Troy Oaks Homes

For many Ohio residents, finding an affordable and well-maintained place to call home is a significant pursuit. Manufactured home communities often present a viable option, providing a path to homeownership without the full costs associated with traditional real estate. Troy Oaks Homes in Hiram, OH, is one such community that has a stated aim of offering a tranquil environment in a picturesque setting. Situated in Geauga County, near Lake LaDue, it presents itself as a community with "exceptional physical appearance and maintenance" and aims for "excellent relations with residents."

However, prospective residents should be aware that experiences within manufactured home communities can vary greatly, and it is crucial to gather comprehensive information before making a decision. While the community has received recognition, such as the "First in Excellence®" designation by the Manufactured Housing Educational Institute, some former residents have shared highly critical feedback regarding management practices and the terms of their contracts.

One former resident, a widow, described her initial impression as a "dream" with "manicured lawns, quiet streets, and what seemed to be a strong sense of community." However, her experience quickly soured, as she felt the "beauty I saw wasn’t peace—it was control." She recounted rigid and "threatening rules" enforced through frequent "yard inspections" and rapid violation notices for minor issues like slightly overgrown grass or temporary parking. She noted that receiving "more than two violations within a 6-month period" could lead to eviction, creating a constant "fear." Furthermore, she stated that lot rent was increased by "$100 every year," which she felt was "intentional—as if they want to price and violate people out, and take the homes for profit." She even consulted a real estate attorney who specialized in mobile home law, who allegedly told her that "Troy Oaks has one of the most predatory, heartless contracts he’s ever seen."

Another former resident echoed these sentiments, describing their experience as "one of the most appalling experiences I have encountered in my adult life." They claimed that after signing the lease, they were subjected to "passive-aggressive behavior, unjustified fines, deceitful practices, baseless notices, and outright rude and abusive treatment" from management, specifically mentioning "Rhonda." This individual also detailed "unreasonable obstacles" when trying to sell their homes, including "denial of buyers for no apparent reason, delayed responses taking weeks... fabricated reasons for denials, and even threats of eviction." They concluded by calling the management "opportunistic, dishonest individuals driven solely by greed," particularly targeting "vulnerable and retired individuals."

These strong criticisms emphasize the critical importance for any Ohioan considering Troy Oaks Homes to "Look deeper. Ask questions. Read the contract!!! Talk to residents," as advised by one of the reviewers. While the physical appearance of the community might be appealing, a thorough investigation into the lease terms, rules, and current resident experiences is essential to ensure it aligns with expectations for a peaceful and secure living environment.

Troy Oaks Homes is located at 17989 Shaw Rd, Hiram, OH 44234, USA. This places the community in Geauga County, Ohio, known for its scenic rural charm, rolling hills, and a mix of agricultural and residential areas. The setting is described as a "beautiful country setting" and a "picturesque spot next to Lake LaDue," suggesting a serene environment.

For Ohio locals, this location offers a blend of natural beauty and practical access. While it provides a quieter, more secluded feel, it is also strategically positioned to allow access to various amenities. The community is "just minutes away from major businesses and services via the Rt. 422," which is a significant east-west route connecting various towns in Northeast Ohio.

Hiram itself is home to Hiram College, a liberal arts institution, contributing to a certain academic and small-town atmosphere. Larger urban centers are also within a reasonable driving distance. Cleveland and Akron are typically an hour's drive or more, providing access to extensive employment opportunities, major medical facilities, diverse dining, shopping, and cultural attractions. The proximity to Lake LaDue offers potential for outdoor recreational activities like fishing and boating, aligning with the "country setting." This combination of a tranquil environment with reasonable access to regional amenities makes the location appealing for those who prefer a quieter pace of life outside of bustling city centers, while still being connected to necessary services.

Based on the nature of manufactured home communities and insights from public information and reviews, Troy Oaks Homes offers a specific set of services centered around the provision and management of manufactured home lots.

