Colonial Terrace

For Iowans considering manufactured home living, understanding the local options is key to finding a community that fits their needs and budget. Colonial Terrace, located in Knoxville, IA, is a mobile home park that has been a long-standing part of the local housing landscape. Manufactured home parks offer a unique housing solution, combining homeownership (of the manufactured home itself) with lot rental, often providing a more accessible entry point into homeownership compared to traditional stick-built homes.

Colonial Terrace, situated in the heart of Knoxville, provides a community setting for its residents. Like any residential community, mobile home parks evolve over time, with changes in ownership, management, and policies impacting the resident experience. It is important for prospective residents to gain a clear understanding of the current state of the park, including its amenities, rules, and cost structure, to make an informed decision.

This overview aims to provide factual information about Colonial Terrace, drawing from publicly available details to help Iowans understand what to expect. While the concept of mobile home park living often appeals to those seeking a more budget-conscious housing option, or a community atmosphere, the specific details of each park can vary significantly. By presenting a comprehensive picture of Colonial Terrace, we hope to assist Iowans in their search for suitable housing in the Knoxville area, ensuring they have the information needed to evaluate if this community aligns with their expectations and lifestyle.

Colonial Terrace is located at 1610 E Robinson St, Knoxville, IA 50138, USA. This address places the mobile home park within the city limits of Knoxville, a community known for its vibrant motorsports scene as the "Sprint Car Capital of the World" and its friendly, small-town Iowa atmosphere. For Iowans considering a move, this location offers several practical benefits regarding accessibility and proximity to local amenities.

Being situated on E Robinson St, the park provides relatively easy access to Knoxville's main thoroughfares, allowing residents to conveniently navigate to local businesses, schools, healthcare facilities, and recreational areas. Knoxville itself is a central hub in Marion County, offering a range of services and employment opportunities. The town is also within a reasonable driving distance to larger Iowa cities like Pella (known for its Dutch heritage) and even Des Moines, making it feasible for residents who may commute for work or wish to access broader shopping, dining, and entertainment options.

The accessibility of Colonial Terrace also extends to its integration within the local community. Residents are part of the Knoxville public school district, and local public transportation options, if available, would service this area. The park's position allows for relatively straightforward access for service vehicles, deliveries, and visitors. While mobile home parks often create a sense of community within their boundaries, their external accessibility to local resources is a crucial factor for daily living. For Iowans seeking a manufactured home community that offers convenience to a local town's amenities while maintaining a residential feel, Colonial Terrace's location in Knoxville is a key consideration.

• Lot Rental: Colonial Terrace primarily offers lots for rent where residents can place their manufactured homes. The cost of lot rent is a significant component of living in the park, and recent changes have seen increases, with some residents reporting a rise from approximately $210 to $500 per month. This fee covers the use of the land on which the home is situated.

• Basic Infrastructure: The park provides essential infrastructure, including roads, and access to utilities. However, some residents have noted concerns about the state of infrastructure, such as inadequate lighting ("really dark") and issues with concrete work (e.g., cracks in driveways/garages), with reports of slow response times for repairs.

• Utility Billing: While water used to be included with lot rent, it is now an additional charge, based on meter readings. Residents have expressed concerns about meter accuracy. Garbage pickup has also become an additional cost.

• Common Area Maintenance: The park is responsible for general lawn care, snow removal, and tree removal in common areas. However, some residents have reported dissatisfaction with the timeliness and completeness of these services, specifically mentioning unremoved tree stumps after tree removal, which residents sometimes pay for privately.

• Empty Home Maintenance: Residents have expressed concerns that they are indirectly paying for the maintenance of empty trailers, including electricity, water, and yard work, as well as cleaning services for these units.

• On-Site Management/Rules Enforcement: The park has management that enforces community rules and policies. Residents have noted that enforcement can be perceived as "nitpicky" and inconsistent, leading to fines and threats of eviction for non-compliance, even for homeowners.

• Pet Policy: There is a pet policy in place that requires registration of dogs, with associated fees (e.g., $25 per dog initially, plus $15 per dog per month). Residents have raised concerns about inconsistent application of this policy, particularly for long-term residents who were previously "grandfathered in."

• Community Atmosphere: Despite various challenges, residents often highlight the positive relationships with their immediate "fantastic neighbors." This sense of community among residents themselves appears to be a consistent feature, fostering a supportive environment within the park.

• Established Location: Having been in operation for many years, Colonial Terrace is an established part of the Knoxville housing landscape. This means it is a recognized residential option in the area.

• Owner-Occupied Homes: Many residents own their manufactured homes, which can contribute to a sense of stability and personal investment in the community, though they rent the lot.

