Deer Lakes Manufactured Home Community, Tarentum, PA

For Pennsylvanians considering manufactured home living in the Tarentum area, Deer Lakes Manufactured Home Community, located at 19 Moretti Dr, Tarentum, PA 15084, presents itself as an option. Manufactured home communities often offer a unique blend of affordability and community living, and understanding the specifics of each park is crucial for prospective residents. While the concept of manufactured home living can be appealing for many in our Commonwealth, recent developments at Deer Lakes Manufactured Home Community warrant a closer look, especially from the perspective of local users.

Manufactured home communities provide an alternative housing solution, where residents typically own their home but lease the land it sits on. This model can offer significant cost savings compared to traditional stick-built homes, making homeownership more accessible. However, the quality of life within such a community is heavily influenced by its management, maintenance, and the amenities provided. For residents across Pennsylvania, these factors are key to a successful and comfortable living experience.

Recent feedback from current residents of Deer Lakes Manufactured Home Community indicates significant changes and concerns, particularly since 2021. Reviewers note a "downhill" trend following the sale of the park by its original private owner to corporate entities. This shift in ownership, with mentions of "2-3 owners in the last 4 years," has seemingly impacted resident satisfaction. The sentiment is that corporate ownership prioritizes "money in their pockets and not for the people," leading to "yearly increases of $40 plus a month" in lot rent, creating "hardship on many who live here."

It's important for prospective residents from Pennsylvania to be aware of these reported challenges. The emotional connection residents had with the "original private owner" and the "care, the pride and compassion" they once received appears to be a significant loss. The ongoing search for "someone help" and the hope for new owners to be "receptive to the needs of the people living in these parks" underscores the current situation. While the idea of a manufactured home community offers benefits, understanding the current climate at Deer Lakes Manufactured Home Community is vital for anyone considering it as their home in Tarentum, PA.

Deer Lakes Manufactured Home Community is situated at 19 Moretti Dr, Tarentum, PA 15084, USA. Tarentum is a borough in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, located approximately 22 miles northeast of downtown Pittsburgh. This location offers residents the advantage of being close to a major metropolitan area while potentially providing a more suburban or semi-rural living environment, typical of many manufactured home communities.

For Pennsylvanians, the accessibility of Tarentum is generally good. It is located near major roadways, providing relatively easy commutes to Pittsburgh and surrounding communities. Route 28 is a key highway that connects Tarentum to Pittsburgh, making it a viable option for those who work or frequently visit the city.

Approximate drive times from major Pennsylvania cities:

From Pittsburgh, PA (Downtown): Approximately 30-40 minutes
From Greensburg, PA: Approximately 45 minutes - 1 hour
From Butler, PA: Approximately 30-35 minutes
From State College, PA: Approximately 2 hours 30 minutes - 2 hours 45 minutes
From Harrisburg, PA: Approximately 3 hours 30 minutes - 4 hours
From Philadelphia, PA: Approximately 5 hours - 5 hours 30 minutes

A significant geographical feature near the community is Deer Lakes Park, a large Allegheny County park that offers various outdoor recreational activities. While the manufactured home community bears the "Deer Lakes" name, it's crucial to understand that access to the park's amenities is public for all Allegheny County residents and not exclusive to the community residents. The park features three fishing lakes, disc golf, a spray park, hiking and equestrian trails, and the Wagman Observatory, providing ample opportunities for outdoor enjoyment nearby.

The location in Tarentum also means residents have access to local services, including grocery stores, dining options, and other essential amenities within a reasonable driving distance. The overall accessibility makes it a practical consideration for Pennsylvanians looking for housing in the greater Pittsburgh area, especially those seeking a manufactured home lifestyle. However, as noted in the overview, the internal dynamics of the community itself, rather than just its geographical location, are a significant factor for potential residents.

Services Offered:

Based on the provided reviews, specific, explicit services offered by the current management of Deer Lakes Manufactured Home Community beyond basic lot rental are not highlighted positively. In fact, the reviews suggest a perceived lack of new services or amenities since the change in ownership. Typical services offered in manufactured home communities often include:

Lot Rental: Residents rent the land on which their manufactured home is placed. This is the core service.
Utility Connections: The community would typically provide hookups for essential utilities such as water, sewer, and electricity to each lot.
Road Maintenance: Maintenance of internal community roads.
Common Area Maintenance: Upkeep of any shared green spaces or undeveloped areas within the community.
Waste Collection: Typically, garbage and recycling services are managed or facilitated by the park.

However, the reviews specifically mention:

Payment Fees: A "charge for paying your rent" ($4 to $7) is imposed, meaning residents "pay them to take our money," which is an additional cost for a basic service.

The absence of positive mentions regarding services beyond the fundamental provision of a lot for a manufactured home, coupled with explicit complaints about payment fees and lack of improvements, suggests that residents currently perceive a minimal level of additional services or amenities being provided by the management.

