Rickert Properties

For Floridians exploring options for affordable and community-focused living, manufactured home parks often present an appealing solution. Rickert Properties manages a portfolio of these communities across Florida, aiming to provide places where residents can enjoy the sunshine and a relaxed lifestyle. However, like any significant living decision, it’s essential to understand the full picture, including both the promised benefits and potential challenges that can arise in such communities.

Living in a manufactured home community can offer distinct advantages, especially in Florida. The lower entry cost compared to traditional site-built homes often makes homeownership more accessible, and many communities feature amenities that foster an active and social environment. For those seeking a 55+ community, these parks can provide a ready-made network of peers, often with planned activities and a sense of shared experience. Rickert Properties, in particular, emphasizes their long history as a family-owned and operated business since 1967, and their belief that "each resident is important in a successful manufactured home community." They suggest that residents are drawn to their communities for the "active lifestyle" at an "affordable price," touting "tremendous financial strength, coupled with expert management." For Floridians looking for a vibrant retirement or an affordable permanent residence, these aspects are often highly desirable.

However, resident experiences within any community can vary, and it's important to consider all perspectives. While Rickert Properties highlights positive aspects such as affordable living and active lifestyles in their various communities like Tropical Harbor Estates, Crystal Lake Village, and Pegel Point Estates (which offer clubhouses, pools, and planned activities), some direct resident feedback from a specific Rickert Properties community, Villa Del Sol, brings to light significant concerns. One resident shared a challenging experience, noting issues with management turnover, accusations of a current manager "bullying all the senior citizens," and a perception of excessive "citations." This resident also reported property vandalism and issues with landscaping services, along with being charged for service dogs. Another short review from a different Rickert Properties community (Crestview 55+ MHP in Summerville, SC, which is listed as part of their family of properties) also raises a concern about "the park criminal" being allowed to work in the park. These contrasting perspectives highlight the importance of thorough due diligence and on-site visits when considering any mobile home community.

Rickert Properties is listed at 5517 21st Ave W, Bradenton, FL 34209, USA. This address appears to be a corporate or regional office, as Rickert Properties manages multiple manufactured home and RV communities across Florida, rather than this specific address being a single park itself. Their communities are strategically located in various parts of Florida, including Central Florida and along the Gulf Coast, aiming to provide residents with convenient access to key attractions and necessities.

For Floridians, the locations of Rickert Properties' various communities typically offer access to:

• Beaches: Many of their communities, particularly those on the Gulf Coast (like some near Bradenton or Largo), are within driving distance of Florida's renowned white-sand beaches, including those of the Gulf of Mexico. Even Central Florida communities advertise proximity to both Gulf and Atlantic coasts.
• Major Attractions: Communities in Central Florida (e.g., in Plant City, Orlando, Lake Wales) are often marketed as being close to world-famous theme parks like Disney World, Epcot, Universal Studios, and LEGOLAND.
• Shopping and Dining: Residents can expect convenient access to a wide range of shopping centers, grocery stores (such as Winn-Dixie, as mentioned in a review for a different community under similar management), and diverse dining options.
• Medical Facilities: Proximity to medical facilities and hospitals, including those in Sebring, Lake Wales, and Bradenton, is a common feature across their communities, offering peace of mind for residents.
• Recreational Opportunities: Many communities are near golf courses, freshwater lakes for fishing and boating (with some having waterfront properties like Walden Shores and Tropical Harbor), and natural preserves for outdoor activities.
• Airports: Communities are generally located within reasonable driving distance of regional or international airports, facilitating travel for residents and their visitors.

Prospective residents should confirm the specific location and accessibility features for the particular Rickert Properties community they are interested in, as amenities and local access will vary by park.

Rickert Properties manages various manufactured home and RV communities across Florida. While specific services can differ slightly by individual park, common offerings are designed to support a comfortable and managed living experience. Based on general information about their properties and common mobile home park operations, expected services often include:

• Lot Rental: Residents lease the land their manufactured home sits on. This lot rent typically includes access to community amenities and often covers basic services.
• Community Management: Rickert Properties states they have "expert On-Site Management Teams" who are responsible for the day-to-day operations, including enforcing community rules and addressing resident concerns.
• Common Area Maintenance: Services usually include the upkeep of shared facilities such as clubhouses, pools, and recreational areas. Some communities also include lawn mowing for individual lots as part of the lot rent (e.g., Tropical Harbor Estates).
• Utilities Management: While residents typically pay for their own utilities, the park management oversees the infrastructure for water, sewer, and electricity. Some communities might include water in the lot rent (e.g., Tropical Harbor Estates).
• Planned Activities and Events: Many Rickert Properties communities, particularly their 55+ parks, organize a calendar of social activities, gatherings, and events for residents.
• Security Measures: Several of their communities are described as "gated," indicating controlled access for enhanced security. Rickert Properties emphasizes being "Security Minded."
• New and Pre-Owned Home Sales: Rickert Properties often has "affordable NEW and quality Pre-Owned homes for Sale" within their communities, and some offer "monthly & seasonal rentals on clean quality one/two-bedroom homes, travel trailers and RV sites."
• Pet Policies: Most Rickert Properties communities are "pet friendly," though specific restrictions (like the 20-pound limit mentioned in a review for a different park) may apply.

It is crucial for prospective residents to inquire directly about the precise services included in the lot rent, any additional fees, and the current state of management and maintenance for the specific community they are considering.

