Windham Hills

For many residents across Michigan, the dream of homeownership often involves finding an option that is both comfortable and financially accessible. In Jackson, a city known for its rich history and growing community in south-central Michigan, Windham Hills offers a manufactured home community designed to provide an affordable path to homeownership. This article aims to provide a clear, engaging, and informative overview of Windham Hills, drawing from its official descriptions and real resident feedback, to help Michigan locals determine if this community aligns with their living preferences and needs.

Windham Hills is presented as a welcoming neighborhood with various amenities, aiming to offer a carefree lifestyle. However, like any community, experiences can vary, and prospective residents should be aware of all facets of living here. We will delve into the community's location, the services it provides, its features, and important contact information, offering a balanced perspective to assist those in the Michigan region considering a manufactured home in Jackson.

Windham Hills is strategically located at 4020 County Farm Rd, Jackson, MI 49201, USA. This address places the community in a convenient spot within the greater Jackson area, offering residents a blend of suburban tranquility and easy access to urban amenities.

A significant advantage of this location for Michigan residents is its proximity to I-94, a major interstate highway that provides seamless travel to key cities across the state. Windham Hills is "just off of I-94," allowing residents to quickly reach destinations such as Lansing, Ann Arbor, and Battle Creek, all typically within an hour's drive. This makes the community suitable for commuters or those who enjoy exploring different parts of Michigan.

Within Jackson itself, residents of Windham Hills are close to a variety of essential services and recreational opportunities. The community is described as being "close to dining and shopping in the south central Michigan." Nearby retail options include Sam's Club, Blain's Farm & Fleet, Meijer, and Save A Lot, all within a few miles, ensuring convenient access to groceries and everyday necessities. For dining, various restaurants like Blue Bay South, Biggby Coffee, Burger King, and Steak 'n Shake are also close by.

Families considering Windham Hills will appreciate that it is located within the Northwest School District, with Northwest Early Elementary School, R.W. Kidder Middle School, and Northwest High School all within approximately 3.5 to 3.7 miles. While the community is "car-dependent," as is typical for many suburban areas, the Jackson Area Transportation Authority (JATA) offers fixed bus routes and a "Reserve-a-Ride" service within city limits, potentially offering some public transportation options for those who utilize them. The blend of a pleasant neighborhood setting with strong regional connectivity makes Windham Hills an appealing location for a diverse range of Michigan residents.

Windham Hills aims to provide a comfortable and managed living environment for its residents, offering a range of services typical of a manufactured home community. However, some resident feedback indicates areas where the delivery of these services might be contentious.

• Lot Rental & Home Sales/Lease: The community offers individual homesites for rent, where residents can place their manufactured homes. Additionally, Windham Hills provides new and pre-owned homes available for sale or lease, many of which come "stocked with major appliances and full-size washer and dryer."
• Professional On-Site Management: Windham Hills advertises "incredible management staff for a carefree lifestyle" and "exceptional customer service." However, recent resident reviews contradict this, stating, "Management is the worst kind of 'Karens' working here" and accusing them of being "scammers." Another review suggests staff can be "a bit slow to respond but friendly and helpful when you get a hold of them." This indicates a significant disparity in resident experiences with management.
• Grounds Maintenance: Management is responsible for the upkeep of common areas and ensuring residents maintain their individual lots. While the community prides itself on "beautifully appointed homes" and residents "do a great job of taking care of their yards," a notable complaint from a resident is being "charged four times for a forced mow when I have somebody come mow my yard every week," suggesting potentially aggressive or unfair enforcement of lawn care rules and associated fees.
• Utility Management: While residents typically pay for their own utility consumption, the community provides the necessary infrastructure. One review mentions lot rent "is only $525 ish with water if you own your unit," implying water may be included in some lot rent agreements. High-speed internet and cable readiness are also available.
• Community Rules Enforcement: The community has rules in place regarding vehicle use, noise, pets, and property maintenance. However, residents complain about inconsistencies, such as allowing "kids on dirt bikes riding through the roads daily" despite concerns about pedestrian safety, while simultaneously being "charged four times for a forced mow." This suggests a selective or inconsistent enforcement of rules.
• Mail Center: A centralized mail center is available for resident convenience.
• School Bus Service: The community offers school system bus service, which is a valuable service for families with children attending the Northwest School District.

Prospective residents should thoroughly investigate the current state of these services and management practices, seeking clarity on all fees and expectations, especially concerning property maintenance and rule enforcement.

Windham Hills Manufactured Home Community highlights several features designed to enhance resident life. However, it's crucial to balance these advertised benefits with the direct feedback from residents, which presents a more nuanced picture.

• Advertised Features & Highlights:

  • Community Amenities: Windham Hills boasts a range of amenities aimed at fostering a vibrant and active community:
    • A spacious clubhouse, ideal for socializing, events, and private gatherings like birthdays and graduation parties.
    • A beautiful outdoor swimming pool, open from Memorial Day to Labor Day, providing a refreshing escape during Michigan summers.
    • Two playgrounds, including a larger one centrally located, offering dedicated spaces for children to play and connect.
    • A basketball court for recreation and friendly games.
    • A fitness center, promoting a healthy and active lifestyle.
    • Laundry facilities and in-unit washer/dryer connections in many homes.
  • Pet-Friendly Community: Windham Hills is welcoming to pets, understanding they are part of the family. However, it's important to note their specific pet policy: "Pet Rent: $25/mo," with a "1 Max" pet limit and breed restrictions (Rottweiler, Dobermans, Pit Bulls, and Wolf breeds are not permitted).
  • Variety of Homes: The community offers a range of "modern manufactured homes" with various layouts, including 3-bed/2-bath and 4-bed/2-bath options, featuring open floor plans, plenty of natural light, and often including major appliances.
  • Desirable Location: Proximity to I-94 and within the Northwest School District are significant highlights, along with convenient access to shopping, dining, and other attractions in Jackson, Lansing, Ann Arbor, and Battle Creek.
  • Professional On-Site Customer Service: The community states it prides itself on "exceptional customer service."

