The Lakes

For many residents across Michigan, the dream of finding a home that blends the tranquility of country living with accessible amenities is paramount. Manufactured home communities, often referred to as mobile home parks, have evolved to provide modern, accessible, and often more affordable housing solutions. In Smiths Creek, Michigan, The Lakes stands as a unique community that lives up to its name, featuring natural waterways and a serene environment designed for comfortable living. This article will provide a clear, engaging, and informative overview of The Lakes, highlighting what makes it a distinctive option for local residents looking for a peaceful and well-appointed place to call home in the St. Clair County area.

The concept of manufactured home communities has matured significantly, now representing vibrant neighborhoods that offer a distinct lifestyle. The Lakes, in particular, distinguishes itself with its natural landscape, offering a unique blend of scenic beauty and community amenities. Whether you're a long-time Michigan resident seeking a quiet retreat, an individual looking for a more affordable path to homeownership, or simply desiring a community known for its natural charm and structured environment, understanding the offerings of The Lakes can be incredibly valuable. We will delve into the specifics of this park, from its accessible location in Smiths Creek to the practical services and engaging features that enhance daily life, while also acknowledging recent resident feedback regarding management.

Our aim is to provide a factual and insightful perspective on The Lakes, helping you determine if this community aligns with your housing needs and lifestyle aspirations. By presenting pertinent details and drawing from available public information and resident comments, we hope to make your exploration of local housing options in Michigan both straightforward and comprehensive.

Location and Accessibility

The Lakes is strategically located at 5901 Lapeer Rd, Smiths Creek, MI 48074, USA. Although the address is listed in Smiths Creek, it is often associated with Kimball, MI, as it is situated near the boundary between these areas in St. Clair County. This location offers residents a desirable "country living setting" that is both "quiet and safe." Smiths Creek is known for its rural charm, tranquil atmosphere, and proximity to various natural attractions and recreational opportunities, including local golf courses and wineries like Green Barn Winery.

The park's address on Lapeer Road provides excellent accessibility. It is conveniently located only minutes from downtown Port Huron, a larger city offering a wider array of shopping centers, dining establishments, healthcare facilities, and employment opportunities. Furthermore, The Lakes is approximately one mile from I-69, a major interstate highway. This direct access to a key transportation artery facilitates convenient travel for residents who commute for work, educational pursuits, or wish to explore the broader Michigan landscape, including the Blue Water Bridge to Canada.

Within the immediate vicinity of Smiths Creek, residents can access local amenities that cater to daily needs. While considered "car-dependent" for most errands, the serene environment and quick access to larger towns ensure that necessities are within reach. The community's internal layout, with "sidewalks on both sides of beautifully paved roads," further enhances walkability within the park itself, allowing residents to enjoy strolls around the scenic lakes. This blend of peaceful country living with excellent regional connectivity makes The Lakes a strategically appealing location for Michigan residents.

Services Offered

The Lakes is designed to offer a comfortable and connected living experience for its residents, providing a range of services and conveniences.

• City Utilities Available: Residents benefit from reliable "city utilities available" for water, sewer, and power services, ensuring modern conveniences for all homes.
• Cable TV & Internet: The community provides options for "high-speed internet and cable TV," ensuring residents can stay connected for work, education, and entertainment.
• Centralized Mail Delivery: Convenient, "centralized mail delivery" offers secure and easy access to mail for all residents.
• Curbside Garbage Collection: Enjoy the convenience of "curbside garbage pickup," contributing to a clean and hassle-free living environment.
• RV & Boat Storage: For residents with recreational vehicles or boats, the park offers "secure and convenient RV and boat storage," keeping larger vehicles safe and accessible.
• Billiards Area: A dedicated "Billiards area offering fun, relaxation, and friendly competition" within the community clubhouse or facility.
• BBQ Facilities: The park features "BBQ facilities," perfect for outdoor dining, gatherings, and cookouts with family and neighbors.
• Satellite Dishes Welcome: Residents are permitted to have "satellite dishes," ensuring personalized entertainment and connectivity options.
• Lawn Care & Snow Removal (Resident Responsibility): For individually owned homes, residents are typically responsible for their own lawn care and snow removal, promoting individual property upkeep.

Features / Highlights

The Lakes distinguishes itself with several unique features and highlights that enhance the living experience for its residents, making it a truly desirable community in Smiths Creek, Michigan.

