Friendship Drive Co Op, Salem, NH

Introduction / Overview

For residents across New Hampshire, particularly in the highly sought-after southern border communities, finding an affordable path to homeownership can be a significant challenge. The Friendship Drive Co-Op in Salem, NH, presents a unique and exceptionally advantageous model: the Resident-Owned Community (ROC). Since the residents purchased the land in

September 2005

, this park has transformed from a conventional mobile home park into a thriving, self-governed cooperative. This means that every homeowner in the 43- to 44-home community is also a voting member of the corporation that owns the land beneath their homes.

The cooperative structure of Friendship Drive ensures that the community’s direction and financial management are determined by the residents themselves. This model prioritizes affordability and stability over profit-maximization, making it a crucial source of low- to moderate-income housing in an area experiencing rapid growth. It provides homeowners with an increased sense of security, allowing them to invest in their homes and community with confidence, knowing they have a collective voice in the future of the neighborhood. The community is multigenerational and ethnically diverse, embracing a collective spirit where neighbors look out for one another, fostering a true “home sweet home” environment.

Location and Accessibility

Friendship Drive Co-Op benefits from an outstanding location in the heart of

Salem, New Hampshire

, one of the state's most desirable southern towns. The community is located just off of

South Broadway (Route 28)

, providing residents with immediate access to a wealth of amenities and regional transit.

Prime South NH Location:

Salem’s geographic position is a key asset. The community is situated less than a mile from the Massachusetts border, which is incredibly convenient for residents who commute south for work or who wish to take advantage of greater Boston’s metropolitan resources. For New Hampshire locals, the location means easy access to the state's popular tax-free shopping destinations.

Commercial Hub Proximity:

The neighborhood is minutes away from Salem’s main commercial corridors, offering unmatched retail and service convenience. This proximity includes major destinations like:

The expansive
Mall at Rockingham Park
, the largest mall in New Hampshire.
The cutting-edge, mixed-use development,
Tuscan Village
, offering upscale dining, shopping, and entertainment options.
A variety of supermarkets, pharmacies, and essential services along Route 28.

Regional Connectivity:

For those traveling throughout the state or the region, the Co-Op is close to major highways, including

Interstate 93

, which provides a direct, quick route to Manchester, Concord, and the White Mountains to the north, as well as to Andover and Boston to the south. The community is accessible via Route 28 and is often cited on GPS as:

81 S Broadway, Salem, NH 03079

Services Offered

The financial structure of a resident-owned community is one of its most attractive features. The monthly cooperative fee, often referred to as lot rent or an HOA fee, is set by the resident-elected board and is generally kept as low as possible to maintain affordability for all members. Current listings indicate this monthly fee is approximately

$425

, which is significantly lower than many lot rents in conventional, privately-owned parks and dramatically less than apartment rents in the area. This fee includes numerous essential services:

Park Rent/Lot Lease: The cost for leasing the land, which is collectively owned by the residents.
Sewer: Maintenance and cost of the public sewer system connections.
Water: Fees for public water service.
Trash Removal: Residential waste and garbage collection services.
Common Area Maintenance: Upkeep of the internal roads, community spaces, and landscaping in shared areas.
Future Infrastructure Investment: A portion of the fee goes toward reserve funds and a five-year capital improvements plan for major community upgrades, such as the recent successful grant-funded electrical system improvements.

It is important to note that a one-time

Buy-In Fee

(typically around

$500

) is required for new residents to become official voting members of the cooperative, solidifying their stake and voice in the community’s future. Residents are responsible for their individual utilities, such as electricity, heating oil, and cable/internet.

Features / Highlights

As a Resident-Owned Community, Friendship Drive Co-Op offers a range of features and benefits that set it apart from typical manufactured housing options in New Hampshire:

True Democratic Control: Homeowners elect their own Board of Directors and vote on the annual budget, lot rent increases, and major community rules, guaranteeing they are in control of their neighborhood's destiny and future costs.
Stability and Security: The threat of the park being sold to a developer and residents being displaced—a major risk in privately-owned parks—is eliminated because the residents collectively own the land.
Community Garden: The Co-Op successfully launched a rolling, raised-bed community garden project (supported by a grant), providing residents with a place to grow and share fresh produce, fostering neighborly interaction and food security.
Commitment to Low-Income Housing: The board has a stated commitment to keep the lot rent as affordable as possible, actively seeking grants and financing to cover major capital projects, thereby protecting vulnerable, low-income residents and seniors on fixed incomes.
Access to Special Financing: Because the community is resident-owned and stabilized, home buyers in the park may qualify for unique, affordable financing options, such as the New Hampshire Community Loan Fund's
Welcome Home Loan
product, making the initial home purchase more accessible.
High-Quality Infrastructure: The Co-Op has demonstrated a commitment to long-term maintenance, securing substantial grants to complete major projects like extensive electrical system upgrades, ensuring reliable service for all residents.

Contact Information

For individuals interested in learning more about available homes or becoming a resident-member, the community contact details are as follows. It is recommended to contact the park management or the cooperative board for the most up-to-date information on lot availability, current lot rent, and the application process, as homes are individually listed for sale by their owners or real estate agents.

Address:

81 S Broadway, Salem, NH 03079, USA

Phone:

(603) 819-1105

Mobile Phone:

+1 603-819-1105

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

Friendship Drive Co-Op is an exceptionally suitable place for New Hampshire locals, particularly those in the southern tier, for three primary reasons: stability, affordability, and community control. In a market where housing costs continue to rise, the co-op model provides

long-term financial security

that renters and residents of privately-owned parks often lack. Residents have a direct hand in managing their costs, ensuring the monthly fees remain affordable for working families, seniors, and others on tight budgets.

Furthermore, the vibrant, multi-generational community spirit, evidenced by projects like the shared garden and a commitment to helping residents in need, creates a welcoming and supportive neighborhood. Combining this unique cooperative control with an unparalleled location near the major commercial and transit hubs of Salem makes Friendship Drive Co-Op a strategic and highly valued choice for anyone seeking

dignified, affordable, and permanent homeownership

in Southern New Hampshire. It's more than just a place to live; it's a stable investment in a strong, community-run future.