• Resident-Reported Concerns (Areas that contradict or detract from advertised highlights):

  • Safety Concerns & Inconsistent Rule Enforcement: A resident reported being told it's "not safe for my daughter to walk on the sidewalk due to cars, possibly swerving" while simultaneously witnessing "kids on dirt bikes riding through the roads daily." This suggests a perceived inconsistency in addressing safety issues and enforcing rules.
  • Financial Concerns & Lot Rent Increases: Residents heavily criticize annual lot rent increases, with one stating, "They are scammers, and they raise everybody's prices on lot rent yearly which forces many people to lose their home." Another explicitly advises, "I would run far away from this place... For the price you pay here, you can own an actual home and not be paying lot rent that is twice the amount of your mortgage."
  • Excessive/Unfair Fees: Specific complaints about being "charged four times for a forced mow When I have somebody come mow my yard every week" indicate what residents perceive as unfair or opportunistic charging practices. The advice to "Keep your receipts!" highlights a need for residents to constantly defend themselves against charges.

While Windham Hills presents an attractive suite of amenities and a convenient location, the serious concerns raised by residents regarding management practices, lot rent increases, and perceived unfair fees are critical for any Michigan local to consider.

Windham Hills Manufactured Home Community, being part of Sun Communities, sometimes offers various promotions and special incentives to attract new residents. While the provided customer reviews do not detail specific current promotions, a common practice in such communities includes:

• Move-in specials: These can include reduced upfront costs, such as lower security deposits or discounted first month's lot rent.
• Home purchase incentives: For those looking to buy a manufactured home within the community, there might be special financing options, discounts on home prices, or packages that include appliances.
• Rental concessions: For homes available for lease, offers such as "first month free" or reduced rental rates for a limited period might be available.
• Referral programs: Existing residents may receive incentives for referring new residents who successfully move into the community.

Given the critical feedback regarding lot rent increases and fees, it is particularly important for prospective residents to inquire about the exact terms and duration of any promotions. Any special offers should be thoroughly discussed with the management team, and all details, including what is covered in the lot rent and any potential additional fees, should be obtained in writing to ensure full transparency. Michigan residents interested in Windham Hills should directly contact the community using the provided phone numbers to learn about any current promotions and clarify all associated costs.

For those in Michigan interested in learning more about Windham Hills Manufactured Home Community, or to inquire about current home availability, amenities, and policies, the following contact details are provided:

• Address: 4020 County Farm Rd, Jackson, MI 49201, USA
• Phone: (517) 796-8888
• Mobile Phone: +1 517-796-8888

Prospective residents are strongly encouraged to use these contact methods to reach out to the community's management team. Given the mixed feedback from current residents, it would be highly beneficial to prepare specific questions regarding lot rent increases, detailed fee structures (especially for maintenance and minor infractions), and the community's approach to rule enforcement. Requesting a tour of the community and, if possible, speaking with current residents in person can provide additional insights beyond what is stated. Direct communication is key to gaining a comprehensive and accurate understanding of what it is truly like to live at Windham Hills.

Windham Hills Manufactured Home Community in Jackson, Michigan, presents a complex proposition for local residents seeking a new home. While it boasts a range of attractive features and a desirable location, the significant concerns raised by current residents about management practices and financial aspects heavily influence its overall suitability.

On the positive side, the community's location is a significant draw. Being "just off of I-94" offers excellent accessibility to major Michigan cities like Lansing, Ann Arbor, and Battle Creek, which is ideal for commuters or those who enjoy exploring the wider region. Its proximity to essential shopping (Sam's Club, Meijer) and dining options in Jackson provides convenience for daily needs. Furthermore, the presence of amenities such as a swimming pool, clubhouse, two playgrounds, basketball court, and fitness center suggests a community designed for a vibrant and active lifestyle for all ages. Being located within the highly-rated Northwest School District is a strong advantage for families with school-aged children.

However, the critical feedback from residents raises serious red flags that Michigan locals must carefully consider. Allegations of management being "scammers" who "raise everybody's prices on lot rent yearly" to the point where it "forces many people to lose their home" are extremely concerning. The claim that lot rent can become "twice the amount of your mortgage" directly challenges the notion of manufactured home living as an affordable option. Furthermore, complaints about being "charged four times for a forced mow" despite regular lawn care, and concerns about inconsistent rule enforcement (e.g., dirt bikes vs. sidewalk safety), suggest a management style that is perceived as aggressive, financially opportunistic, and potentially unfair.

In conclusion, while Windham Hills offers appealing amenities and a prime location for those seeking access to Jackson and beyond, its suitability for local Michigan residents is highly conditional. Prospective residents must weigh the attractive features against the serious financial and management concerns reported by current occupants. It is strongly advised that anyone considering Windham Hills conduct extensive due diligence, including thoroughly reviewing the lease agreement, understanding all potential fees, and directly questioning management about their policies regarding lot rent increases and maintenance charges. Without clear and satisfactory answers to these critical issues, the reported negative experiences could significantly detract from the potential benefits of living in this community.

Windham Hills

4020 County Farm Rd, Jackson, MI 49201, USA