Harlan Springs Mobile Home Community

For many West Virginia residents, particularly those in the Martinsburg area, the dream of affordable and comfortable homeownership often leads to exploring manufactured home communities. Harlan Springs Mobile Home Community, located in Martinsburg, has long been a part of this landscape, with some residents calling it home for over 30 years. It has historically provided a peaceful and established living environment for a diverse group of individuals, including many seniors and those on fixed incomes.

However, like many communities across the country, Harlan Springs has recently experienced a significant transition. Once owned by Gantts, the community is now under the management of Rose Land. This change in ownership has brought about new policies, notably concerning lot rent, which is a crucial aspect of manufactured home living. For locals in West Virginia considering Harlan Springs, it's essential to understand both the established benefits of this community and the recent changes that are impacting its long-term residents. This article aims to provide a clear and factual overview, acknowledging both the positive aspects and the challenges that current and prospective residents might encounter.

Harlan Springs Mobile Home Community is situated at 360 Janesa Dr, Martinsburg, WV 25403, USA. This address places it within Martinsburg, a vibrant and growing city in the Eastern Panhandle of West Virginia. Martinsburg offers a strategic location with a blend of historical charm and modern conveniences, making it an attractive place to live for many West Virginians.

The community's location provides good accessibility to key areas. Martinsburg boasts excellent connectivity, being close to Interstate 81, a major north-south highway that facilitates travel to Hagerstown, Maryland, and Winchester, Virginia, as well as providing connections to larger metropolitan areas. Residents of Harlan Springs benefit from relatively easy access to a variety of local amenities within Martinsburg. These include grocery stores, shopping centers, diverse dining options, healthcare facilities, and educational institutions. The area is known for its scenic views, including surrounding orchards, offering a pleasant backdrop for daily life. While the community itself provides a private and quiet residential setting, its proximity to these local services ensures that residents can comfortably meet their daily needs and enjoy recreational activities without extensive travel. The internal road system within the community, such as Janesa Drive, allows for convenient navigation for residents and visitors.

As a manufactured home community, Harlan Springs provides the essential framework for residents to place their homes and access necessary utilities and common area maintenance. However, recent changes in ownership have impacted some aspects of the services, particularly regarding the cost of living.

• Lot Lease/Ground Rent: Residents own their manufactured homes but lease the land (lot rent) on which their homes are situated. This lot rent typically contributes to the maintenance of common areas and certain utilities. As noted by a long-term resident, under the new ownership (Rose Land), lot rents have been "climbing," with stated increases from around $250 to potentially $425 and then $500.
• Utility Access: Manufactured home communities generally provide hookups for essential utilities such as water, sewer, and electricity to each lot. Specific details on which utilities are included in the lot rent can vary greatly by park and should always be clarified directly with management. Traditionally, lot rent often includes water, sewer, and trash removal, but residents are typically responsible for their electricity, gas (if applicable), and internet/cable services.
• Common Area Maintenance: The lot rent usually covers the maintenance of common areas within the community, such as roads (like Janesa Drive), general landscaping in shared spaces, and lighting.
• Management Oversight: Under Rose Land, the community is managed with new policies and financial structures. While all manufactured home communities have management, residents have expressed concerns about the responsiveness to specific financial situations, particularly for those on fixed incomes.

Harlan Springs Mobile Home Community has historically been known for its peaceful environment and established resident base. While recent changes have brought some challenges, there are still inherent features of the community and its location that remain appealing.

• Established Community: With residents who have lived there for "over 30 years," Harlan Springs has a long history and a foundation of an established neighborhood. This implies a certain level of maturity in landscaping and infrastructure.
• Peaceful Setting: The community is described as a "peaceful place," suggesting a quiet residential environment that is conducive to relaxed living.
• Martinsburg Location: Its location in Martinsburg, WV, is a significant highlight, offering convenient access to local amenities, including shopping, dining, and healthcare, as well as recreational opportunities in the Eastern Panhandle.
• Proximity to Natural Beauty: Martinsburg is surrounded by scenic views, including orchards, and offers easy access to state parks like Fort Fredrick State Park and recreational areas such as Sleepy Creek Wildlife Area, appealing to those who enjoy the outdoors.
• Access to Major Highways: Easy access to I-81 is a major benefit for commuters and those who travel frequently.
• Private Community: Described as a "beautiful private community," suggesting a controlled access environment that can contribute to a sense of security for residents.

Based on the provided customer reviews, it appears that Harlan Springs Mobile Home Community, under its new ownership by Rose Land, is currently focused on standardizing and increasing lot rents rather than offering traditional promotional incentives. A long-term resident explicitly stated that upon inquiring about assistance for those on limited or fixed incomes due to rising lot rents, they were "told no." This indicates a current policy that does not include special offers or assistance programs for income-qualified residents.

Furthermore, a prospective resident, a retired veteran, experienced difficulty with the application process, being unable to submit it due to a lack of pay stubs (as they are on Social Security retirement). This suggests that the application and qualification process may be rigid, and specific accommodations or "special offers" for veterans or those with non-traditional income documentation may not be readily available or clearly communicated. Therefore, at present, prospective residents should anticipate paying the standard, increased lot rent and should be prepared to meet specific application requirements without immediate expectations of discounts or financial assistance programs. It is always recommended to directly contact the community management to confirm the most current pricing and application procedures.

For inquiries about lot availability, current lot rent rates, or the application process at Harlan Springs Mobile Home Community:

• Address: 360 Janesa Dr, Martinsburg, WV 25403, USA
• Phone: (304) 263-7293
• Mobile Phone: +1 304-263-7293 (This may be a direct line to the office or a specific manager).

Given the feedback from past customers regarding difficulties with reaching management or the application process, it is advisable to be persistent with phone calls and to clearly state your purpose for calling. Inquire about the best times to reach someone directly and if there are alternative contact methods like email or an online inquiry form.

Harlan Springs Mobile Home Community in Martinsburg, WV, presents a complex picture for West Virginia locals considering a manufactured home. While it boasts a long history as a "peaceful place" with established residents, recent changes in ownership and subsequent adjustments to lot rent have introduced significant challenges for some, particularly seniors and those on fixed incomes. However, for certain prospective residents, especially those with stable incomes who value a quiet community with a strong sense of establishment, Harlan Springs might still hold appeal.

The community's location in Martinsburg remains a key advantage. Residents benefit from easy access to I-81, connecting them to broader regional amenities and employment opportunities. The surrounding area offers attractive natural landscapes and convenient access to local shopping, dining, and essential services, contributing to a comfortable lifestyle. The established nature of the community means mature landscaping and a settled environment, which can be desirable for those seeking a less transient feel than newer developments.

It is crucial for West Virginia locals to approach Harlan Springs with a clear understanding of the current operational model under Rose Land. While the community offers a stable physical environment, the rising lot rents and apparent lack of assistance for those on limited incomes mean that financial suitability is a primary factor. Prospective residents should thoroughly investigate the current lot rent, future increase policies, and application requirements, ensuring that the financial commitment aligns with their budget. For individuals or families who can comfortably afford the current and projected lot rents and seek a private, established community with good access to Martinsburg's amenities, Harlan Springs could still be a viable option. However, open and direct communication with management about all financial and procedural details is paramount to a successful residency here.