By the Brook, A Resident Owned Community, Danvers, MA

Introduction / Overview

Finding secure and genuinely affordable housing on the North Shore of Massachusetts can be a challenge, but for many local residents, the solution lies in a unique model of homeownership: the Resident Owned Community (ROC). We are pleased to introduce you to By the Brook, A Resident Owned Community, a thriving and stable manufactured home park located right here in Danvers, MA. More than just a place to live, By the Brook represents a truly democratic, cooperative approach to community living, giving homeowners a collective stake in the land beneath their homes and control over the park's future. This model is a cornerstone of preserving affordable housing options throughout the Commonwealth.

Originally part of the Danvers landscape for decades, the community at 200 North St—formerly known by other names—has been officially purchased by the homeowners who reside there. This conversion to a resident-owned cooperative is a major advantage for its members. Unlike traditional, commercially-owned parks where residents only own their homes and rent the lot, By the Brook members collectively own the land, the infrastructure, and all common facilities. Major decisions are made through a democratic voting process, ensuring the community's operations and financial health are focused on the members' best interests, not on external profit margins. This structure directly contributes to the community's core promises: stability, affordability, and security against the unpredictable market pressures faced by traditional manufactured home communities.

Location and Accessibility

By the Brook, A Resident Owned Community, boasts a highly desirable location at the heart of the North Shore, offering its residents the convenience of easy access to regional centers while maintaining a quiet, neighborhood feel. The community is situated at 200 North St in Danvers, MA 01923. For Massachusetts commuters and travelers, the location provides a significant advantage: direct and easy access to two major regional highways, Route 1 and Interstate 95 (I-95). This immediate highway access is highly valued by residents, making trips to Boston, the New Hampshire border, or the rest of the North Shore straightforward and efficient. Reviews from current residents specifically highlight this "direct access to 2 major highways" as a key benefit of living at By the Brook.

The Danvers area itself is a hub for retail, dining, and essential services. Major shopping centers like the Liberty Tree Mall and a variety of local businesses, from grocers like Market Basket to dining spots, are just a short drive away. Furthermore, the community is nestled in a town that places a high value on public green space. Nearby amenities include the Danvers Rail Trail, a non-motorized shared-use path connecting parks, schools, and neighboring towns, and Endicott Park, a 165-acre central recreation area for passive activities like hiking, fishing, and exploring historical farm buildings and trails. This blend of connectivity and local amenities enhances the quality of life for all residents.

Services Offered

As a Resident Owned Community (ROC), the monthly site fees at By the Brook go directly toward the operational expenses and maintenance of the community, ultimately controlled by the resident-elected Board of Directors. The comprehensive services included in the monthly cooperative fee are designed to promote a worry-free living experience for homeowners. These essential services contribute significantly to the perceived 'cheap rent' and ease of living mentioned by residents:

Common Area and Infrastructure Maintenance: Funding the upkeep, repairs, and capital improvements of community-owned property, including internal roads, common grounds, and key infrastructure like water, sewer, and utility systems.
Snow Removal: Essential maintenance during the winter months, including snow removal services for common areas and roads to ensure accessibility.
Trash and Waste Removal: Provision of regular trash and refuse collection services for the community.
Water and Sewer Utilities: The cooperative site fee often covers the costs associated with city/town water and sewer services for the individual homes.
Democratic Governance: The non-profit cooperative structure ensures the community is professionally managed, with an elected Board of Directors overseeing day-to-day operations and hiring necessary management, all under the direct democratic control of the resident-members.

Features / Highlights

The benefits of living at By the Brook extend beyond location and affordability. The unique resident-owned structure creates distinct and tangible advantages for homeowners that are not typically found in investor-owned mobile home parks. These highlights foster a secure and high-quality environment:

Resident-Owned Security: The most significant highlight is the collective ownership of the land. This removes the risk of the community being sold to a private developer for redevelopment, offering residents lifetime security against unfair eviction or the loss of their home site due to market speculation. Homeowners build equity with peace of mind.
Affordable and Stable Site Fees: Operating on a non-profit basis means there is no profit margin built into the monthly site fees. This democratic control typically results in much lower and more stable site fee increases over time compared to commercially-owned communities, helping to preserve the community as a source of unsubsidized affordable housing.
Community and Neighbors: Resident reviews praise the environment, noting 'quiet neighbors.' The cooperative structure naturally fosters a stronger, more engaged community atmosphere where neighbors actively participate in the community's welfare, leading to a safer, cleaner, and more welcoming neighborhood.
On-Site Convenience Features: Depending on the specific manufactured home, properties often feature practical benefits such as private driveways accommodating multiple vehicles (e.g., a 60-foot driveway), and ample outdoor storage solutions like storage sheds.
Pet-Friendly Policies: The community is generally accepting of most pets, subject to park approval, recognizing the importance of companion animals to residents' quality of life.

Contact Information

To learn more about the community, including current availability and the process for becoming a resident-owner, please use the following contact details for By the Brook, A Resident Owned Community:

Address: 200 North St, Danvers, MA 01923, USA

Phone: Contact information for the managing board or sales agents would typically be provided through local real estate listings or the cooperative association's direct channels. Prospective residents should consult local North Shore real estate listings for available homes within the community for specific sales contact numbers.

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

By the Brook, A Resident Owned Community, is an ideal and highly suitable choice for local Massachusetts residents seeking a blend of affordability, stability, and control in their housing. In a region where housing costs continue to climb, this Danvers ROC stands out as a critical source of naturally occurring affordable housing. Local residents benefit immensely from the enhanced security that comes with land ownership; your home and site are protected from sudden rent spikes and the threat of closure for redevelopment, issues common in investor-owned parks. The 'cheap rent' and collective control over operations means that your housing costs are managed by your own community, ensuring financial decisions prioritize member needs over profit.

Furthermore, the prime location with direct access to Route 1 and I-95 is perfect for North Shore professionals, families, or retirees who need to commute or simply enjoy easy travel throughout Eastern Massachusetts. The close proximity to local Danvers amenities—from shopping at Liberty Tree Mall to the vast recreational opportunities at Endicott Park and the Danvers Rail Trail—ensures a high quality of life. For anyone in Massachusetts looking for a stable, quiet, and friendly place to call home—a place where you truly have a say in your neighborhood's future—By the Brook offers an unbeatable residential opportunity.