Rickert Properties highlights a range of features across its portfolio of manufactured home communities in Florida, emphasizing an active and affordable lifestyle. While features can vary by individual park, here are common highlights and aspects noted by residents:

• Active Lifestyle Amenities: Many communities are advertised with "resort-style amenities." These frequently include clubhouses (often with banquet halls, exercise rooms, card/game rooms, billiards, and libraries), heated swimming pools, outdoor spas, shuffleboard courts, pickleball courts, bocce ball, and fitness centers.
• Community Engagement: A key focus is on "planned activities and events," fostering a social and interactive environment for residents. Some communities have dedicated recreation committees.
• Affordable Living Options: Rickert Properties markets "affordable NEW and quality pre-owned homes" for sale, and some locations offer seasonal or monthly rentals, making manufactured home living accessible to a broader demographic.
• Meticulously Maintained Properties: Rickert Properties aims for "meticulously maintained" communities, which would include common areas, landscaping, and amenities.
• Pet-Friendly Policies: Most communities are generally "pet friendly," accommodating residents with companion animals (though specific weight or breed restrictions may apply).
• Waterfront Opportunities: Some premier properties, like Walden Shores and Tropical Harbor, are waterfront, offering "world class bass fishing lake" access, boat ramps, fishing piers, and "breathtaking sunset views."
• Strategic Locations: Communities are positioned in desirable Florida areas, offering convenient access to beaches, major attractions (like theme parks), shopping, dining, and medical facilities.
• Security: Several communities are "gated," providing enhanced security and peace of mind for residents.
• On-Site Management: The presence of "expert On-Site Management Teams" is emphasized by Rickert Properties for effective day-to-day operations.

However, it is important to acknowledge that resident experiences can vary, and some reviews, such as those from Villa Del Sol, highlight potential challenges related to management consistency, policy enforcement (e.g., "75 citations a day" for property upkeep, "dress code"), and the handling of maintenance issues (e.g., vandalism, sprinkler damage by landscapers), as well as concerns about pet policies (e.g., "under 20 pounds" restriction and charging for service dogs). These aspects should be thoroughly investigated by prospective residents.

Rickert Properties, as a company managing multiple manufactured home communities, typically focuses on the long-term value and lifestyle benefits rather than short-term promotional offers on lot rent. However, the "special offers" inherent in their business model and community approach include:

• Affordable Homeownership and Living Costs: The core appeal of manufactured home communities like those managed by Rickert Properties is the ability to achieve homeownership and an active Florida lifestyle at a generally lower cost compared to traditional site-built homes. This affordability is a continuous "promotion."
• Inclusive Amenities: Lot rent typically covers access to a range of community amenities such as clubhouses, pools, and recreational courts. This means residents are not paying separate membership fees for these facilities, offering a bundled value.
• Managed Living Environment: For many, the "expert On-Site Management Teams" and "meticulously maintained properties" provide a valued service, reducing the burden of external property management that comes with traditional homeownership.
• Community & Social Life: The emphasis on "planned activities and events" and fostering an "active lifestyle" serves as a significant draw, providing an immediate social network and opportunities for engagement that would otherwise need to be sought out and paid for independently.
• Variety of Homes and Rentals: The availability of "affordable NEW and quality pre-owned homes" along with "monthly & seasonal rentals" in some communities provides flexibility and options for different budgets and needs.

While specific discounts like "first month free" are uncommon, the ongoing value proposition and the lifestyle benefits are considered the primary "offers." Prospective residents are strongly advised to contact Rickert Properties directly (using the provided phone number) or the specific community they are interested in. This allows them to inquire about current lot rental rates, available homes for sale or rent, and any specific community benefits that might apply to their situation. It is also an opportunity to discuss community policies and address any concerns based on broader feedback.

For inquiries regarding Rickert Properties and their various manufactured home communities throughout Florida, or to learn more about specific properties and available homes, please use the contact information below. While this address appears to be a corporate or regional office, they can direct you to the relevant community management teams.

Address: 5517 21st Ave W, Bradenton, FL 34209, USA

Phone: (941) 795-2261

Mobile Phone: +1 941-795-2261

It is always recommended to call during business hours to speak with a representative and gather the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding their communities, available homes, lot rents, and policies.

For Floridians seeking an affordable path to homeownership or a community-rich lifestyle, a manufactured home park managed by Rickert Properties could be a consideration. As locals, we appreciate the emphasis on an "active lifestyle" and the promise of "affordable" living, particularly in a state known for its high cost of living in desirable areas. Rickert Properties' long history (since 1967) and their stated belief that "each resident is important" resonate with the desire for stability and a caring management approach.

Their communities are strategically located across Florida, offering access to the very best of our state – from world-class beaches and vibrant cultural scenes to essential medical facilities and diverse shopping and dining. For active adults, the array of amenities like clubhouses, pools, and planned activities can provide a built-in social network and countless opportunities for engagement, which is a significant draw for retirement or semi-retirement in Florida.

However, it is crucial for any Floridian considering a Rickert Properties community to conduct thorough due diligence. While the general picture painted by the company highlights positive aspects and amenities, the specific resident feedback from one of their communities (Villa Del Sol) regarding management practices, perceived bullying, and property issues cannot be overlooked. This underscores the vital importance of visiting the specific community you are interested in, speaking directly with current residents about their experiences, and carefully reviewing all community rules, policies (especially regarding pets, maintenance, and citations), and lease agreements before making any commitments. For the right individual who prioritizes affordability, a managed community setting, and is prepared to actively engage with community rules and management, a Rickert Properties community could be suitable, but it requires proactive investigation to ensure alignment with personal expectations and a comfortable living experience.