Otter Creek Park, Vergennes, VT

Welcome to Otter Creek Park, a well-established and important mobile home community located in the charming city of Vergennes, Vermont. For many local residents, finding a pathway to affordable homeownership in Addison County can be a significant challenge, and communities like Otter Creek Park are essential components of the region's housing landscape. This article is designed to provide local users—those currently living in, or looking to move to, the Vermont area—with a factual, professional, and friendly overview of this community, helping you understand what makes it a suitable place to call home.

The park is recognized as a key part of the area's affordable housing solution, thanks to its ownership and management by Addison Housing Works (AHW). AHW, formerly known as ACCT, is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing affordable housing options throughout Addison County. Their involvement ensures the park is managed with a focus on long-term stability and community well-being, which is a significant factor for local residents seeking security and support in their living situation. With 73 total units, Otter Creek Park represents one of the larger manufactured home communities managed by AHW.

The overall atmosphere is one of a residential neighborhood. Unlike transient or vacation-oriented parks, Otter Creek Park is designed for owner-occupied homes, meaning residents have a vested interest in the maintenance, appearance, and neighborly feel of the community. This focus on long-term residency contributes to a more stable and close-knit environment, perfect for Vermonters looking to plant roots.

Otter Creek Park is conveniently situated on Panton Road in Vergennes, Vermont, USA, with the primary zip code being 05491. The location is excellent for those who appreciate easy access to the necessities of daily life, along with quick connections to some of Vermont's most beautiful natural and historic destinations.

Vergennes itself is famously known as the smallest city in Vermont by both population and area, yet it boasts a vibrant and historic downtown. Residents of the park are located just minutes from this downtown area, where they can access local businesses, restaurants, and the iconic Vergennes Falls Park on the Otter Creek. This proximity means a short walk, bike ride, or drive connects residents to essential services and community gathering spots.

The park’s location on Panton Road provides excellent accessibility to major regional routes, which is vital for local commuters. It offers a straightforward drive to larger population centers and employment hubs. For instance, the park is only a short drive to Middlebury, known for its college and cultural activities, and it’s also within a reasonable commuting distance of Burlington, the state's largest city.

One of the most appealing accessibility features for local Vermonters is the park's proximity to Lake Champlain. Being "minutes" from downtown Vergennes also puts residents near the Otter Creek Basin and Macdonough Park, which offers municipal docks and access to the creek that flows into Lake Champlain. This provides local users with easy access to boating, kayaking, fishing, and other recreational activities on both the creek and the lake.

As a manufactured home community focused on long-term, owner-occupied residency, the services provided are generally included as part of the monthly lot rent, offering residents a predictable and consolidated cost structure. Specific details provided by the management organization, Addison Housing Works, highlight an effort to make the cost of living more manageable and transparent for local homeowners.

Services offered to residents typically include the following:

Lot Rental: The core service is the lease of the land lot upon which the manufactured home sits. As of recent public data, the monthly lot rent has been quoted in the approximate range of $390 to $420, though all prospective residents should confirm the current rate with management.
Water Utility: The cost of public water service is generally included within the monthly lot rental fee, removing a variable monthly utility cost for residents.
Sewer Utility: Public sewer service is also typically included in the monthly lot rental fee, which is a key benefit for managing household budgets.
Trash Removal: General trash and refuse collection services are included, simplifying waste management for the community.
Non-profit Ownership: The park is owned and operated by Addison Housing Works, a non-profit, which ensures management decisions are driven by the mission of providing affordable housing rather than maximizing private profit.

It is important for local users to note that the residents own their mobile homes and are responsible for all other utilities, home maintenance, and home-related expenses, such as property taxes on the home itself.

Otter Creek Park stands out among mobile home communities in the region due to several specific features that appeal to local Vermonters seeking stable and affordable homeownership.

Affordable Homeownership Access: The park actively participates in programs, such as the Rapid Response Mobile Home Infill Project (MHIP), which aim to fill vacant lots with new, quality, and affordable manufactured homes. This provides a clear and supported path for Vermont homebuyers to purchase a home in a difficult housing market.
Community Size and Stability: With 73 units, the park is a substantial, long-standing community (established in 1960), providing a deep sense of permanence and a large resident base for connection and mutual support.
Owner-Occupied Homes: A policy of only allowing owner-occupied homes ensures that residents are invested in the community's quality and upkeep, leading to a higher standard of maintenance and a stronger neighborhood feel compared to rental-based parks.
Proximity to Natural Resources: The park's location provides easy access to the famous Otter Creek, the longest river entirely within Vermont. This connection offers local recreational opportunities like fishing, paddling, and enjoying the nearby Vergennes Falls Park.
Regional Commuter Convenience: The location is ideal for commuting throughout Addison County and beyond, with a short drive to both Middlebury and reasonable access to the greater Burlington area.

These features collectively define Otter Creek Park as a practical and appealing choice for Vermonters prioritizing value, community, and convenient access to local amenities.

For all application, lot rental, and general management inquiries regarding Otter Creek Park, interested local users should contact the managing organization, Addison Housing Works. The park's non-profit ownership means that administrative functions are centralized and professionally managed.

Contact Information for Management (Addison Housing Works):

Address: The main office is located at 272 Main Street | PO Box 311 | Vergennes, VT 05491, USA. This address serves as the central point for all correspondence and applications related to Otter Creek Park and other AHW properties.

Phone: (802) 877-2626

Prospective buyers interested in purchasing a mobile home in the community through an AHW program may also be directed to the affiliated real estate contacts working on those specific projects, so always start with a call to the main office number provided above for the most current guidance.

For residents of Vermont, Otter Creek Park in Vergennes represents an excellent and highly suitable option, particularly in the current challenging housing market. Its greatest strength lies in its foundation as an established, non-profit-managed, owner-occupied community. The ownership by Addison Housing Works provides a layer of stability and commitment to affordability that is often missing in private, for-profit mobile home parks. This structure is designed to keep lot rental fees reasonable and predictable, helping local families budget and maintain their homes without the worry of excessive, market-driven rate hikes.

Furthermore, the location is a significant benefit to locals. Vergennes offers a high quality of life with its small-city amenities, historic character, and prime position near Lake Champlain. The easy access to downtown shops, the local falls, and major employers makes the daily routine simpler. For a Vermonter looking to achieve genuine, long-term homeownership—the kind that allows you to build equity and stability for your family—without the prohibitively high cost of a traditional site-built home, Otter Creek Park provides a real, tangible, and well-supported solution. It is more than just a place to live; it is a stable, affordable community in the heart of Addison County.