Black Bear Village Cooperative, Conway, NH

Introduction / Overview

For many New Hampshire residents, the search for stable, affordable housing in the desirable Mount Washington Valley region often leads to the concept of manufactured home communities. Among the best examples of this model is the

Black Bear Village Cooperative

in North Conway, a community that stands out because it is a Resident-Owned Community, or ROC. Formerly known as Lamplighter's Mobile Home Park, this community completed its conversion to a cooperative in 2019, fundamentally shifting control and ownership from an outside landlord to the homeowners themselves.

This cooperative structure is more than just a name change; it is a legally sound, democratic model that allows the residents of the approximately 200 homes to collectively own the land beneath their homes. This crucial distinction provides homeowners with significant protection against unpredictable rent increases and the threat of park closure or sale, common anxieties in the conventional manufactured housing model. By operating on a democratic, one-home-one-vote basis, the Black Bear Village Cooperative prioritizes the long-term affordability and well-being of its members, ensuring that the community remains a viable and attractive place for local people to live, work, and raise families in the beautiful North Country.

The community offers a range of housing options, primarily consisting of modern single- and double-wide manufactured homes. These residences are often more energy-efficient and feature contemporary amenities, providing a high quality of life at a fraction of the cost of site-built homes in the area. The collective purchase was supported by the statewide ROC-NH program, underscoring the commitment to preserving affordable housing in this high-demand tourist region.

Location and Accessibility

The Black Bear Village Cooperative is strategically located to offer the perfect balance of mountain serenity and essential convenience. Its central location in North Conway provides unmatched accessibility to the region’s economic and recreational hubs. The community's official address is:

33 Lamplighter's Dr, North Conway, NH 03860, USA

Situated just off Route 16, the main artery of the Mount Washington Valley, residents enjoy minimal commute times to key destinations. The park is minutes from the numerous shopping, dining, and employment opportunities at the Settlers Green Outlet Village and the North Conway Village area. Furthermore, the accessibility to outdoor adventure is unparalleled. The community is a short drive from the entrance to the White Mountain National Forest, Cranmore Mountain Resort, and numerous trailheads, making it a perfect base for year-round mountain recreation, including skiing, hiking, and leaf-peeping. The location is also well-served by public school bus routes for the Conway School District, a significant benefit for local families.

Services Offered

As a well-managed resident-owned community, the Black Bear Village Cooperative provides the essential infrastructure and services required for stable, comfortable, year-round living in New Hampshire. These services are collectively maintained and managed by the homeowner association for the benefit of all members:

Public Utilities: The homes are typically connected to reliable public water and sewer services, which are included as part of the monthly cooperative fees. This is a considerable convenience, as it relieves residents of individual well and septic system maintenance.
Road Maintenance: The Cooperative is responsible for maintaining all interior roads, a vital service in the region, which includes necessary snow plowing and sanding during the winter months, ensuring safe passage for all residents and emergency vehicles.
Trash and Waste Removal: Essential waste management services are provided to the community, helping to keep the neighborhood clean and well-ordered.
Cooperative Management: The community operates with a resident-elected Board of Directors and professional management support, ensuring financial transparency, rule enforcement, and responsive handling of maintenance and operational needs.
Community Area Upkeep: Maintenance and insurance are handled for all shared community amenities and green spaces, ensuring they remain enjoyable and safe for all residents.

Features / Highlights

The Black Bear Village Cooperative offers several key features and highlights that enhance the lifestyle of its residents, particularly those who embrace the classic New Hampshire outdoors and strong community spirit:

Private Saco River Access: One of the most desirable features is the community's private or shared deeded access to the Saco River. The river abuts the back of the park, offering a small beach area where residents can enjoy swimming, fishing, or launching canoes and kayaks without the crowds of public access points.
Community Recreation Amenities: The cooperative is known to provide shared spaces designed to foster social interaction, which generally include a community center or clubhouse for events, a playground for children, and potentially a basketball court or open fields for general recreation.
Walking Trails: The grounds often feature walking trails and level lots, which encourage a healthy, active lifestyle and allow residents to enjoy the peaceful, wooded surroundings of the area.
Pet-Friendly Status: The community is noted to be pet-friendly, welcoming four-legged family members, which is an important consideration for many New Hampshire homeowners.
Resident Ownership Stability (ROC): The co-op model gives members unparalleled residential security and equity control, making it one of the most secure and affordable long-term housing options in the Mount Washington Valley.

Contact Information

For individuals interested in learning more about the availability of homes, the resident application process, or the details of the cooperative membership at Black Bear Village Cooperative, please use the contact information provided below. Note that all prospective buyers must go through an application process with the Cooperative Board for residency approval.

Address: 33 Lamplighter's Dr, North Conway, NH 03860, USA

Phone: (603) 901-1119

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

The Black Bear Village Cooperative is highly suitable for New Hampshire locals who have found themselves priced out of the traditional housing market but still desire to live in the vibrant community of North Conway. The resident-owned model is an essential economic safeguard, turning the monthly lot fee into an investment in a shared future rather than a payment to an outside corporation. It offers the stability, voice, and long-term affordability that defines a true home.

Beyond the financial benefits, the community provides a fantastic quality of life. The proximity to high-ranking schools like Kennett High, major employment centers, and direct, private access to the cherished Saco River, create a living environment rich in both convenience and natural beauty. It is a true community of neighbors—people who work together to maintain a beautiful, safe, and secure place to live. For anyone seeking to lay down permanent, affordable roots in Carroll County, the Black Bear Village Cooperative is a smart, secure, and genuinely local housing solution.