Royal Crest Residents Association Inc, Wareham, MA

Introduction / Overview

For Massachusetts residents seeking an affordable, secure, and truly community-focused retirement lifestyle, the Royal Crest Residents Association Inc. in West Wareham stands out as an exemplary model. This is not a typical mobile home park; Royal Crest is a well-established, 55 and older manufactured home community that made a significant transition in 2022 to become a Resident-Owned Community (ROC). This change was driven by the homeowners themselves to secure the long-term affordability and stability of their neighborhood, a move that is highly appealing to local users concerned about rising housing costs in the region.

As a resident-owned cooperative, the 154-site community is collectively owned and managed by the members who live there. Every homeowner is a member of the non-profit corporation, giving them an equal, democratic voice in all major decisions, from setting the annual budget to electing the Board of Directors. This innovative structure ensures that the community is run for the benefit of the residents, not outside investors. The founding story of the Association, which involved residents successfully purchasing the land, is a testament to the strong community spirit and dedication to preserving a welcoming, friendly, and peaceful neighborhood nestled amongst tall pines and near scenic cranberry bogs. This model of ownership means homeowners enjoy the security of knowing their future is in their hands, a huge relief from the instability often associated with commercially owned parks. The community’s commitment is clear: to provide a safe, secure, and affordable place for its low- and moderate-income residents to live.

Location and Accessibility

The location of the Royal Crest Residents Association at 55 Crest Drive, West Wareham, MA 02576, is a key selling point for Massachusetts locals. West Wareham is strategically positioned as the "Gateway to Cape Cod," offering the perfect blend of coastal access and suburban convenience.

Accessibility is exceptional, particularly for those who plan to travel or commute. The community is conveniently located near State Highway 28, and major interstate interchanges—I-495 and I-195—are less than two miles away. This provides residents with quick travel routes to numerous desirable destinations:

Cape Cod: The vacation destination is less than 20 minutes away, offering endless opportunities for beaches, historic sites, and coastal enjoyment.
South Shore Hubs: Historic Plymouth, a destination for history buffs and coastline lovers, is only about 15 miles from the community.
New Bedford: The historic city, offering ferry service to Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket, is a quick drive for a day trip or island access.
Local Conveniences: Residents benefit from being within walking distance to essential services, including a coffee shop, pizza place, convenience store, and the post office. A large outdoor shopping mall is also less than a mile away, and public transportation is available.
Healthcare: Access to regional medical facilities and nearby Tobey Hospital ensures peace of mind for health needs.

The community’s setting, surrounded by natural beauty yet centrally located, allows residents to feel removed from the urban bustle while remaining fully connected to the South Coast’s best amenities.

Services Offered

The services at Royal Crest are carefully managed by the resident-elected Board of Directors and funded through a stable, low monthly lot rent (which, based on recent data, is approximately $624 per month) to ensure excellent value and maintenance.

Affordable Site Fees: The primary service is the preservation of low, stable lot rents, a commitment maintained since the park’s purchase to protect residents from the steep rent hikes typical of investor-owned communities. The membership decides on any changes to the rent.
Utility and Tax Coverage: The monthly lot rent covers major operating expenses, including the community’s property taxes, community insurance, and the association's mortgage payments.
Infrastructure Maintenance: Funds are allocated for the maintenance and improvement of community infrastructure, including the management of the water lines, sewer systems, and the paving and upkeep of common roadways.
Waste Management: Regular, convenient trash and recycling collection services are included for all member households.
Professional Management Support: While resident-owned, the Association contracts with a professional property management firm to handle day-to-day operations and rent collection, ensuring efficient and professional administration.
Safety and Improvement Projects: The Board actively directs funds toward essential safety and improvement projects, such as the major removal of dangerous trees to enhance safety during inclement weather, and seeking grants to upgrade services like electrical systems in older homes.

Features / Highlights

Royal Crest’s most compelling features center around its unique governance and the vibrant social life fostered by its resident-owners.

Resident-Owned Cooperative Status: As a limited-equity cooperative, every member household is an equal owner of the land, providing security against unfair eviction and commercial rent spikes, a vital factor for financial stability in retirement.
Democratic Control: Members enjoy full control over the community's operations, participating in a democratic process to elect the Board of Directors, approve the annual budget, and make major community decisions.
Community Social Hub: A three-car garage has been creatively converted into a makeshift community building, which serves as a thriving social center hosting regular activities such as Friday night Bingo and Sunday morning breakfast, significantly enhancing neighborly interaction.
On-Site Real Estate Initiative: The Association operates its own internal real estate office to market and sell homes within the park, charging a lower commission than traditional agencies. This initiative generates revenue that is directly reinvested back into the community to keep lot rents low and fund improvements.
Dedicated Committees and Activities: Active volunteer committees organize a variety of events, cookouts, and social gatherings, ensuring a vibrant, active, and welcoming environment for all members. The association also hosts guest speakers on topics like fraud, fire safety, and emergency management.
Long-Term Affordability Goal: Through strategic revenue generation and responsible budgeting, the Association’s core mission is to maintain affordable housing for low- and moderate-income seniors for decades to come.

Contact Information

For Massachusetts residents interested in learning more about the membership, home availability, or the resident-owned model at Royal Crest Residents Association Inc., please use the contact information below. Note that while a management company may handle day-to-day operations, the Residents Association ultimately controls the community's direction.

Address: 55 Crest Dr, West Wareham, MA 02576, USA

Phone: (774) 678-7901

Mobile Phone: +1 774-678-7901

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

Royal Crest Residents Association Inc. is an outstanding housing solution for Massachusetts seniors because it directly addresses the region’s key challenges of affordability and housing security. For local residents looking to transition to a retirement lifestyle without compromising their financial future, the ROC model at Royal Crest is an ideal match. By collectively owning the land, residents have achieved what many dream of: stabilized, low monthly housing costs and protection from predatory investor practices. The ability to control the lot rent and vote on the budget is an empowering feature that provides immense peace of mind.

Furthermore, the location in West Wareham provides convenient access to everything the South Shore and Cape Cod have to offer, while the strong, resident-led community fosters a genuine sense of belonging and support. The active social calendar and emphasis on community involvement ensure that residents are not just homeowners, but truly neighbors and co-owners in a successful, democratically run endeavor. For the 55+ demographic in Massachusetts, Royal Crest offers more than just a home; it offers a secure, affordable, and active cooperative future.