Features / Highlights:

Based on the provided reviews, the current state of Deer Lakes Manufactured Home Community's "features" and "highlights" are primarily centered around its historical aspects and location, rather than new or improved amenities under recent management. The reviews lament a decline in these areas. Typical features and highlights of well-regarded manufactured home communities often include:

Individual Home Sites: The community provides individual lots for manufactured homes. Reviews indicate these sites accommodate residents who own their homes.
Proximity to Deer Lakes Park: The community's name implies and its location suggests close access to Deer Lakes Park, a significant Allegheny County park offering:
- Three fishing lakes (stocked year-round with various fish).
- An 18-hole disc golf course (the only one in Allegheny County Parks).
- A summer spray park.
- Miles of trails for hiking, walking, and horseback riding.
- The Wagman Observatory for stargazing and astronomy events.

However, the reviews explicitly state the following about the community's current state:

No Improvements: "no improvements to the park" since the change in ownership.
No Added Amenities: "no added amenities" have been introduced.
Decline in Care, Pride, and Compassion: Residents express sadness over the "decline of the care, the pride and compassion that we all received from the original private owner."

Therefore, while the geographical location near Deer Lakes Park is a natural highlight, the internal features and community environment, as experienced by current residents, appear to be a point of concern rather than a positive highlight under current management.

Based on the provided customer reviews and typical practices of manufactured home communities, Deer Lakes Manufactured Home Community does not appear to offer publicly advertised "promotions or special offers" in the traditional sense, such as discounts on lot rent or move-in incentives. Instead, the current feedback from residents points to a challenging financial environment within the community.

Reviews explicitly highlight "yearly increases of $40 plus a month" in lot rent, which residents describe as "getting to be a hardship on many who live here." Furthermore, there is a mandatory "$4 to $7 charge for paying your rent," which means residents "cannot pay your rent without this fee." This indicates additional costs rather than promotional savings.

The sentiment expressed by current residents is that financial concerns are paramount, with lot rent increases occurring without corresponding "improvements to the park" or "added amenities." This lack of perceived value for increasing costs suggests that promotions are not a current focus, and indeed, residents feel burdened by rising expenses.

It is common for manufactured home communities, especially those under corporate ownership, to have a standardized pricing structure for lot rents that may include annual adjustments based on market conditions, property taxes, and operational costs. However, the degree and frequency of these increases, combined with additional fees and a perceived lack of reinvestment into the community, are causing distress among the current residents of Deer Lakes Manufactured Home Community.

Prospective residents from Pennsylvania should be aware that any "offers" at this time are unlikely to be monetary discounts but rather the availability of lots themselves. It would be crucial to inquire directly about the current lot rent rates, the exact nature of all fees (including payment processing fees), the frequency and history of rent increases, and any long-term lease agreements before making a decision. Transparency on these financial matters is vital, especially given the concerns raised by existing residents.

Deer Lakes Manufactured Home Community

Address: 19 Moretti Dr, Tarentum, PA 15084, USA

Phone: (724) 209-4442

Mobile Phone: +1 724-209-4442

For inquiries regarding lot availability, current rent rates, specific policies, or to schedule a visit, contacting Deer Lakes Manufactured Home Community directly via the provided phone numbers is the recommended approach. Given the nature of recent resident feedback, it is advisable for prospective residents to ask detailed questions about lot rent increases, additional fees, community maintenance, and any planned improvements to ensure full transparency before making a commitment.

For Pennsylvanians considering Deer Lakes Manufactured Home Community in Tarentum, it's crucial to approach this decision with a comprehensive understanding of both its potential advantages and the significant concerns raised by current residents. While manufactured home living can offer an affordable pathway to homeownership and community, the recent history of this particular park highlights important considerations.

From a location perspective, the community is undeniably suitable for locals in Western Pennsylvania. Its address in Tarentum, PA, offers a convenient commute to Pittsburgh and other regional centers, making it a practical choice for those working in the greater metropolitan area. Furthermore, its proximity to Deer Lakes Park is a significant natural amenity. This large county park provides public access to lakes for fishing, hiking trails, a disc golf course, and a spray park, offering ample opportunities for outdoor recreation and family activities just a stone's throw away. This accessibility to nature and urban conveniences is certainly a draw for Pennsylvanians seeking a balanced lifestyle.

However, the suitability of Deer Lakes Manufactured Home Community is significantly impacted by the concerns expressed by current residents. The repeated changes in corporate ownership since 2021, coupled with consistent "yearly increases of $40 plus a month" in lot rent and mandatory payment fees, present a financial challenge for many. The lack of "improvements to the park" or "added amenities" despite these rising costs is a critical point of dissatisfaction. Residents lament a perceived "decline of the care, the pride and compassion" that they experienced under the original private owner.

For a Pennsylvanian considering this community, these reviews suggest that while the physical location and the concept of manufactured home living might be appealing, the current operational management and resident experience are areas of significant concern. It is essential for prospective residents to conduct thorough due diligence, including directly inquiring about all fees, rent increase policies, and management's plans for community investment. Speaking with current residents, if possible, could also provide invaluable insights into the day-to-day living experience.

In conclusion, Deer Lakes Manufactured Home Community offers a geographical advantage for locals in Western Pennsylvania due to its location and proximity to Deer Lakes Park. However, recent trends in management and resident satisfaction indicate that it may not currently provide the stable, amenity-rich, and resident-focused environment that many Pennsylvanians seek in a manufactured home community. Those considering this option should proceed with caution and gather as much current information as possible to determine if it truly aligns with their long-term housing needs and expectations.