• Three Crystal Clean Lakes: A central highlight of the community is its "three crystal clean lakes surrounded by beautiful landscaped homes." These natural features provide scenic views, opportunities for waterfront enjoyment, and contribute significantly to the park's tranquil and picturesque environment.
• Beautifully Landscaped Homes: The homes within the community are set amidst "beautiful landscaped" areas, indicating an attention to aesthetic appeal and green spaces throughout the park.
• Friendly Neighbors: The Lakes is noted for having "very friendly neighbors," fostering a welcoming and communal atmosphere that enhances the quality of life for residents.
• Award-Winning Community: The Lakes Estates is an "MHI award winning community," a testament to its high standards in development, design, and management within the manufactured housing industry.
• Paved Roads with Sidewalks: The community features "beautifully paved roads" with "sidewalks on both sides," promoting walkability, safety, and a well-maintained appearance. This infrastructure is often cited as a sign of a high-quality manufactured home park.
• Country Living Setting: The overall ambiance is that of a "country living setting," offering a quiet and safe environment away from urban congestion while still providing modern conveniences.
• Variety of Home Options: The community offers both rental opportunities for "beautiful, spacious, manufactured home" and homes for sale, providing diverse options for prospective residents. Homes can feature open concepts, fireplaces, private master suites with walk-in closets, and attached garages.
• Proximity to Recreational Trails: Homes in the community, particularly on Twin Lakes, are located "up against the trail," offering direct access to pathways like the Wadhams to Avoca Trail for biking and walking, appealing to outdoor enthusiasts.

Promotions or Special Offers

Specific, ongoing promotions or special offers for The Lakes are not consistently detailed in widely available public information. However, manufactured home communities frequently utilize various incentives to attract new residents and facilitate home purchases or leases. Based on the community's known offerings, potential promotions or offers might include:

• Home Sales Programs: The Lakes actively has manufactured homes available for sale, including newly remodeled units. Prospective buyers should inquire about any specific financing options, in-house deals, or builder incentives for these homes. The mention of "Special FINANCING available!" on some listings indicates a proactive approach to making homeownership accessible.
• Rental Incentives: For available rental homes, the park might offer move-in specials such as reduced security deposits, a discount on the first month's rent, or waived application fees to ease the transition for new residents.
• Lease-to-Own Opportunities: While not explicitly stated, some communities offer lease-to-own programs for homes within their park, providing a pathway to ownership over time.
• Referral Programs: To encourage community growth, some parks offer bonuses or rent credits to current residents who refer new tenants or home buyers who successfully move into the community.

For the most accurate and current information on any promotions, available homes for sale or rent, or specific pricing details at The Lakes, it is highly recommended to contact the park directly. Offers can change and are often dependent on current inventory and market conditions.

Contact Information

For those interested in learning more about The Lakes, inquiring about current home availability (both for rent and sale), or wishing to schedule a visit to this unique community, here is the direct contact information:

Address: 5901 Lapeer Rd, Smiths Creek, MI 48074, USA

Phone: (810) 966-8000

Mobile Phone: +1 810-966-8000

The best way to obtain comprehensive and up-to-date information is by contacting the park's management directly via phone during standard business hours. They can provide details on available homes, guide you through the application process, and answer any specific questions you may have about making The Lakes your next home in Michigan. It is also advisable to discuss any concerns openly, especially regarding the recent feedback on property management, to gain clarity on current operational practices.

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

For locals in Michigan, particularly those seeking a tranquil, scenic, and community-oriented living environment in the Smiths Creek/Kimball area, The Lakes offers a compelling and suitable housing option. Its suitability is driven by a unique combination of natural beauty, well-maintained infrastructure, and community amenities.

The most distinctive feature making it suitable for Michiganders is its namesake: the "three crystal clean lakes" and the "beautiful landscaped homes" that surround them. This provides an aesthetically pleasing and naturally serene backdrop for daily life, appealing to those who appreciate outdoor beauty and a sense of calm. The presence of paved roads with sidewalks further enhances the community's appeal for walking and enjoying the environment.

From a practical standpoint, The Lakes provides modern conveniences with available city utilities, high-speed internet, and organized waste collection. The availability of RV and boat storage is a significant benefit for residents with recreational vehicles, common in Michigan. While some recent reviews highlight concerns about a new property manager's professionalism, the long-standing presence of families in the community (10+ years) and the park's history as an "MHI award winning community" suggest a foundation of quality and desirability that has attracted and retained residents over time. The emphasis on "friendly neighbors" also speaks to a positive social environment.

Furthermore, its location offers the best of both worlds: a quiet country setting for peaceful living, coupled with excellent accessibility to downtown Port Huron, the Blue Water Bridge, and I-69. This means residents can enjoy a slower pace of life without sacrificing access to urban amenities, employment opportunities, and regional travel.

In conclusion, despite some recent management concerns, The Lakes in Smiths Creek stands as a suitable option for Michigan locals prioritizing a beautiful, quiet, and amenity-rich manufactured home community. Its unique natural features, well-planned infrastructure, and strategic location make it an attractive place to call home for those seeking a harmonious blend of country living and convenient access.

The Lakes

5901 Lapeer Rd, Smiths Creek, MI 48074, USA