA
• Phone: (740) 280-2001
• Mobile Phone: +1 740-280-2001

Given the resident feedback regarding challenges with management responsiveness, it is advisable to be persistent in your attempts to reach them. Document all communications, and if possible, arrange for an in-person visit to the property and a meeting with the management team. Directly confirming all terms, costs, and policies, particularly concerning utilities and maintenance responsibilities, is crucial before making any commitments. You may also consider seeking advice from local real estate professionals specializing in manufactured housing in the Athens area.

For Ohio residents considering mobile home living in the Athens area, Sandstone Terrace presents itself as a community that, on the surface, offers an accessible entry point into homeownership within a quiet setting. Its location near Athens provides a balance between rural tranquility and access to university-town amenities, which can be appealing for those seeking a more relaxed pace of life while remaining connected to local conveniences.

The "Mobile Home Rent Credit Program" is a notable feature, potentially making homeownership attainable for a wider range of budgets, allowing residents to build equity over time. The stated commitment to infrastructure improvements and remodeling of homes also suggests an effort to provide updated and functional living spaces, which can be attractive for those looking for a ready-to-move-in option without significant upfront renovation costs.

However, it is imperative for any Ohio local considering Sandstone Terrace to conduct thorough due diligence, especially given the serious concerns raised in recent resident reviews. The reports of exceptionally high electricity bills due to the specific provider (Buckeye Rural Electric) compared to neighboring areas, and the difficulties in receiving timely and effective assistance from corporate management for essential trailer repairs, are critical factors that directly impact the long-term affordability and quality of life within the park. The experience of punitive reconnection fees after a utility cutoff also highlights a significant financial vulnerability for residents.

While the concept of an affordable homeownership pathway in a quiet community is inherently suitable for many Ohioans, the practical realities articulated by current residents cannot be overlooked. For those in Ohio, if Sandstone Terrace aligns with your budget and location preferences, it is strongly advised to:

• Verify all utility costs and providers for specific lots.
• Clearly understand the terms of the rent credit program and ownership responsibilities.
• Seek comprehensive details on maintenance protocols and management responsiveness for home repairs.

Ultimately, for a discerning Ohio resident, Sandstone Terrace could be a fit if these critical issues have been addressed and clarified to your satisfaction, ensuring a sustainable and comfortable living experience. Without such verification, potential residents should proceed with caution.

Sandstone Terrace

8078, 4239 Vore Ridge Rd, Athens, OH 45701, USA