Lakeview Ranch MHC

For Illinois residents dreaming of a tranquil lakeside lifestyle, a vibrant community, or a perfect blend of relaxation and recreation, Lakeview Ranch Manufactured Home Community (MHC) in Gays, IL, offers a distinctive opportunity. Described by residents as a "perfect place to relax and have some fun" with a "great community" and "very friendly people," Lakeview Ranch MHC is more than just a mobile home park; it's a resort-like living experience nestled by the water.

Located on the picturesque north end of Lake Mattoon, this community provides residents with unparalleled access to water-based activities and the peaceful ambiance of lakeside living. It's an ideal spot for those seeking permanent residence or even a vacation home where they can enjoy water sports, fishing, or simply unwind by the shore. The availability of homes for sale within the community, alongside the recreational offerings, solidifies its appeal as a unique living and leisure destination in Central Illinois.

This comprehensive guide is tailored for Illinois locals, providing an in-depth look into what makes Lakeview Ranch MHC a suitable and attractive choice for various lifestyles. We will explore its prime location and accessibility, the array of services and features that set it apart, potential offers for new residents, and essential contact information. Our goal is to present factual, engaging, and professional insights to help you envision your life by the lake.

Lakeview Ranch MHC is uniquely situated at 19 Lakeview Rd, Gays, IL 61928, USA. This address places the community directly on the north end of Lake Mattoon, a significant highlight for anyone desiring water access and scenic views. Lake Mattoon is a 1050-acre lake renowned for fishing, boating, and swimming, making the community's location incredibly desirable for water enthusiasts.

For Illinois residents, Lakeview Ranch MHC offers excellent accessibility. It's approximately 5 miles southwest of Mattoon, IL, and about 4 miles west of Interstate 57, a major north-south thoroughfare in Central Illinois. Interstate 70, another key east-west route, is also conveniently located approximately 18 miles to the south. This strategic positioning makes the community easily reachable from various parts of Illinois, including Chicago (185 miles north), St. Louis (150 miles west), and Indianapolis (150 miles east). Effingham, a significant crossroads in the Midwest at the intersection of I-70 and I-57, is about 20 miles south.

The community is located in Coles County, IL, and benefits from public rural water service provided by Clearwater and Lake Mattoon Water Association. The fact that the school bus from the Neoga, IL school district comes to the front entrance of the park indicates its suitability for families, despite fewer children currently residing in the park. This blend of secluded lakeside living with convenient access to major interstates and nearby towns makes Lakeview Ranch MHC a practical and appealing choice for a diverse range of Illinois locals.

Lakeview Ranch MHC is structured to provide a comprehensive living and recreational experience, particularly focused on lakeside amenities and community convenience. Based on available information and resident reviews, here are the key services offered:

• Lakefront Manufactured Home Sites: The community offers 181 lakefront sites with water and sewer available. Most sites are used for vacation purposes, but full-time residency is possible. Each site is lakefront and includes a dock for boats.
• Boat Ramp Access: A major draw for water enthusiasts, the community provides a dedicated boat ramp for residents to launch their boats for water sports or leisure.
• Lakeview Marina: Located within the park, Lakeview Marina is open during spring, summer, and fall seasons, providing convenient access to the lake for residents.
• Homes for Sale: The community actively sells manufactured homes, working with local manufactured home dealers to bring in new homes. There is often a waiting list for sites, indicating high demand.
• Utility Hookups: Sites are fully equipped with water and sewer connections. The community is connected to a public rural water source (Clearwater and Lake Mattoon Water Association), with previously used deep well water still being tested for drinking. Septic service and maintenance are included in lot rent.
• Park Management & Maintenance: Park management handles maintenance of the common areas. Residents can also contract additional maintenance services (e.g., mowing, raking) through management for hire.
• Gift Shop & Office: An on-site office is available for inquiries, and a gift shop is present, likely offering convenience items or souvenirs.
• Private Swimming Areas: Residents may mark off an area 50 feet into the water from their lot line to use as their own private swimming area.
• New Development Acreage: The park has 35 farm acres adjoining the MHC with lake frontage available for one-acre sites for sale, with beautiful views down Lake Mattoon, indicating ongoing development and expansion opportunities.
• Road Maintenance: Park roads are graded, leveled, and surfaced with oil and chip, ensuring well-maintained internal infrastructure.

These services highlight Lakeview Ranch MHC's focus on facilitating a convenient and enjoyable lakeside lifestyle for its residents.

