Lehigh Terrace Community lot #45

- 1414 E Susquehanna St, Allentown, PA 18103

For many Pennsylvania residents, finding an affordable path to homeownership in a desirable, centralized area like the Lehigh Valley can be challenging. Manufactured housing communities, such as the Lehigh Terrace Community in Allentown, offer an important and distinct housing option. This community, located at the heart of the Allentown area, functions as a residential park where residents typically own their manufactured home but rent the land (or lot) it sits on. This model often presents a lower cost of entry compared to traditional site-built homes in the city.

The community has a diverse residential base, providing a long-standing option for those seeking the benefits of owning their physical structure without the high cost of land acquisition in a bustling metropolitan area. As a mobile home park, life here is structured by a set of community-wide rules and regulations, often centered on maintaining a certain standard of appearance and conduct across the individual lots. While the official management is noted as being based outside of the immediate Allentown area, residents in a mobile home community rely on clear communication and fair application of these rules to ensure a pleasant living environment for all.

Community feedback is varied, highlighting both the opportunity for affordable homeownership and the complexities often associated with mobile home park living, particularly concerning site maintenance standards and the application of community rules. Potential residents are encouraged to look beyond initial marketing materials and conduct a thorough, on-the-ground assessment to fully understand the current community dynamics, home conditions, and management style. Understanding the real-world conditions, including the mix of home ages and the density of the lots, is key to making an informed decision about living in Lehigh Terrace Community.

Lehigh Terrace Community, located at 1414 E Susquehanna St in Allentown, PA 18103, benefits significantly from its position within the Lehigh Valley—one of Pennsylvania's most economically vibrant regions. This location offers residents an appealing blend of city access and regional convenience, putting them close to employment centers, educational institutions, and various amenities.

The community is situated in a highly accessible area of Allentown. Major transportation routes are easily reachable, making commuting throughout the Lehigh Valley straightforward. For local residents, the accessibility is a considerable advantage:

• Downtown Allentown Access: The core of the city, including the PPL Center, commercial districts, and numerous dining and entertainment options, is just a short drive away.

• Regional Connectivity: The proximity to major highways facilitates travel to Bethlehem, Easton, and beyond, connecting residents to the entire Lehigh Valley job market and cultural hubs.

• Local Amenities: Essential services, including grocery stores, pharmacies, and shopping centers, are readily available within a brief driving distance. For example, nearby areas contain a wide variety of restaurants and retail locations.

• Health Services: Residents are within a manageable distance of major healthcare facilities, including St. Luke's Hospital - Sacred Heart Campus and Lehigh Valley Hospital, ensuring quick access to medical care.

• Public Services: Being within the Allentown city area means access to municipal services and public transportation options, offering essential transit connectivity for those who rely on it.

Its central position allows residents to be connected to the city's resources while maintaining a fixed housing cost model, which is a powerful combination for locals prioritizing convenience and budget.

As is typical for a manufactured home community, the primary service offered by the management is the provision of a rented lot and essential community infrastructure. The lot rental fee generally covers the costs associated with maintaining common areas and providing necessary utilities hookups.

The standard services provided to residents at Lehigh Terrace Community include:

• Lot Rental for Manufactured Homes: The core service is leasing the specific plot of land (lot) upon which the resident's home sits. This fee provides the tenure for the home on the property.

• Infrastructure and Utility Access: The management is responsible for the underlying infrastructure, including maintaining the private roads within the park and providing connections to necessary utilities (water, sewer, electric, etc.) at the lot line. Residents are typically responsible for their usage fees.

• Trash and Refuse Collection: Refuse services, often covered within the lot rent or billed separately, ensure sanitary disposal of household waste.

• Common Area Maintenance: Services include the upkeep of shared spaces, such as community roads, lighting, and any common amenity areas the park may possess.

• On-site Sales and Home Improvement Authorization: Although management may not be on-site daily, they facilitate the purchase of new manufactured homes into the community and manage the authorization process for external contractors working on owned units, ensuring compliance with park and municipal standards. It is important for residents to fully understand the processes and any associated fees for home improvements or contractor authorizations.

• Community Rule Enforcement: A key management function is the enforcement of community rules and lease agreements. This is done to maintain property standards and is mandated by the Pennsylvania Manufactured Home Community Rights Act (MHCRA), which sets forth specific legal procedures for warnings and evictions based on rule violations or non-payment of rent.

The key features of Lehigh Terrace Community relate primarily to its value proposition as an affordable housing option and its highly central location.

• Affordable Homeownership Model: The most significant highlight is the opportunity it provides for residents to achieve homeownership at a fraction of the cost of purchasing a conventional, site-built home and land in the Lehigh Valley.

• Central Allentown Location: The address on East Susquehanna Street provides excellent, fast access to all major points of interest, work centers, and recreational areas in Allentown and the wider Lehigh Valley.

• Proximity to City Amenities: Residents are close to shopping, banking, entertainment venues, and a diverse range of restaurants, enhancing the daily convenience of life in the community.

• Home Improvement Potential (Owner Responsibility): Residents own their homes, giving them the ability to personalize and improve their properties, subject to park management authorization and local township rules. This ownership stake fosters a sense of personal investment in the quality of the living space.

• Fixed Housing Costs (Lot Rent): While the cost of lot rent can increase over time, the fixed nature of the rent (as opposed to a fluctuating mortgage and property taxes on the land) offers a predictable element of housing expense that appeals to budget-conscious residents.

• Community Dynamics: Like any established residential area, the community's feel is defined by its residents. Reports from residents often mention friendly neighbors and the potential for a close-knit environment, particularly among the long-term residents.

For all inquiries regarding residency, lot availability, lot rental payments, or specific community rules, prospective and current residents should utilize the provided contact information. Note that management is reported to be based off-site near Harrisburg, so appointments or direct assistance should be scheduled accordingly.

Community Address: 1414 E Susquehanna St, Allentown, PA 18103, USA

Primary Phone: (717) 274-2104

It is advised to maintain clear, recorded communication with the management company (A. Hunter, located in Annville) regarding any official matters, rules clarification, or maintenance issues.

For many Pennsylvania locals in the Lehigh Valley, the Lehigh Terrace Community represents a practical economic decision. It is an extremely suitable option for individuals and families who prioritize a fixed and manageable housing cost model over the complexities and high initial capital required for traditional homeownership in a metropolitan area like Allentown. The ability to own a physical structure, fostering stability and personal investment, while only renting the ground is a powerful incentive.

Its key strength is its strategic location. Residents are perfectly positioned to capitalize on all that Allentown has to offer—a short drive to employers, entertainment, and essential services—without being priced out of the housing market. However, success in this community requires a clear understanding and acceptance of the rules-based environment and the dynamic with off-site management. Locals who are meticulous about maintaining their property and adhering to community guidelines, and who are seeking a truly affordable home base in the heart of the Lehigh Valley, will find that Lehigh Terrace Community provides a valuable entry point into the market and a central place to live, work, and thrive.

Lehigh Terrace Community lot #45

1414 E Susquehanna St, Allentown, PA 18103, USA