Fostering a sense of community among the residents of your manufactured home community will increase engagement and help create a well-maintained environment. Increased community engagement leads to higher resident satisfaction, benefiting both community owners and residents. When tenants enjoy where they live and feel connected to the community, they are more likely to take pride in the property and contribute to its success. They are happier, complain less, and help more. They also extend their residency longer.
Reasons to Boost Community Engagement
Resident Retention
When residents feel connected to their community, they are more likely to stay long-term. This is important for community owners, as high tenant turnover can lead to vacant spots, increased marketing costs, and unstable rental income.
Improved Community Safety
The more community members interact with each other and the staff, the safer they will feel. They will also be more likely to look out for one another and report suspicious activity.
Reputation and Referrals
Satisfied residents are more likely to recommend the community to friends and family looking for a place to live. Positive word-of-mouth and better online reviews can significantly impact potential tenants’ decisions. Happy tenants don’t make online complaints which drive down your online reputation.
Ways to Improve Community Engagement
Community Events
Community events are a great way to connect with residents and encourage them to build relationships with one another. Tailor events to fit your community’s demographics. If your community consists mainly of young families, consider hosting seasonal events like Easter egg hunts or trunk-or-treats. If your community is mostly adults, activities such as book clubs, gardening clubs, or morning coffee gatherings can foster engagement.
Other Community Event Ideas for Families
- Family Movie Nights
- Back-to-School Bash
- Pool Parties
- Kids’ Crafts
Other Community Event Ideas for Adults
- Bingo or Game Nights
- Yoga or Fitness Classes
- Nature Walks
- Guest Speakers and Workshops
Open-Line of Communication
Creating opportunities for residents to share feedback and feel heard significantly enhances resident satisfaction. Consider implementing a suggestion box for anonymous feedback or designating a dedicated contact person for resident concerns. To keep residents informed, develop a community newsletter featuring upcoming events, policy changes, maintenance schedules, and other important updates.
Digital Platforms
Many community management platforms offer apps that allow residents to pay rent, access important documents, and receive updates. These platforms often include bulletin boards or messaging features, providing a centralized location for important announcements and reminders.
Neighborhood Watch
Starting a neighborhood watch program fosters a sense of community, encourages residents to look out for one another, and increases overall safety. If you’re interested in establishing a Neighborhood Watch, reach out to local law enforcement to see what resources they offer. Many police departments offer guidance and training for these programs.
For more tips on managing your manufactured home community, visit our resources page here, and learn more in our blog here.