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(Broadry) — Prices for homes in Florida are soaring. The latest market report from the Florida Realtors trade association reveals the median sales price for a sunshine-state-home is over $410,000. That’s about a $13,000 increase from March of last year. Luckily, there are still some options available for those on the hunt for a budget-friendly dream home.

Today’s shoppers may want to consider the modern floorplans found in today’s manufactured home communities, many of which are a land-lease arrangement. This means savings since you’re not purchasing land along with the home. Instead, you’ll pay a monthly rent that includes the land the home is on, plus professional management and use of community amenities—often resort-style swimming pools, clubhouses and fitness centers and sometimes even golf courses. This format can put a spacious, well-appointed home in a resort setting within reach for many, even in the midst of one of the most competitive real estate markets in decades.

Here’s a look at some of the top manufactured home communities in Florida, where snowbirds can score a place to live at a fraction of the cost:

Situated along the shores of the beautiful Manatee River in Ellenton, Florida is Colony Cove, a resort-style 55+ community featuring a private marina, five spacious clubhouses, six heated swimming pools, pickleball and tennis courts, and so much more. Neighbors here gather to join in more than 50 social and sporting clubs, so there’s never a shortage of things to do.

According the website, Colony Cove is “in the quaint town of Ellenton, just outside the Bradenton and Sarasota metro area. Sarasota is the gateway to miles of beaches with fine sand and shallow waters, like Lido Beach and Siesta Key Beach. Enjoy sunbathing, fishing, boating, or site seeing from some of the nation’s most beautiful beaches on Florida’s Suncoast.”

Homes for sale: Brand new 3 bedroom, 2 bath homes start at $159,900, preowned homes start at just $39,900

Winds of St. Armands South

Right on Florida’s Suncoast, is a vibrant, professionally managed, well-maintained manufactured home community where residents can choose from a variety of home sites, including waterfront. According to the community website, there are several budget-friendly homes up for grabs. Brand new three-bedroom homes with modern, stylish kitchens are available for as little as $165,900.

The location of the Winds is a big draw, according to the website: “The perfect coastal retreat, The Winds of St. Armands South is centrally located and offers easy access to downtown Sarasota, Siesta Key, Lido Key Beach, Longboat Key and Bradenton Beaches, all world-famous for their white sand and shallow waters. We are also just a few miles from a world-class fashion and dining destination at University Town Center.”

Homes for sale: Brand new 3 bedroom, 2 bath homes start at $165,900

Crystal Lake, a 55+ manufactured home community in Zephyrhills, Florida (near Tampa) recently has plenty of new premier floorplans with either water or conservation views. The Ashville model offers 3 bedrooms and 2 baths, stainless steel appliances and modern finishes for just $159,900.

Residents who like an active lifestyle are in luck, as the community offers a slew of activities. According to the website, “we invite our residents to work out in our on-site fitness center, socialize at the community swimming pool, play a round of shuffleboard or go fishing in one of our ponds.”

Homes for sale: Brand new 3 bedroom, 2 bath homes start at $159,900

Ocala, FL is known as the “Horse Capital of the World,” as well as for its rolling hills and green pastures. The area offers endless opportunities for golf and tennis, as well as top natural and cultural attractions. Nestled in the southwest perimeter of Ocala is Oak Bend, a 55+ community is known for its mega-sized swimming pool and large clubhouse. According to the website, “Oak Bend also boasts a fully equipped fitness center, a well-stocked game room, shuffleboard courts, and RV storage to make your life easier and more comfortable.”

Homes for sale: New 3 bedroom, 2 bath homes start at $96,900

West Palm Beach, Florida is where you’ll find gorgeous beaches, luxury shops, and PGA-style golf courses—and Palm Lake Estates. The location is convenient to I-95, while less than five miles from the soft sand of Riviera Beach. We found 11 homes available in this community, with new models starting at $143,900 for 3 bedrooms, 2 baths and a deluxe kitchen.

L ocation: West Palm Beach, FL

Homes for sale: Brand new 3 bedroom, 2 bath homes start at $143,900

Hopefully these examples above given you a new perspective on manufactured homes and manufactured home communities. As with all homes in this hot housing market, inventory is changing quickly, so specifications, options, pricing and layouts vary by model and are subject to change without notice. Additionally, residents of these communities must meet residency requirements.

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Originally published on julielo.com, part of the TownNews Content Exchange.

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