Summit Heights

### Summit Heights in Erie, PA: Understanding a Mobile Home Community's Evolution

For many Pennsylvanians, particularly those seeking affordable and independent living solutions, manufactured home communities, often referred to as mobile home parks, present a unique housing option. These communities allow residents to own their homes while leasing the land, often fostering a sense of neighborhood. If you're exploring housing in Erie, PA, you might encounter Summit Heights. This article aims to provide a clear, engaging, and factual overview of this community, offering insights from the perspective of a local user in Pennsylvania, based on publicly available information and recent resident feedback, which highlights some significant transitions and ongoing concerns within the park.

The landscape of mobile home communities across Pennsylvania is dynamic, with changes in ownership and rent structures being a notable trend. Understanding these changes and their impact on residents is crucial for prospective tenants. Our goal here is to present the key aspects of Summit Heights, including its location, reported features, and the critical considerations stemming from recent increases in lot rent and the concerns of long-term residents, particularly those on fixed incomes. This information is designed to help you make an informed decision about your next home in the Erie region.

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### Location and Accessibility

Summit Heights is located at 1676 Pinegrove Way, Erie, PA 16509, USA. Some sources also associate it with 8461 Perry Hwy, Erie, PA 16509, indicating its strong connection to the broader Summit Township area within Erie County. Erie, Pennsylvania's fourth-largest city, is a vibrant community situated on the southern shore of Lake Erie, offering a wealth of cultural, educational, and recreational opportunities. The park's location places it within Erie, providing residents with access to both urban conveniences and natural attractions.

The park's address on Pinegrove Way suggests a residential setting, likely contributing to the "quiet" atmosphere that manufactured home communities often aim to provide. From Summit Heights, residents are within a reasonable driving distance of essential services and popular attractions. This includes major retail centers like Millcreek Mall (reported to be just minutes away for some homes in the park), various grocery stores, pharmacies, and a diverse range of dining options. For outdoor enthusiasts, Presque Isle State Park, a prominent regional attraction, is accessible for beaches, hiking, and water activities. Other nearby attractions like the Erie Zoo and Waldameer Park & Water World also offer entertainment options. The local road network ensures convenient travel throughout the city and to surrounding areas, facilitating daily commutes and leisure activities for Pennsylvania residents. While internal park dynamics are a significant factor, the external geographical location offers good connectivity to Erie's offerings.

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### Services Offered

The services provided by mobile home parks generally encompass the core necessities for community living. Based on publicly available information and resident feedback, here's an overview of what residents at Summit Heights can expect, along with critical considerations:

• Lot Leasing: The primary service involves leasing individual plots of land where residents place their manufactured homes. This is the central financial component of living in the park. Reviews indicate a significant increase in lot rent under new ownership. Reported figures vary, with one resident stating it is now "$520.00 a month," which includes "garbage disposal." Another report for a home within the park specifies current lot rent at "$580/MO WHICH INCLUDES GARBAGE, SEWER AND SNOW REMOVAL ROADWAYS." Historical reports noted rent increases of $50, then $30, then $118, demonstrating a pattern of substantial hikes.
• Utility Hookups: The park provides the necessary infrastructure for homes to connect to utilities such as electricity, water, and sewer. However, recent changes indicate that water and sewer, which were previously included, are now often separate costs for residents, adding to the monthly expenses.
• Waste Management: As per recent lot rent inclusions, "garbage disposal" is a provided service, and some listings explicitly mention "trash" pickup.
• Road Maintenance: Some listings for homes in the park indicate that "snow removal roadways" is included in the lot rent, suggesting that the park manages winter road upkeep within the community.
• Community Management: There is an ownership and management structure in place. Reviews indicate the "new owner is improving the property" but is also "hell bent on raising the lot rent." There are concerns about management's approach to residents, particularly those on fixed incomes, suggesting a focus on "how much money they can squeeze out of us."

Prospective residents must thoroughly clarify all current lot rent figures, what utilities are included, and any additional fees, as these details have undergone significant changes and are a primary concern for current residents.