• Manufactured Home Site Leasing: The primary service is leasing individual lots where residents can place their manufactured homes. Residents own their homes and pay lot rent for the use of the land and access to community infrastructure.
• Community Rule Enforcement: As highlighted in reviews, the management actively enforces a detailed set of community rules, which cover aspects like lawn maintenance ("grass over 4 inches tall and weeds out of place"), parking restrictions ("having more than one car becomes a constant source of stress" without extra concrete space), and exterior alterations to homes (requiring prior written approval and adherence to "minimum construction standards" like "shingle-style roofs").
• Infrastructure Maintenance (Roads, Utilities): While some residents have expressed concerns about the upkeep of private roads (stating they "haven't been done in several years"), manufactured home parks are generally responsible for maintaining internal roads, street lights, and common utility infrastructure up to the point of individual home hookups. Residents are responsible for their own utility bills.
• Home Sales and Placement: Troy Oaks Homes allows residents to either purchase manufactured homes from them or bring in homes from outside vendors, provided they meet the community's standards and require prior approval for any exterior alterations.
• Eviction Processes for Violations: The community has established procedures for addressing rule violations, including issuing warning letters, fines, and, if violations persist, the legal right to evict. Residents are advised to carefully review these terms in their contract.
• Lot Rent Collection and Annual Increases: Management is responsible for collecting monthly lot rent. Reviews indicate a policy of annual increases, with one former resident stating increases of "$100 every year."

It is crucial for prospective residents to fully understand the scope and strictness of these services, particularly concerning rules enforcement and financial obligations, by carefully reading the lease agreement and community rules before committing.

Troy Oaks Homes, located in Hiram, OH, highlights several features that might initially attract residents looking for manufactured home living in a rural setting. However, it's essential to consider these alongside resident feedback.

• Picturesque Country Setting: The community is situated in a "beautiful country setting of Geauga County," described as a "picturesque spot next to Lake LaDue." This offers residents a serene environment with natural beauty and potential for outdoor activities like enjoying the lake.
• Manicured Appearance: Initial impressions often highlight "manicured lawns, quiet streets," and an "exceptional physical appearance and maintenance." This suggests a commitment to maintaining a neat and appealing aesthetic throughout the park.
• Award-Winning Recognition: Troy Oaks Homes has been "Awarded the 'First in Excellence®' designation by the Manufactured Housing Educational Institute," indicating some level of industry recognition for its standards.
• Accessibility to Major Routes: Despite its rural setting, the community is "just minutes away from major businesses and services via the Rt. 422," providing convenient access for daily needs and commutes.
• Option for New Home Purchases: The community allows for the placement of newly built manufactured homes, giving residents the opportunity to have a modern home.

Important Considerations (from resident reviews):

• Strict Rule Enforcement: Residents have reported "rigid, threatening rules" with "systematic" yard inspections, immediate phone calls for minor parking infractions, and severe consequences for multiple violations, including eviction threats. This suggests a highly controlled living environment.
• Annual Lot Rent Increases: Concerns have been raised about annual lot rent increases of "$100 every year," which some residents on fixed incomes find challenging.
• Challenges with Selling Homes: Former residents reported "unreasonable obstacles" when trying to sell their homes, including alleged "denial of buyers for no apparent reason" and "delayed responses."
• Contractual Terms: One review cites a real estate attorney describing the contract as "one of the most predatory, heartless contracts he’s ever seen," advising prospective residents to "Read the contract!!!" carefully.

As a manufactured home community primarily focused on long-term residency and lot leasing, Troy Oaks Homes typically offers inherent advantages related to the manufactured home living model rather than short-term retail promotions. However, based on the provided information, prospective residents should be particularly attentive to the terms of their engagement.

The general "offers" or characteristics of manufactured home living that Troy Oaks Homes presents include:

• Potential for Affordable Homeownership: For many Ohioans, purchasing a manufactured home and leasing a lot can represent a more affordable entry into homeownership compared to traditional stick-built houses.
• Opportunity for New Home Placement: The community allows for the placement of newly built manufactured homes, which can offer modern amenities and customization options.
• Access to a Managed Community: The presence of management and community rules aims to ensure a certain level of upkeep and order within the park, potentially contributing to a well-maintained appearance.

