Freedom Hill Co Op, Concord, NH

As locals know, finding affordable, quality housing in the greater Concord, New Hampshire, area can be a challenge. For those seeking a stable, welcoming, and cost-effective living situation, the concept of a resident-owned community (ROC) offers a fantastic solution. The Freedom Hill Cooperative, Inc., often known locally as Freedom Hill Co-op, is a prime example of this model, providing a strong sense of community and the benefits of homeownership without the burdens of traditional park ownership.

Operating as a 148-home, all-ages community since its purchase by the residents in 2002, Freedom Hill Co-op (formerly known as Pine Ridge Estates) is much more than just a mobile home park; it is a democratically run neighborhood where residents have a direct say in how their community is managed. This cooperative model, established under New Hampshire law with assistance from organizations like the New Hampshire Community Loan Fund, ensures that the focus remains on the well-being and affordability for its members.

Living in a co-op means that the residents collectively own the land and infrastructure—everything from the roads to the water system. This collective ownership structure is key to keeping lot rents generally lower than those in commercially owned parks in the region, offering a sustainable path to homeownership for many New Hampshire families and individuals. The Co-op is governed by an elected Board of Directors, made up of volunteer resident-members who handle the day-to-day operations and management decisions, from budgeting to rule enforcement, all for the benefit of the community.

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Location and Accessibility: A Merrimack Valley Gem

While often associated with the Concord region, the official physical address for the cooperative's homes is in Loudon, NH 03307, just off Route 106, a key artery in the Merrimack Valley. This location is a major benefit for local users, offering the tranquility of a Loudon residential setting while maintaining exceptional accessibility to Concord, the state capital.

Its strategic position ensures that residents are only a short drive from Concord's extensive amenities. Access to major highways such as I-93 and I-393 is quick and straightforward, making it an ideal location for those commuting to Concord, Laconia, or other nearby towns. Being close to Concord means easy access to essential services, including Concord Hospital, major grocery stores, retail centers along Loudon Road, and the city's vibrant downtown area. The convenience of a nearby city center, combined with the lower cost of living often associated with Loudon, makes Freedom Hill Co-op a compelling choice for locals across the income spectrum.

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Services Offered to Residents

The co-op structure requires member participation and contribution, but in return, it provides a comprehensive set of shared services essential for comfortable, worry-free living. These services are managed and budgeted by the resident-elected Board of Directors, ensuring they meet the needs and standards of the community members.

The core services included in the monthly lot rent (as of public records) are designed to cover the major shared expenses of the community:

Water Service: Management and maintenance of the community's own private water system, ensuring reliable access for all homes.
Snow Plowing: Regular plowing of all park roads and common areas during winter months, a crucial service for safe travel in New Hampshire's snowy climate.
Trash Pickup: Weekly curbside trash collection, with generous limits on the number of bags permitted per household.
Utility Maintenance: Responsibility for the maintenance of all underground utilities within the park, excluding the individual home hookups.
Road and Common Area Maintenance: Ongoing upkeep of the park's roads and shared community spaces, ensuring a pleasant and attractive environment.
Cooperative Governance and Administration: Management of park rules, financial statements, budgeting, and member communication by the resident Board of Directors.

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Features and Highlights of the Community

Freedom Hill Co-op stands out in the regional manufactured housing market due to its resident-owned status and commitment to a stable, community-focused lifestyle. The emphasis is on democratic participation, which fosters a high degree of neighborly interaction and pride in the community.

The highlights of choosing this particular community include:

Resident Ownership (ROC): This is the defining feature. Residents own the land, ensuring long-term stability and protecting against sudden, significant rent hikes typical of corporate-owned parks.
Affordable Living: The co-op model typically results in a lot rent that is significantly lower than the average market rate for similar communities in the region, making it an excellent option for budget-conscious New Hampshire residents.
Democratic Control: Every member has a vote on the annual budget, major community expenditures, and changes to the park's by-laws and rules, guaranteeing a voice in community operations.
Established Community: Incorporated in 2002, the Co-op has a long, proven history of successful resident management and stability.
All-Ages Community: Unlike some other local co-ops, Freedom Hill welcomes residents of all ages, providing a diverse and intergenerational neighborhood environment.
Engaged Membership: The community actively encourages participation through monthly Board meetings, often held in the Bartlett Shed, and various volunteer opportunities for maintenance and governance.
Convenient Location: Situated in Low Tax Loudon, yet minutes from the employment, healthcare, and retail centers of Concord.

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Contact and Information

For potential new members in New Hampshire interested in the application process, rules, or learning more about the community structure, the following contact information is essential. Note that rent payments are often mailed to a management company address for administrative efficiency.

General Cooperative Phone: (603) 545-1239

Rent Payment/Mailing Address (c/o Management): 201 Loudon Rd, Concord, NH 03301, USA

Physical/Park Location: 11 Redwood Rd, Loudon, NH 03307

For specific inquiries, including details on available homes or the application requirements (which include financial and background checks to maintain community standards), it is best to consult the official cooperative website or contact the Board of Directors via the publicly listed email.

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Conclusion: Why Freedom Hill Co-op is Suitable for Locals

Freedom Hill Co-op represents a highly suitable and desirable living option for New Hampshire residents, particularly those in the greater Merrimack Valley region. Its core suitability lies in the unique combination of affordability, stability, and community control that the resident-owned model provides. For locals, this means security—the park will not be sold to an outside investor who might drastically increase lot rent and fees, threatening the financial stability of homeowners.

The democratic structure empowers residents to shape their environment. If you value having a direct vote on the community's financial future, bylaws, and management decisions, this cooperative structure is ideal. Furthermore, the Loudon location provides a perfect balance: the benefits of living in a low-tax town with the convenience of being close to Concord's numerous amenities and employment opportunities. It offers the chance to not just own a home, but to own a piece of the entire community, fostering a deep, long-lasting sense of belonging and neighborly support that is highly valued in the Granite State. For affordable, secure, and self-governed manufactured housing near Concord, Freedom Hill Co-op stands out as an excellent, community-driven choice.