Wildwood Acres 55+ Manufactured Home Community

- 503 Shawn Ave. &, 819 Michigan St, Wildwood, FL 34785

For Floridians seeking an affordable and community-focused living option in the heart of the state, Wildwood Acres 55+ Manufactured Home Community offers a unique proposition. This manufactured home community in Wildwood, Florida, is designed specifically for active adults aged 55 and over, providing an opportunity to purchase an affordable home in an ideal location. While the promise of budget-friendly living and a convenient location is appealing, prospective residents should be aware of the nuances highlighted in recent feedback regarding management practices and amenities.

Recent reviews of Wildwood Acres present a mixed picture, suggesting that while affordability is a key factor, there can be trade-offs in terms of resident experience and advertised amenities. One resident expressed significant frustration with a "park manager speeding through my lot on a golf cart" and a lack of respect for privacy, along with unaddressed maintenance issues like a street light being out for months. Another long-term resident, who moved in 2020, noted a substantial increase in lot rent, from "$350 if I'm recalling correctly" to "$472 in one year," highlighting a concern for "people on a fixed income." This resident also pointed out the absence of a promised pool and a clubhouse "not even in our section of the park," leading to the sentiment of "Not happy campers." Despite these concerns, Wildwood Acres is marketed as a community where you can "purchase an affordable home in an ideal location at an affordable price," aiming to provide a lifestyle near outdoor activities like fishing at Lake Okahumpka, golfing, and shopping. It is important for potential residents to weigh these varying perspectives to form a comprehensive understanding of what living at Wildwood Acres entails.

Wildwood Acres 55+ Manufactured Home Community is conveniently located at 503 Shawn Ave. & 819 Michigan St, Wildwood, FL 34785, USA. This address places it directly in Wildwood, Sumter County, a rapidly developing area in Central Florida. The community's strategic location offers a blend of local tranquility and easy access to major Florida destinations and amenities.

Wildwood is often considered the "Crossroads of Florida," thanks to its prime position at the intersection of Florida's Turnpike and Interstate 75 (I-75). This makes Wildwood Acres highly accessible for residents traveling from various parts of Florida or for visitors coming from out-of-state. For daily needs, the community is just minutes away from local grocery stores, pharmacies, and various dining options in Wildwood. A significant advantage of this location is its proximity to The Villages, a massive and highly amenitized active adult community, which offers extensive shopping, entertainment, medical facilities, and golf courses, all within a short driving distance. Wildwood Acres' marketing highlights living "near Lake Okahumpka, beautiful state parks, golf courses, and shopping." Lake Okahumpka is a popular spot for fishing, boating, and enjoying nature, providing convenient recreational opportunities for residents. While the park aims for an "ideal location," prospective residents should consider the comments regarding internal street lighting and maintenance on city-maintained streets within the park, which might impact walkability or nighttime visibility in certain areas.

Wildwood Acres 55+ Manufactured Home Community offers a range of services designed to facilitate comfortable manufactured home living for its 55+ residents. While the core offering is the sale of affordable manufactured homes, the community provides essential amenities and management support. It's important to note that the actual availability and quality of some services, particularly common amenities like pools, have been a point of concern for some residents.

• Manufactured Home Sales: The primary service is the opportunity to purchase a manufactured home within the 55+ community. The community states it offers "affordable home in an ideal location at an affordable price," including "brand new home selections" with modern design.
• Lot Leases: Residents own their manufactured homes but lease the land beneath them. This service includes the provision of the home site, with terms and conditions for lot rent, which, according to one review, has seen significant increases.
• Onsite Management: Wildwood Acres advertises "Onsite Management," which is intended to address resident concerns, oversee park operations, and facilitate community living. However, recent reviews suggest a mixed experience regarding responsiveness and professionalism from management.
• Pet Friendly: The community is advertised as "Pet Friendly," accommodating residents with their beloved pets. Specific pet policies (e.g., size, breed restrictions, fees) would need to be confirmed directly with management.
• Utilities (not included in rent): While not a service provided by the park itself, it's important for residents to factor in that utilities (water, sewer, electric, trash, cable/internet) are typically separate from the lot rent.
• Lawn Care (varies): One review mentions calling the city about grass cutting on a city-maintained street within the park, suggesting that general lawn care for individual lots might be the responsibility of the resident, or there could be a mix of responsibilities depending on the area within the community.

Prospective residents should thoroughly review the lease agreements, understand what is included in the lot rent versus what is an additional cost, and clarify the current status of all promised services and amenities directly with the community management.

Wildwood Acres 55+ Manufactured Home Community highlights several features aimed at attracting active adults seeking an affordable and engaging lifestyle in Central Florida. While some amenities are confirmed, others have been a point of contention in recent resident feedback.

