HALIFAX /Mobile Home Estates
Affordable living in all sizes and shapes

By TERI BORSETI
For The Patriot Ledger Area: 17.33 square miles

POPULATION
2000: 7,500
2007: 7,819

Density: 484 res./square mile
Median age: 39
Median household income: $66,814

FINANCES
Tax rate (2007): $11.78
Town budget: $15.732 million
Average water bill: $170/year

HOUSING
Median home price (#sales)
2007: $310,500 (42)
2008: $270,000 (17 through April)
Median condo price
2007: $211,000 (28)
2008: $152,500 (5 through April)

SCHOOLS
Number of students: 724
Elementary teachers: 45
Median SAT score (2006 at Silver Lake): 1,524

Anyone who has ever driven past the sign that reads "Halifax Mobile Home Estates" on Route 106 near the Plympton line has probably wondered what the community looks like. It is a charming neighborhood and considerably bigger than it looks from the road. About a dozen streets are lined with mobile homes of all shapes and sizes.

"I can remember when that community was new back in the 1970s and it was the hottest place to move to. ... And they've kept it up beautifully, so it's remained a desirable place for people 55 and older to live," said Larry Trainer of Trainer Realty in Pembroke.

The community was developed on 146 acres in 1973 by Lawrence Henrich, who left it to his children, Larry and Stacy, when he died. The siblings continue to make the community-within-a-community a great place to live for people from 50 to 90.

"We have a nice mix of ages here, but everyone is friendly and they watch out for each other," Stacy Henrich said.

Henry Olson moved into his mobile home 25 years ago and never looked back.

"When I bought in here, my place was just $29,000. I was able to sell my home and pay for this place in cash," he said.

Like so many of the park's residents, Olson was attracted to the affordability.

"But it isn't just that. People here are friendly, it's quiet and there's a cranberry bog out back so we see a lot of wildlife including turkeys and cardinals," he said.

Prices have changed but buying a mobile home remains an alternative for active empty-nesters who are not ready to give up their independence. With today's real estate prices, downsizing isn't as affordable as it used to be, but Jean Hautala, office manager for the development, says it can be if people consider buying in this neck of the woods.

"Right now we have a two-bedroom unit with central air that's listed at just $50,000. There's another very big unit that's nice and newly renovated. It comes with two carport parking spaces, air conditioning and a big addition, and it's listed at $134,500. You can't find a two-bedroom home for that price," she said.

And despite the name, the mobile estates are very much permanent homes.

Over time each home has been changed by its owners and some now feature porches, patios, sun rooms, storage sheds, decks, carports and awnings. Each home also comes with a lawn or garden area for those who like to putter and plant and the streets are lined with trees.

"My wife and I moved in here a year ago and the main thing that drew us here was the price. You can buy a nice house here for $100,000. Where else can you do that?" said David Dutra, who lives on Beechwood Road.

Dutra, a landscaper, said it's a peaceful place and residents can remain private or get as involved as they like.

Henrich said, "Although it's nice to be able to buy a home in cash and have a little nest egg in the bank, people don't just buy in here because of the price. It's a safe environment where you always have someone around if you need them."

The neighborhood is down the street from a shopping plaza and close to Interstate 495. Several neighbors spend half of the year in Florida but most live in Halifax year-round, Henrich said.