Lakeview Ranch MHC boasts several distinctive features and highlights that make it a premier destination for lakeside living in Illinois:

• Direct Lake Access and Lakefront Sites: The most significant highlight is its direct location on the north end of Lake Mattoon, with 181 lakefront sites. This provides unparalleled access to water and stunning views, allowing residents to literally step from their home to the water. Each site includes a dock.
• On-Site Boat Ramp and Marina: The presence of a dedicated boat ramp and Lakeview Marina within the park is a massive advantage for boating and water sports enthusiasts, offering immediate access to the 1050-acre lake.
• Opportunities for Water Sports: Residents can engage in a variety of water sports, including skiing, boating, kayaking, canoeing, paddle boating, and swimming directly from their private marked areas.
• Excellent Fishing Opportunities: Lake Mattoon is known for great fishing, with plentiful bass, catfish, and crappie. Bass fishing contests frequently take place during the season, appealing to anglers.
• Friendly and Relaxed Community: Reviews consistently praise the "great community" and "very friendly people," emphasizing a welcoming and peaceful atmosphere perfect for relaxation and fun.
• Availability of Homes for Sale & Development: The community offers both existing and new manufactured homes for sale, along with new one-acre lakefront sites for development, providing various options for potential residents.
• Well-Maintained Infrastructure: The park's roads are regularly graded, leveled, and surfaced, indicating a commitment to maintaining a high-quality environment for residents.
• Gift Shop: The on-site gift shop adds a convenient amenity, allowing residents and visitors to grab essentials or souvenirs without leaving the community.
• Flexible Residency: While many owners use their sites for vacation, the option for full-time living caters to diverse needs, from seasonal enjoyment to permanent lakeside residency.

These features combine to create a unique and desirable living environment for those seeking a water-centric lifestyle in Central Illinois.

As a mobile home community with homes and lots for sale, Lakeview Ranch MHC's "promotions" often revolve around incentives for new residents or property buyers. While specific, active promotions should always be confirmed directly with the community management, based on common practices for manufactured home communities and available information, potential offers might include:

• Discount for Annual Lot Rent Payment: Public information indicates that a "discount of one month's site rent is given if the entire year is paid in advance by December 1 of the previous year." This provides a direct financial incentive for early payment.
• New Home Purchase Incentives: When homes are purchased through the community or its local partners, there may be special financing options, limited-time price reductions, or inclusion of certain upgrades. While not explicitly detailed, such incentives are common to attract buyers.
• Site Development Opportunities: For the new 35-acre expansion area, the offer of "one acre lakefront sites starting @ $125,000. per building site" with beautiful views is a significant opportunity for those looking to place a new manufactured home in a custom-designed space.

Interested individuals are highly encouraged to contact Lakeview Ranch MHC directly via phone to inquire about any current promotions for home purchases or site leases. Their staff will be able to provide the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding available incentives and their terms.

For inquiries about available homes, site rentals, community information, or to schedule a visit to Lakeview Ranch MHC, please use the following contact details:

• Address: 19 Lakeview Rd, Gays, IL 61928, USA
• Phone: (217) 549-8217

It is always recommended to call ahead to confirm office hours, current availability, and to ensure a representative is available to assist you with your specific questions. Visiting their official website (if available, often linked through mobile home sales portals or local directories) may also provide additional details and visual tours of the community.

For residents of Illinois, Lakeview Ranch MHC in Gays presents a truly unique and highly suitable living option, particularly for those who cherish a lakeside lifestyle and a sense of community. Its appeal for locals is deeply rooted in its direct water access, recreational opportunities, and the peaceful, friendly atmosphere it cultivates.

Firstly, the unparalleled access to Lake Mattoon is a major draw. Having "181 lake front sites that have water and sewer available," along with a dedicated "boat ramp" and "Lakeview Marina" on-site, means that water sports, fishing, and boating are literally at your doorstep. For Illinoisans who love bass fishing, crappie, or simply enjoying the serenity of a 1050-acre lake, this community offers an everyday vacation experience. The ability to create a "private swimming area" from your own lot line further enhances the direct connection to the water, a feature rarely found in other residential communities.

Secondly, the positive feedback about a "great community" and "very friendly people" highlights a significant social benefit. This indicates a supportive and welcoming environment where neighbors can connect, relax, and enjoy their surroundings together. Whether you're looking for a permanent home or a seasonal retreat, a strong sense of community can greatly enrich the living experience, fostering belonging and mutual enjoyment of the lakeside amenities. This is particularly appealing for those seeking a calmer pace of life away from larger urban centers.

Finally, its accessibility from major interstates (I-57 and I-70) makes it a practical choice for Illinoisans from various parts of the state, ensuring that this peaceful lakeside haven is never too far away. The blend of affordability associated with manufactured home living, combined with the high quality of life offered by its lakefront location and community spirit, makes Lakeview Ranch MHC an exceptionally suitable and desirable option for those looking to embrace a relaxed, water-centric lifestyle in Illinois. It's more than just a place to live; it's a resort-style community waiting to be called home.