• Proximity to Knoxville Amenities: The park's location on E Robinson St provides convenient access to local services and amenities in Knoxville, including shops, schools, and potentially employment opportunities. This allows residents to easily access the resources of the town.

• Potential for Affordability (Historically): While recent rent increases have been significant, the concept of manufactured home parks has historically offered a more budget-friendly housing solution, particularly for "low-income families and on a budget," as one long-term resident noted about its past.

• Basic Utility Access: The park provides fundamental utility access to lots, including electricity and water (though now separately metered and charged) and presumably sewer connections, which are essential for manufactured home living.

• Quiet (Generally): While some residents have noted issues with people walking through yards at odd hours, the park is described as "usually a quiet place" overall, suggesting a generally peaceful residential environment.

Based on the publicly available information, Colonial Terrace Mobile Home Park does not appear to offer specific "promotions" or "special offers" in the traditional commercial sense, such as discounted lot rent for new residents, move-in specials, or seasonal deals. The provided reviews indicate a trend of increasing costs and the introduction of new fees rather than promotional incentives.

For mobile home parks, "promotions" are less common than in apartment complexes or other rental properties. Instead, the focus is often on the overall value proposition, which for manufactured home communities typically includes:

• Entry into Homeownership: The ability to own a manufactured home, which can be more affordable than a traditional stick-built house, is often seen as the primary benefit and "offer" for prospective residents.

• Community Living: The inherent benefit of living in a structured community with shared amenities and rules is a key feature that attracts residents.

Potential residents interested in Colonial Terrace should anticipate the following regarding costs and terms:

• Lot Rent: This is the primary ongoing cost, and residents have reported significant increases in recent years (e.g., from $210 to $500 per month). Prospective residents should confirm the current lot rent directly with management.

• Utility Charges: Be aware that water and garbage pickup are now additional charges, separate from lot rent. Inquire about typical monthly utility costs and meter accuracy.

• Pet Fees: If you have pets, anticipate additional registration fees ($25 per dog) and monthly charges ($15 per dog). Confirm current pet policies and fees.

• Potential for Fines: Residents have noted that the park enforces rules with fines for non-compliance. Understanding all park rules upfront is crucial to avoid unexpected costs.

Given the current information, prospective residents should focus on confirming all current fees and policies directly with Colonial Terrace management prior to making any commitments. There is no indication of promotional offers for new residents in the provided data.

For inquiries, to learn more about lot availability, or to discuss current policies and pricing at Colonial Terrace Mobile Home Park, please use the following contact details:

• Address: 1610 E Robinson St, Knoxville, IA 50138, USA

• Phone: (515) 249-3828

• Mobile Phone: +1 515-249-3828

It is highly recommended that prospective residents contact the park directly to get the most current and accurate information regarding lot rent, utility charges, pet policies, community rules, and any available spaces. Visiting the park in person and speaking with current residents, if possible, can also provide valuable insights into the living experience.

For Iowans considering mobile home living, Colonial Terrace in Knoxville, IA, presents a specific set of circumstances that may or may not align with their housing needs and expectations. Historically, mobile home parks like Colonial Terrace have offered a potentially more affordable pathway to homeownership (of the manufactured home itself) compared to traditional housing, making it a viable option for "low-income families and on a budget" in the past. Its established presence in Knoxville means it is a known entity within the local housing market, providing a residential community in a convenient location.

The park's proximity to Knoxville's amenities, including local businesses, schools, and services, is a significant advantage for residents. Being able to easily access daily necessities and community resources without extensive travel can be a key factor for Iowans seeking a blend of residential living and local convenience.

Perhaps one of the most compelling aspects, as highlighted by current residents, is the strong sense of community among the neighbors themselves. Despite challenges with park management, the "fantastic neighbors" create a supportive and friendly environment, which can be invaluable for individuals and families looking to establish roots in a new area or maintain existing connections. This neighborly atmosphere often defines the true quality of life within a mobile home park.

However, it's crucial for Iowans to approach Colonial Terrace with a clear understanding of its current operational model. Recent significant increases in lot rent, coupled with new charges for utilities like water and garbage, mean that the overall cost of living has risen considerably. Concerns about inconsistent rule enforcement, fines, and maintenance issues for common areas and park-owned infrastructure should be carefully weighed.

In conclusion, Colonial Terrace is suitable for Iowans who prioritize an established location within Knoxville and value a strong neighborly community. Prospective residents must conduct thorough due diligence, contacting management to confirm all current costs and policies, and potentially speaking with existing residents, to ensure that the current living experience aligns with their expectations for affordability, amenities, and community management. For those who find these factors acceptable, Colonial Terrace can still offer a residential option in Knoxville.