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### Features / Highlights

Summit Heights presents several features that contribute to its living environment, though these are often intertwined with the challenges highlighted by residents. Here are some key aspects:

• Ongoing Property Improvements: Positive feedback notes that "The new owner is improving the property." This suggests that there are active efforts to enhance the park's physical condition, which could include general upkeep and infrastructure upgrades.
• Availability of Updated Homes: Listings for homes within Summit Heights include "Brand new roof and updated plumbing!", "Freshly Painted Interior," "Metal Roof (2020) And Furnace (2020)," and "Beautiful kitchen with new center island." This indicates opportunities for residents to acquire modern and well-maintained manufactured homes. Some homes even offer "wheelchair ramp for easy access" and "central air conditioning."
• 55+ Community Designation (Partial): Some listings explicitly describe Summit Heights as a "55+ Community." This suggests an environment tailored to older adults, which can imply a quieter atmosphere and community activities relevant to seniors. However, one review refers to it as a "community of retired people with many widows," reinforcing this demographic.
• Quiet Environment (Implied): While not explicitly stated in recent reviews, the nature of a 55+ community often suggests a more peaceful residential setting compared to all-ages parks.
• Individual Home Lots: Residents own their homes and lease individual lots, providing personal space and a sense of homeownership that differs from apartment living.

Crucially, these potential benefits must be weighed against the significant concerns raised by residents, particularly the "extortionist" lot rent increases that disproportionately affect those on fixed incomes and the perceived lack of empathy from management regarding these financial pressures. The concern that "there's no equity or appraisal values period in thus situation or park period" highlights a perceived lack of long-term financial benefit for homeownership within the park, given the escalating lot rent.

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### Promotions or Special Offers

There is no specific public information available detailing ongoing promotions or special offers directly from Summit Heights. Mobile home communities sometimes offer incentives to attract new residents, such as reduced security deposits or discounts on initial lot rent. However, given the significant concerns raised by current residents regarding lot rent increases, it is particularly important for prospective residents to get clear and transparent information on all costs.

For the most current information on lot availability, precise rental rates, and any potential new resident incentives, it is highly recommended that prospective residents contact the park management directly. Inquiry about these offers should be part of a broader conversation about the overall financial commitment and long-term stability of living in the park, especially in light of past rent hikes.

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### Contact Information

For more information, to inquire about available lots or homes for sale within the community, or to discuss any specific questions you may have about living at Summit Heights, you can contact them using the following details:

• Address: 1676 Pinegrove Way, Erie, PA 16509, USA
• Phone: (814) 315-0389
• Mobile Phone: +1 814-315-0389

When contacting the park, it is critically important to prepare a comprehensive list of questions. These should explicitly address: the current exact lot rent and what it includes (e.g., garbage, sewer, water, snow removal), the frequency and history of rent increases, policies regarding rent caps or protections for fixed-income residents, and the park's approach to communication regarding financial changes. Transparency in these discussions will be vital for making an informed decision about the long-term affordability and sustainability of living in Summit Heights.

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### Conclusion: Why This Place Is Suitable (or Not) for Locals

For Pennsylvanians considering a manufactured home living arrangement in the Erie area, Summit Heights presents a complex and, for many, a challenging scenario. On the positive side, the park's location in Erie provides access to city amenities, and reports of property improvements by the new owner, along with the availability of updated or brand-new homes, indicate a commitment to enhancing the physical environment. Its designation as a 55+ community for some sections might appeal to seniors seeking a more tranquil setting.

However, the overwhelming and consistent negative feedback from residents regarding the substantial and frequent increases in lot rent is a critical factor. The concerns expressed by older residents on fixed incomes, describing the situation as "extorsionists" and highlighting the lack of equity or appraisal values, reveal a significant financial burden and a sense of vulnerability. The core issue appears to be a disconnect between the park's business model and the financial realities of its long-term, often retired, residents. The feeling of being "trapped" due to the high cost of moving a mobile home further amplifies these concerns.

Therefore, while Summit Heights may offer aesthetically improved homes and a specific community type, local Pennsylvanians, particularly those on fixed incomes or seeking long-term financial stability in their housing, should approach this park with extreme caution. Thorough due diligence is absolutely essential. This includes not only an in-person visit to assess the physical improvements but, more importantly, a direct and detailed conversation with management about all current and projected costs, rent increase policies, and a critical evaluation of whether the living costs align with your long-term financial plan. Without legislative caps on lot rent or a significant shift in management's approach to its existing resident base, the financial instability reported by current tenants makes Summit Heights a high-risk option for many, despite any physical improvements.

Summit Heights

1676 Pinegrove Way, Erie, PA 16509, USA