Val-Vista Estates

For many Iowans, the journey to find a suitable home often involves navigating various housing types, balancing cost, location, and the desired living environment. Manufactured home communities, commonly known as mobile home parks, have historically offered a distinct pathway to homeownership that can be more accessible than traditional site-built homes. Val-Vista Estates in Des Moines, IA, is one such community, providing a significant number of housing units within Iowa's capital city. As a major provider of manufactured housing, understanding what Val-Vista Estates offers, as well as the experiences of its residents, is crucial for those considering this living option.

Val-Vista Estates is situated in a convenient area of Des Moines, aiming to provide residents with an affordable and functional place to live. However, it is essential to approach any housing decision with a comprehensive understanding of both the advertised benefits and any potential challenges. Public feedback, as will be discussed, plays a vital role in painting a complete picture of a community. This article aims to provide a clear, engaging, and informative overview of Val-Vista Estates. We will delve into its location and accessibility, the services typically offered, common features of homes within the community, and, importantly, critical considerations based on resident experiences. Our goal is to present a factual and balanced perspective for local Iowans exploring manufactured home living in the Des Moines area.

Val-Vista Estates is located at 6901 SE 14th St #111, Des Moines, IA 50320, USA. This address places it in the southeast part of Des Moines, a vibrant and expanding area of Iowa's capital city. The community's location on SE 14th Street offers strategic accessibility to major thoroughfares, which is a significant advantage for residents.

The accessibility of Val-Vista Estates is a key benefit for those living there. SE 14th Street is a main arterial road, providing direct access to downtown Des Moines, which is approximately 15 minutes away. This makes commuting to employment centers, government offices, and cultural attractions in the city center relatively straightforward. The proximity to Interstate 35 and Interstate 80 also facilitates travel to other parts of Des Moines, surrounding suburbs, and across the state. Within the immediate vicinity, residents have convenient access to a variety of essential amenities. This includes numerous shopping centers, such as Southridge Mall and Southport Plaza, offering a wide range of retail stores and dining options. Grocery stores, healthcare facilities, and other daily services are also readily available. For recreation, the area boasts several parks, including Fort Des Moines Park, Ewing Park, and Easter Lake Park, which provide opportunities for outdoor activities and relaxation. The Blank Park Zoo is also a popular nearby attraction. This combination of urban access, local conveniences, and recreational opportunities makes the location of Val-Vista Estates quite practical for many Iowans seeking affordable living within a major metropolitan area.

• Lot rental for manufactured homes: Residents own their manufactured home and pay a monthly fee for the lease of the land it occupies.
• Community management: Stevens Homes and Communities manages Val-Vista Estates, overseeing daily operations, maintenance, and resident relations.
• Pet-friendly: The community generally allows pets (both cats and dogs), though specific weight limits or breed restrictions may apply as per individual home listings.
• Utility access: Homes are equipped with connections for essential utilities. Some rentals within the park indicate that trash is included in the lot rent, while residents are responsible for other utilities (water, sewer, electricity, gas).
• Online Rent Payment & Auto-Pay: Some information suggests options for online rent payment and auto-pay, potentially offering a discount for early payment.
• Free Listing Service for Home Sales: The management company may offer a free service to help residents sell their homes if they need to move, including advertising and assistance with showings.
• Moving Incentives: Stevens Homes and Communities offers incentives (e.g., up to $6,000 for moving costs) for bringing a manufactured home into one of their communities, though specific terms apply.
• Application Process: All interested renters or buyers must complete an application and be approved by management.

• Affordable Housing in Des Moines: Offers a potentially more accessible route to homeownership or renting compared to traditional housing within the city.
• Convenient Location: Situated on a major thoroughfare (SE 14th St) with good access to downtown Des Moines and major interstates.
• Proximity to Amenities: Close to shopping centers (Southridge Mall), grocery stores, dining, and other essential services.
• Access to Recreation: Near several parks (Fort Des Moines Park, Ewing Park, Easter Lake Park) and the Blank Park Zoo.
• Pet-Friendly: Welcomes residents with pets, subject to specific policies.
• Managed by Stevens Homes and Communities: Part of a larger regional network of manufactured home communities.
• Home Features: Individual homes within the community often feature modern amenities such as high-efficiency appliances (gas stove, refrigerator, dishwasher, microwave), new washer/dryer, high-efficiency furnace, water heater, central air, and vinyl low-E windows. Many have off-street parking and can include features like decks.

Stevens Homes and Communities, the management company for Val-Vista Estates, does advertise some general incentives for bringing homes into their communities, such as paying "up to $6,000 of the moving costs." However, specific, ongoing promotions directly tied to lot rentals or home sales at Val-Vista Estates are not consistently detailed in public information. It is common for manufactured home communities to have varying offers based on current inventory and market conditions. These might include reduced introductory lot rent, special financing options for manufactured home purchases, or other move-in bonuses. Given the serious concerns raised by some residents in reviews, it is absolutely critical for prospective residents to directly contact Val-Vista Estates management at the provided phone numbers. During this communication, Iowans should meticulously inquire about all current promotions, available homes (whether new from the management or resales from current residents), and most importantly, obtain a complete and transparent breakdown of all lot rental terms, fees, and the specific inclusions and exclusions. It is vital to request and review all policies in writing to fully understand the financial commitments and avoid any misunderstandings.

For inquiries about Val-Vista Estates, including lot availability, community policies, or to learn more about living in this manufactured home community in Des Moines, please use the following contact details:

Address: 6901 SE 14th St #111, Des Moines, IA 50320, USA

Phone: (515) 285-5929

Mobile Phone: +1 515-285-5929

It is strongly advised to call during standard business hours for the most direct communication with the management team. Given the significant concerns raised in public reviews, detailed and persistent questioning about all aspects of the lease, fees, and community policies is recommended during your inquiry.

For Iowans exploring housing options within Des Moines, Val-Vista Estates offers a form of manufactured home living that presents both potential advantages and critical considerations. Its location in southeast Des Moines is a significant benefit, providing excellent accessibility to the amenities and opportunities of the capital city. Residents can easily commute to downtown for work or entertainment, and have convenient access to major shopping centers, dining, and essential services along SE 14th Street. This urban connectivity combined with the generally more affordable nature of manufactured housing can be a compelling draw for many Iowans seeking a practical living solution in a metropolitan area.

The availability of features such as modern appliances in many homes, off-street parking, and the community's pet-friendly policy add to its appeal, catering to various household needs. Being managed by Stevens Homes and Communities, a regional operator, might also suggest a certain level of standardized service and operational structure.

However, it is absolutely paramount for prospective residents to be fully aware of and meticulously investigate the severe concerns raised in public reviews. Allegations of discriminatory practices, unexplained lease non-renewals, issues with property abandonment claims despite consistent rent payments, and excessive fining for minor yard items paint a deeply troubling picture. Furthermore, complaints about poor customer service, inflexible scheduling for tours, and a perceived lack of understanding from management regarding residents' work commitments are significant red flags. While the location and potential for affordable housing are attractive, the reported management practices could severely impact a resident's quality of life and financial stability. For Iowans considering Val-Vista Estates, extensive due diligence, including seeking legal counsel if necessary, obtaining all terms in writing, and attempting to speak with current residents about their experiences, is not just recommended, but essential to ensure a truly suitable and secure living situation.

Val-Vista Estates

6901 SE 14th St #111, Des Moines, IA 50320, USA