Families and individuals of all ages continue to visit Florida to enjoy its warm weather and relaxed lifestyle. However, many wonder what type of mobile home park best suits them. With rising real estate prices and rental costs across the region, the need for affordable housing has reached an all-time high in the greater Sarasota, Florida area.
While there are over 400 mobile home parks in Sarasota County, only a small portion are considered all aged. In fact, less than 10% of all parks welcome residents of every age group. Most are designated for residents aged 45 or 55 and older.
The Limited Availability of All-Aged Parks
Sarasota is widely known as a retirement destination. Its beaches, vibrant downtown, and proximity to major cities like Tampa and Fort Myers attract many older adults. Because of this, most mobile home parks were originally built in the 1960s and 1970s as retirement communities. Back then, homeowners—often referred to as “snowbirds”—would spend winters in Sarasota and return north during the summer.
Over time, these communities evolved into age-qualified parks, restricting full-time residence by younger adults or school-aged children. Although children are welcome for short visits, long-term stays are typically prohibited. As a result, families searching for permanent, affordable housing have few options.
Understanding Family-Friendly Mobile Home Parks
All aged mobile home parks, also called family parks, are open to everyone regardless of age. These communities often include family-oriented amenities such as playgrounds, pools, and clubhouses. They provide affordable housing solutions for younger families while maintaining a welcoming environment for all residents.
Unfortunately, all aged parks in Sarasota remain rare. However, if buyers expand their search toward central Florida areas like Orlando, Lakeland, Riverview, or even Jacksonville, they will find more family parks available. These areas tend to have newer communities designed with modern amenities and family needs in mind.
Why Sarasota Has So Few All-Aged Parks
The scarcity of all aged mobile home parks in Sarasota can be traced back to when most parks were developed. In the 1960s and 1970s, Sarasota’s population was smaller and primarily composed of retirees. The housing market focused on serving this demographic, leaving little need for family-friendly developments.
As Sarasota has grown, the demand for affordable housing has expanded beyond retirees. Yet, many existing parks still operate under the same age restrictions established decades ago. While this frustrates younger buyers, it also reflects Sarasota’s long-standing identity as a retirement community.
Positive Changes in the Sarasota Mobile Home Market
Despite the shortage, there is hope. Recently, two mobile home parks in nearby Bradenton transitioned from age-qualified to all aged. This change demonstrates a growing recognition of the need for affordable housing for families in the Sarasota area.
If this trend continues, more parks may follow suit in the coming years. As affordability challenges rise, opening communities to all age groups could benefit both residents and park owners.
Why Most Sarasota Parks Remain Age-Qualified
While no law restricts mobile home parks to older adults, many communities choose this setup for practical reasons. Retirees often seek quiet, low-maintenance living spaces. For those on limited incomes, mobile homes offer an affordable alternative to traditional housing.
On the other hand, park managers may prefer age-qualified communities because they are typically quieter and require less oversight. Families with children can bring more activity and noise, which might not align with the peaceful lifestyle that senior residents enjoy.
Final Thoughts
Finding all aged mobile home parks in Sarasota can be challenging, but the market is slowly evolving. Buyers seeking affordable homes for their families should stay open to exploring surrounding areas, where options are often more plentiful.
As Sarasota continues to grow and diversify, the hope is that more parks will shift toward welcoming residents of all ages. This is Mark Kaiser with The Mobile Home Dealer, helping mobile home buyers and sellers get to a better place in life.