Sunny Jade COOP

For residents across Colorado's scenic Western Slope, the search for stable and genuinely affordable housing is a critical priority. In Montrose, the Sunny Jade COOP represents a powerful and inspiring solution to this challenge. It is not just a place to live; it is a true Resident Owned Community (ROC), a model that puts control and security directly into the hands of the homeowners who live there. This co-op is a beacon of perpetual affordability and community empowerment in the Montrose area.

Unlike traditional mobile or manufactured home parks where residents own their home but rent the land, the homeowners at Sunny Jade COOP collectively own the land beneath their homes. This momentous transition to a cooperative model took place after the residents banded together to purchase the park from a previous owner, securing their future against the rising threat of outside investors and unpredictable rent hikes. This move was made possible by recent Colorado legislation aimed at providing manufactured home community residents with the opportunity to purchase their parks. For the 30 homes in this community, the move was a collective leap of faith that paid off, establishing a legacy of security and control.

The core mission of Sunny Jade COOP is to maintain affordable housing for its members. The community proudly serves a diverse group of residents, including veterans, the elderly, and low-income families, providing a stable foundation in a region where housing costs continue to climb. Becoming a ROC means that all major decisions—from lot rent pricing to rules and infrastructure upgrades—are made democratically by an elected Resident Board of Directors. This collective power ensures that the community's focus is always on the best interests and long-term security of its members.

Location and Accessibility

Sunny Jade COOP is nestled in the beautiful and rapidly growing area of Montrose, Colorado, a hub for the Western Slope. The location on J63 Trail offers residents a blend of quiet, rural-style living while still maintaining convenient access to the amenities of Montrose. Montrose is renowned for its proximity to world-class outdoor recreation, including the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, Uncompahgre National Forest, and a vibrant downtown area.

While specific transit and site-level accessibility details are managed by the resident board, the community is committed to the well-being of all its members. The address in Montrose places it within easy driving distance of essential services, shopping, and healthcare facilities. Living here means having a secure home base from which to enjoy the unmatched natural beauty and adventure of Southwestern Colorado. The community itself is designed to provide a cohesive, neighborhood feel, where residents can feel safe and connected.

The collective ownership structure enhances accessibility by stabilizing lot rents over time. Studies on ROCs across the country have shown that, while costs may initially rise to cover the purchase and necessary infrastructure repairs, lot fees generally stabilize or increase at a much lower rate compared to commercially owned parks. This long-term financial security makes homeownership here more accessible and sustainable for Coloradans who need reliable, budget-friendly housing.

Services Offered

As a Resident Owned Community, the services are managed and maintained by the cooperative itself, ensuring that all money collected from lot rents is reinvested directly into the community for the benefit of the members. While specific daily services can evolve based on resident voting and priorities, the co-op structure ensures the delivery of essential and desirable services.

• Land Ownership Security: Members own an equal share of the land, providing lifetime security against unfair eviction and market-driven park sales.
• Utility Hookups: Provides necessary infrastructure for homes, including essential connections (electric, water, sewer) as part of the lot fee structure.
• Democratic Governance: Residents elect a Board of Directors to manage the business of the community, control the rules, and make key financial decisions, ensuring member control.
• Lot Rent Stabilization: Monthly lot rents are managed by the non-profit cooperative with a zero-profit margin, leading to more stable and affordable site fees over the long term.
• Infrastructure Management: The co-op collectively oversees and manages the repair and upkeep of community infrastructure, such as roads, water systems, and common areas.
• Professional Partnership: The community is associated with a non-profit network (like ROC USA and Thistle) that provides technical assistance and resources for management and successful co-op operation for a minimum of ten years.

Features / Highlights

The greatest feature of Sunny Jade COOP is the unique peace of mind that comes with owning the land and controlling your own future. This security fosters a level of community engagement and quality of life rarely found in traditional manufactured housing communities.

• Affordability & Cost Control: The non-profit, co-op structure eliminates a commercial landlord's profit margin, making this one of the most stable sources of affordable housing in the region.
• Community Power: Residents have a powerful voice and vote on major community decisions, ensuring the rules and investments reflect the collective will of the homeowners.
• Increased Home Equity: Homeowners in ROCs typically see their homes appreciate more consistently, with studies showing a higher price per square foot when sold, as buyers value the secure land tenure.
• Sense of Community: The process of buying the park and the ongoing democratic governance naturally strengthens the bonds between neighbors, leading to a truly tight-knit community where members look out for one another.
• Beautification and Investment: Knowing their investment is secure inspires members to invest more in their individual homes and yards, leading to a well-maintained and attractive neighborhood with increased community pride.
• Sustainable Model: Sunny Jade COOP is part of a growing national movement of successful resident-owned communities, demonstrating a financially sound and sustainable model for long-term affordable housing.

Contact Information

To learn more about the Sunny Jade COOP community, the co-op model, or information regarding potential lot or home availability, direct inquiries may be best addressed through the community's official management or board.

Address: J63 Trail, Montrose, CO 81401, USA
Note on Contact: Due to the resident-run nature of the COOP, specific contact information like a public phone number is often managed internally by the resident board or a hired professional management company. Prospective buyers and interested parties are advised to seek out current information through the appropriate local housing and co-op resources in the Montrose area for the most direct contact details.

What is Worth Choosing

For Colorado residents, especially those on the Western Slope, choosing Sunny Jade COOP is a decision to invest in stability, community, and perpetual affordability. In a time when affordable housing is often at risk from corporate buyers, this community offers a unique haven. The most compelling reason to choose this location is the unprecedented level of security and control. By owning a share of the land, residents have eliminated the constant fear of a sudden sale, massive rent spikes, and potential displacement—issues that plague many investor-owned mobile home parks across the state.

Furthermore, the cooperative structure means that every dollar of the site fee is used to benefit the residents, not enrich an absentee landlord. This not only keeps housing costs lower over time but also fosters a level of investment in community infrastructure and neighborly connection that is unmatched. The collective efforts and democratic process, supported by a network of non-profit experts, ensures that the community is well-run and fiscally sound. For veterans, seniors, and families seeking a beautiful, secure, and genuinely affordable place to call home in Montrose, Sunny Jade COOP is a smart, empowering choice for a stable future in Colorado.

Sunny Jade COOP

J63 Trail, Montrose, CO 81401, USA