Buying a mobile home in the Sunshine State’s Sarasota County is a dream come true for many people who wish to enjoy the sunny weather all year round, but living in one of the country’s most popular places comes with a heavy price.
According to US News, Sarasota is not a cheap place to live but don’t lose hope, there are ways to stay and live here. In this article, we will guide you on how to find a cheap place to live in the Sarasota Florida area while spending less and still having the same enjoyment you are dreaming of.
Sarasota mobile home
What It’s Like To Live in Sarasota Florida
Sarasota has a unique vibe that is different from most of Florida’s coastal cities. Its beaches are unique. For example, the Siesta Key Beach features 99% quartz sand that is always cool to the touch. Sarasota is home to many art scenes and galleries, a thriving food culture, and a unique beachy atmosphere.
What makes Sarasota special is its mixture of downtown which is accessible to many resorts for people who love nature. It was once considered the playground for retirees but young professionals are starting to take their piece of small Florida paradise.
According to the rental website Rentcafe.com, the cost of living in Sarasota, FL is 7% higher than the state average and 8% higher than the national average.
Sarasota, FL housing is 17% more expensive than the U.S. average, while utilities are about 3% less pricey. When it comes to basic necessities such as food and clothing, groceries are around 2% more in Sarasota, FL than in the rest of the country, while clothing costs around 2% more.
Healthcare services such as doctor check-ups and dentistry cost 6% more here compared to the U.S. average. At the same time, non-necessary expenses such as entertainment and grooming services are 2% pricier in Sarasota, FL.
What Makes Living In Sarasota Florida Expensive
When a place becomes a popular destination, especially during winter seasons, it is understandable why the cost of living increases. That’s the law of supply and demand.
What makes Sarasota living expensive is not only because of its beauty and the attractions and activities the county can offer. The following are the main reasons why Sarasota is becoming more and more expensive to live in.
Sarasota, Florida National Ranking
- No. 9 in Best Places to Live
- No. 11 in Best Places to Retire
- No. 1 in Best Places to Live in Florida
- No. 3 in Fastest Growing Places
- No. 7 in Safest Places to Live
- No. 19 in Best Places to Live for Quality of Life
With the above achievements and credentials, it is understandable why Sarasota commands such a high cost of living.
Although the above ranking makes Sarasota residents proud, the reported cost of living could also scare people who are planning to move to the famed city. Don’t lose your hopes though as Sarasota is still more than affordable for many people to live in.
How To Live Cheaply In Sarasota Florida
One of the main reasons why the cost of living in Sarasota Florida can become expensive is the housing. Although transportation, utilities, and other expenses are still higher, (with the exception of food which is 3% lower than the national average and 5% lower than the State average) housing is the main culprit. Sarasota housing is 17% higher than the national average and 15% higher than the State average.
Update: “(with the exception of food which is 3% lower than the national average and 5% lower than the State average)”
So what are your options if the housing is almost unaffordable? Enter the idea of purchasing a mobile home!
Since renting or buying a stick-built house in Sarasota is extremely expensive, buying a mobile home is the perfect catalyst for your Sarasota Florida dreams.
Sarasota is home to more than 200 mobile home parks and although there are high-end mobile home parks, there are always places for budget living and we are about to tell you that!
Where To Find Cheap Mobile Homes For Sale in Sarasota Florida
In order to find cheap mobile homes in Sarasota Florida, first we must identify the places inside the county where the cost of living is below the county average.
Many people are making mistakes because when they hear about the “high cost of living in Sarasota”, they immediately lose interest without researching. Finding a cheap mobile home in Sarasota Florida is like finding a scholarship grant online. One must do a lot of research. You are actually extremely lucky that you found this article.
Of course, when you are looking for a cheap mobile home, your first step is to find cheap neighborhoods first.
Cheap Neighborhoods in Sarasota, Florida where you can find cheap mobile homes.
- Nokomis
Nokomis is a nice coastal town with a population of 4,084 (2020) in Sarasota County and is one of the best places to live in Florida. Living in Nokomis offers residents a suburban rural mix feel and most residents own their homes. In Nokomis, there are a lot of restaurants and parks. Many retirees live in Nokomis and residents enjoy the lower cost of living by the beach. The public schools in Nokomis are highly rated.