• Affordable Homeownership: The primary highlight is the opportunity to purchase an "affordable home" in a 55+ community, making homeownership accessible for retirees and those on fixed incomes. They also offer "brand new homes for sale" with modern designs.
• 55+ Age-Restricted Community: This ensures a community environment tailored to the interests and lifestyles of active adults, fostering a peaceful atmosphere without the noise and activity often associated with multi-generational parks.
• Clubhouse: The community features a "Clubhouse," which serves as a central hub for social gatherings and activities. While one resident noted it's "not even in our section of the park," its existence provides a dedicated space for community events.
• Resident Events & Activities: Wildwood Acres promotes "Resident Events" and a variety of activities to foster a sense of community and engagement. These include:
  • Bingo: A popular social activity for residents.
  • Shuffleboard Courts: Outdoor courts for residents to enjoy this classic community game.
  • Other general "Resident Events" and "social gatherings" are implied.
• Pet-Friendly Environment: The community welcomes pets, which is a significant highlight for many retirees who wish to live with their animal companions.
• Proximity to Local Attractions: The community emphasizes its location near "Lake Okahumpka, beautiful state parks, golf courses, and shopping," highlighting ample opportunities for outdoor recreation and daily conveniences. The City of Orlando is also highlighted as being within reach for day trips.
• Onsite Management: While there have been concerns, the presence of onsite management suggests an immediate point of contact for residents regarding community rules and issues.

It's crucial for interested individuals to visit the community in person and verify the current operational status and accessibility of all advertised features and amenities, particularly given the mixed feedback from current residents.

For a manufactured home community like Wildwood Acres 55+, promotions typically revolve around the sales of homes and lot lease agreements rather than short-term stays. While direct, explicit "special offers" on lot rent might not be widely advertised due to the nature of long-term contracts and market conditions, potential residents in Florida should consider the following aspects that could be seen as promotions or benefits:

• Affordable Home Purchase: The primary "promotion" is the affordability of the manufactured homes themselves, making homeownership accessible compared to traditional stick-built homes in Florida. Wildwood Acres emphasizes offering "affordable home" options.
• Incentives for New Home Sales: When new manufactured homes are brought into the community, there may be incentives offered by the home sellers or the community itself. These could include discounts on the home price, reduced closing costs, or initial lot rent specials for a limited period. Legacy Communities, which appears to be affiliated, promotes "Brand New Homes for Sale" which might come with certain packages.
• Long-Term Lot Lease Stability (with caution): While one reviewer noted significant rent increases, the general concept of a lot lease in a manufactured home community aims to provide a stable housing cost compared to fluctuating rental markets. Prospective residents should thoroughly understand the terms of any lease agreement, including clauses related to rent increases, which are a common concern in Florida's mobile home park industry. Recent news reports from Central Florida confirm a trend of "skyrocketing" lot rents as corporate buyers acquire parks, so understanding the specifics of Wildwood Acres' rent increase policy is paramount.

Given the mixed reviews regarding rent increases and amenities, it is highly advisable for any Florida local considering Wildwood Acres to directly contact the community management to:

• Inquire about the current pricing for homes and lot rent.
• Understand the terms for lot rent increases as outlined in the lease agreement.
• Ask about any current sales incentives for new or pre-owned manufactured homes.
• Clarify the current status and accessibility of all community amenities, especially those that have been mentioned as non-existent or inaccessible by residents (e.g., the pool).

For those interested in learning more about Wildwood Acres 55+ Manufactured Home Community, or to inquire about home sales and lot availability, here is the direct contact information:

Address: 503 Shawn Ave. & 819 Michigan St, Wildwood, FL 34785, USA

Phone: (352) 352-2553

Mobile Phone: +1 352-352-2553

It is highly recommended to schedule an in-person visit to the community to tour available homes, inspect the grounds and facilities firsthand, and speak directly with the onsite management to address any questions regarding lot rent, amenities, and community rules. This direct engagement will provide the most comprehensive understanding before making any decisions.

For Florida locals, particularly those aged 55 and over who are seeking an affordable entry into homeownership within a structured community, Wildwood Acres 55+ Manufactured Home Community offers a unique opportunity. Its primary suitability lies in providing a potentially lower-cost housing alternative in a state where housing prices continue to rise, making independent living accessible for retirees on a fixed income.

The appeal for locals stems from its strategic location in Wildwood, offering convenient access to major interstate highways (I-75 and Florida's Turnpike) for easy travel across the state. This central location also means proximity to everyday conveniences in Wildwood and the extensive amenities, shopping, and medical facilities of The Villages. For active adults, the community's offerings of a clubhouse, bingo, shuffleboard, and planned resident events, while some residents express concerns about their accessibility or existence, are designed to foster social interaction and provide recreational outlets within the community. The pet-friendly policy is another significant draw for Floridians who wish to live with their beloved companions.

However, it is crucial for Florida locals considering Wildwood Acres to engage in thorough due diligence. While the promise of affordability is strong, recent feedback highlights significant concerns regarding rent increases and the consistent delivery of advertised amenities. For locals prioritizing a budget-conscious approach and a sense of community, and who are willing to proactively engage with management to confirm the current status of all facilities and lease terms, Wildwood Acres could still represent a viable living option. It's an opportunity to own a home in a popular Florida region, provided expectations are managed and all details are verified upfront.

Wildwood Acres 55+ Manufactured Home Community

503 Shawn Ave. &, 819 Michigan St, Wildwood, FL 34785, USA