Vern's Trailer Park

For many Colorado residents, particularly in the highly competitive Northern Colorado housing market, finding an affordable and accessible place to call home is a significant challenge. Vern's Trailer Park, located in the historic and scenic town of Laporte, presents one of the more established options for mobile and manufactured home living in the Larimer County area. Situated just northwest of Fort Collins, this community offers a specific type of housing that can provide a valuable pathway to home ownership at a fraction of the cost of traditional site-built homes.

The nature of a mobile home park is that residents typically own their home while renting the land, or "lot," beneath it. This structure can drastically lower the cost of living compared to renting an apartment or owning a detached house in the region. The park’s location in Laporte—a small town with a strong sense of local character—places residents near essential amenities while enjoying a slightly quieter pace of life than found in the bustling city centers. The site itself encompasses approximately 4.64 acres, providing a community setting for its homes.

While the park has a long history in the community, with some homes dating back to the 1960s and a property history going back decades, its value proposition remains centered on affordability and location. As with any long-standing community, potential residents should be prepared to conduct thorough due diligence regarding the condition of specific homes and the terms of lot management. Public information indicates that the overall property is assessed as a mobile home park with approximately 50 units, a testament to its scale and role in providing housing in the Laporte area.

Address: 4220 W County Rd 54G, Laporte, CO 80535, USA

• Laporte Proximity: The park is located directly on West County Road 54G, a main thoroughfare in the Laporte area. This makes it easily recognizable and accessible for residents and visitors alike.
• Community Access: The community is described as being within walking distance of the local grocery store, as well as other essential services such as multiple restaurants, a hardware shop, a gas station, and a doctors' office. The convenience of having these local services within a short stroll is a significant benefit to residents.
• Fort Collins Connection: Laporte sits just minutes away from the city of Fort Collins, which is easily reachable via major roads. This accessibility allows residents to commute for work, enjoy the extensive dining and cultural offerings of Fort Collins, and access Poudre School District schools. The closest schools, Cache La Poudre Elementary and Middle School, are approximately 0.8 miles away.
• Scenic Surroundings: Located in Larimer County, the park is situated in an area known for its beautiful Colorado landscape, including mountain views and nearby access to the Cache la Poudre River Canyon for fishing, kayaking, and other outdoor pursuits.

• Lot Rent Structure: The monthly lot rent is a central service, and public data, though potentially dated or specific to individual home sales, has indicated lot rents that include several bundled essential services.
• Included Utilities: Lot rent often includes the provision of core utilities for the community, which historically encompass:
  • Water service
  • Sewage service
  • Trash removal
• Resident Approval: Prospective residents looking to purchase an existing home must be approved by the property owner/management to rent the lot, which is a standard procedure in mobile home communities.
• Independent Utilities: While some services are bundled, residents are responsible for arranging and paying for individual utility connections, which include:
  • Electric service (typically available through a provider like Excel Energy)
  • Gas service (also available through a separate provider)
  • Internet service (available through providers like TDS)
• Home Maintenance: Due to the nature of mobile home ownership, residents are fully responsible for the maintenance, repair, and upkeep of their individual manufactured home structure.

• Affordable Ownership Entry: The low cost of purchasing older mobile homes within the community, often listed for significantly less than $10,000 in past off-market listings, represents one of the lowest entry points into home ownership in the Northern Colorado region. This makes it a crucial resource for those on a strict budget.
• Community Stability: The park is well-established, with records indicating the land itself was developed as a mobile home park and was last sold decades ago. The community has approximately 50 units, suggesting a relatively stable, small-scale environment.
• Established Homes: The manufactured homes within the park have a vintage appeal, with some units built in the 1960s and 1970s. For some buyers, this vintage construction offers a unique charm and allows for personalized renovation projects.
• Direct Utility Access: The availability of municipal utilities like city water, alongside individual hookups for gas and electric, ensures that residents have access to standard infrastructure necessary for modern living.
• Proximity to Local Landmarks: The park shares a name and is located in the immediate vicinity of the renowned Vern's Place restaurant, a beloved Northern Colorado icon since 1946 known for its homestyle meals, famous cinnamon rolls, and welcoming atmosphere. This close proximity means residents can easily walk or drive to enjoy one of the region's best diners.

Address: 4220 W County Rd 54G, Laporte, CO 80535, USA
General Location Contact (Vern's Place): (970) 482-5511 (Note: This is the number for the nearby Vern's Place restaurant, which may share a local connection but is not the direct management number for the park itself.)

The primary reason for choosing this community is financial. In an area where housing costs are soaring, Vern's offers a rare opportunity for low-cost home ownership. The ability to purchase a home for a nominal fee and pay a lot rent that includes water, sewer, and trash is an invaluable opportunity for budget-conscious families, retirees, or individuals looking to minimize monthly overhead. Furthermore, the location in Laporte—with its small-town character and immediate access to the services of Fort Collins—provides an excellent balance of rural peace and urban convenience. The proximity to local landmarks like the Cache la Poudre River and the historic Vern's Place restaurant adds a layer of local charm and convenience that is hard to find in a suburban housing development. While some older reviews suggest challenges related to property condition and management, the enduring presence of the park and the long-term, low-cost housing it provides underscore its importance as a vital, highly affordable housing resource for the Larimer County community. Potential buyers must carefully inspect any home they consider and confirm current lot rental terms and management policies before committing.

Vern's Trailer Park

4220 W County Rd 54G, Laporte, CO 80535, USA