If you’re shopping for affordable housing or exploring lifestyle options in Arizona, you’ll quickly come across three terms that sound similar but mean very different things: mobile home parks, RV parks, and manufactured home communities. In Arizona, each is defined by state law, zoning rules, and how people live in them. Here’s a simple guide to help you understand the differences.
Mobile Home Park (Pre-1976 Homes)
In Arizona, a mobile home generally refers to a factory-built home constructed before June 15, 1976, the date when federal HUD standards went into effect. In a mobile home park possessing these key features.
- Located on leased land within a designated mobile home park.
- Homes may be older and vary widely in condition.
- Must comply with Arizona Mobile Home Parks Residential Landlord and Tenant Act.
- Homeowners typically own the home but rent the lot.
- Parks may have limited financing options due to the age of the homes.
Mobile home parks are primarily for residents looking for low-cost living, who don’t mind residing in an older housing unit.
Manufactured Home Community (Post-1976 HUD-Certified Homes)
A manufactured home is built after 1976 to federal HUD Code standards, making it safer, more energy-efficient, and easier to finance. A resident based neighborhood, featuring homes built to the rigid HUD building code, is properly termed a manufactured home community. These will typically feature the following characteristics:
- Land-lease communities where you own the home and rent the homesite, or resident-owned communities (ROCs) where homeowners buy into the land, and may own a share of the land – verify, as this can make a difference.
- Homes are built to HUD standards and must display a HUD certification label.
- More consistent infrastructure than older mobile home parks, dependent upon the ownership and their strategy of ownership.
- Eligible for more financing programs, including FHA, VA, and some conventional loans (if affixed to land, as in a co-op).
Arizona buyers wanting long-term housing in a stable community with modern construction and amenities, may find their needs are answered in a manufactured home community.
RV Park (Short-Term or Seasonal Living)
Recreational Vehicle (RV) parks in Arizona are designed primarily for temporary or seasonal stays, though some allow extended monthly residents, and can even allow manufactured homes to be sited with their park.
Key features:
- Spaces built for RVs, travel trailers, motorhomes, and park models, spaces designed for larger manufactured homes or “tiny homes”.
- Utilities are often metered for short stays (nightly/weekly).
- Operate under different zoning from manufactured home communities.
- Not intended for permanent primary residences unless the park is licensed for long-term occupancy.
- Amenities may include clubhouses, pools, laundry, and recreation tailored to winter visitors.
Snowbirds, travelers, digital nomads, and retirees looking for flexible and affordable short-term housing in Arizona may find any of these options a perfect match.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | Mobile Home Park | Manufactured Home Community | RV Park |
| Home Type | Pre-1976 mobile home | Post-1976 HUD manufactured home | RVs + park models |
| Primary Use | Permanent residence | Permanent residence | Short-term/seasonal |
| Zoning | Mobile home zoning | Manufactured housing zoning | RV/transient zoning |
| Lot Ownership | Rent | Rent or own (Co-ops) | Rent nightly/weekly/monthly |
| Financing | Limited | FHA/VA/Conventional (in co-op situations) | Not for RV parking |
| Lifestyle | Economical, older parks | Stable, residential, modern, more amenities | Flexible, travel-oriented |
Which One Is Right for You in Arizona?
- Choose a manufactured home community if you want modern, energy-efficient housing and stability.
- Choose a mobile home park if affordability is your main priority.
- Choose an RV park if your lifestyle is mobile, seasonal, or temporary.
Understanding these differences helps Arizona consumers make confident decisions, whether you’re buying a home, finding a seasonal stay, or exploring affordable housing options across the state.