However, it is crucial to consider the following, as highlighted in resident reviews, which might impact the perceived "offer" or overall value:

• Annual Lot Rent Increases: Residents have reported significant annual increases (e.g., "$100 every year"), which can erode long-term affordability and impact those on fixed incomes. It is vital to understand the specific terms of rent escalation in the lease agreement.
• Potential for Fines and Violations: The strict enforcement of rules, leading to fines and potential eviction for multiple violations, should be factored into the overall cost and peace of mind. This can create unexpected expenses.
• Challenges with Selling Homes: Reported difficulties in selling homes within the park, including alleged denial of buyers and delayed responses, could represent a significant financial hurdle if a resident needs to move.

Given the serious concerns raised by former residents, any "promotions" should be viewed through the lens of the full contract. For any specific inquiries about lot rent, available homes, or the detailed terms of residency, Ohioans should directly contact Troy Oaks Homes and, critically, seek independent legal counsel to review the lease agreement before signing.

For Ohio locals considering Troy Oaks Homes, or for those who wish to inquire further about the community, it is essential to contact the management directly to obtain the most current and accurate information regarding available lots, home placement, and the terms of residency.

• Address: 17989 Shaw Rd, Hiram, OH 44234, USA
• Phone: (440) 834-4533
• Mobile Phone: +1 440-834-4533 (This appears to be the same main contact number.)
• Sales Phone: Public information also lists a separate sales line: (440) 834-4534.
• Email: troyoakshomes@aol.com
• Website: Troy Oaks Homes has an official website: https://troyoakshomes.com/

When contacting Troy Oaks Homes, it is highly recommended that prospective residents:

• Request a copy of the full lease agreement and community rules for thorough review.
• Inquire about the current lot rent and the history and policy of annual increases.
• Ask specific questions about the enforcement of rules, particularly regarding yard maintenance, parking, and home alterations.
• Discuss the process and any potential restrictions or fees associated with selling a home within the park.
• If possible, speak with current residents to gain diverse perspectives on living in the community.

Given the significant concerns raised in public reviews, it is strongly advised to seek independent legal counsel to review any contracts before signing to fully understand your rights and obligations as a resident in Ohio.

For Ohio residents exploring manufactured home communities, Troy Oaks Homes in Hiram presents a unique set of considerations. On the surface, its picturesque location and commitment to a well-maintained appearance might suggest an ideal living environment, particularly for those seeking a more rural and tranquil setting in Geauga County.

The community's suitability for some locals could stem from its initial presentation of affordable homeownership in a desirable country setting. For individuals or families looking to own their home at a lower initial cost than traditional housing, and who appreciate a quiet environment with potential access to natural amenities like Lake LaDue, Troy Oaks Homes may appear attractive. Its location, with reasonable access to Route 422, also provides a degree of convenience for reaching essential services and other towns.

However, it is paramount that any Ohioan considering Troy Oaks Homes conducts extensive due diligence beyond surface-level aesthetics. The serious concerns raised by former residents regarding highly restrictive and allegedly "predatory" contract terms, stringent rule enforcement, significant annual lot rent increases, and reported difficulties in selling homes within the park cannot be overstated. These issues highlight potential challenges to long-term peace of mind and financial well-being. Ohio law does provide certain protections for manufactured home residents regarding evictions and rent increases, and understanding these rights in conjunction with a park's specific contract is critical.

While the appeal of manicured lawns and a quiet setting is understandable, the experiences shared by former residents emphasize that the true suitability of Troy Oaks Homes for Ohio locals hinges entirely on a thorough understanding of the lease agreement and a clear grasp of the management's operational practices. It is not merely about finding a place to live, but about finding a place where one feels safe, free, and secure in their investment. Therefore, for those considering this community, the most important conclusion is to investigate deeply, ask direct questions, and consult independent legal advice to ensure the reality of living at Troy Oaks Homes aligns with their personal and financial expectations for a truly suitable home in Ohio.

Troy Oaks Homes

17989 Shaw Rd, Hiram, OH 44234, USA