- Warm Mineral Springs
Warm Mineral Springs has a population of 5,267. Warm Mineral Springs is in Sarasota County. Living in Warm Mineral Springs offers residents a suburban rural mix feel and most residents own their homes. Many retirees live in Warm Mineral Springs and residents tend to lean on conservative living. The public schools in Warm Mineral Springs are above average while the cost of living is relatively lower than the county average.
- North Port
North Port is a City in Sarasota County with a relatively bigger scattered population of 67,779. The people of North Port are overall friendly. The city is well taken care of and has been growing quite large recently. North Port began as a small town but has grown immensely, yet still kept a very nice community. North Port is a nice little city to live in with everything close by within its own limits.
- Englewood
Englewood is a small city with a population of 19,332. Englewood is a nice, quiet town right on the beach. There are a plethora of great restaurants in and around the town. The community is very friendly. There are numerous festivals and activities throughout the year, including speed boat races, Pioneer Day, and various car shows.
- Sarasota Springs
Sarasota Springs is a census-designated place in Sarasota County, Florida. The population was 14,395 at the 2010 census. It is part of the Bradenton–Sarasota–Venice Metropolitan Statistical Area. As one of the places in Sarasota that offers a lower cost of living, residents enjoy the peaceful and friendly neighborhood.
- Bayou Oaks
Bayou Oaks is a neighborhood in Sarasota Florida nestled in a park-like setting offering tranquil and affordable senior living and giving residents an incredible view of Florida’s wildlife while overlooking a beautiful lake. The neighborhood is very diverse. You will find college students, young and old, rich and poor, Latino, White, and African-American.
Bayou Oaks ranks top 5 in many publications as one of the cheapest places to live in Sarasota Florida.
- Indian Beach/Sapphire Shores
Located just north of Downtown Sarasota, the Indian Beach/Sapphire Shores neighborhood stretches “West of Trail” along the Sarasota Bayfront from just north of downtown Sarasota to University Parkway. It is hard to believe that this section of land can offer so much and have such great proximity to all that living in Sarasota has to offer.
The Indian Beach/Sapphire Shores neighborhood features some of Sarasota’s more beautiful historic homes in addition to modern masterpieces. A mixture of waterfront and non-waterfront homes, there is a price point for almost everyone.
- Downtown Sarasota
If you think Downtown Sarasota is an expensive place to live, you are mistaken. What makes this place so affordable is the unlimited choices of food!
Downtown Sarasota is a lively area with art galleries and theaters, including McCurdy’s Comedy Theatre, host to national stand-up acts, and Florida Studio Theatre, with plays and cabaret. Diverse dining options include upscale farm-to-table bistros, refined seafood spots, and modern sushi joints, plus posh cocktail bars and low-key pubs with live music.
Mobile home park
Why Mobile Homes in Sarasota Florida Are Cheaper Compared To Traditional Houses
It’s hard to find a home in today’s competitive housing market. But there is one type of home that most people can afford: mobile homes. Mobile homes (technically, manufactured homes) are less expensive than most houses, and they often come with more features for the price as well.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the average price of a new mobile home is $65,400 for a single-wide and $122,500 for a double-wide (2021 data). The cost varies by about 15%, depending on location. You can buy an older mobile home for about $30,000-$40,000 that will still have many years left before it needs major repairs or replacement.
Although the housing market price continues to increase, mobile homes maintain their reputation as an affordable housing option and this is the main reason why people buy them.
Not all people who buy mobile homes are poor though. Some buy mobile homes as vacation homes or investments. Buy what mobile homes are cheap? Are they poorly built? Let’s take a look at some of the reasons why they remain affordable.
- Building Materials
Building materials used in mobile homes are lighter compared to those used in building stick-built houses. Traditional houses are usually made of concrete and bricks while mobile homes are made of steel and any vinyl siding which has a big effect on the cost of the home.
- Limited Financing Options
Mobile homes are built specifically for affordable housing. This means that they are not built for a mortgage and are usually purchased on a cash-only basis.
- Mobile Home Size
The size of the mobile home also influences its price. Larger mobile homes, called double wides, are more expensive because they use more materials in their production. Smaller mobile homes, called single wides, are less expensive since they don’t require as many materials.
- Less Expensive Site Preparation
Mobile homes don’t require a full concrete foundation because they are made to be transported to another location if the owner of the property elects to do so. Mobile homes only need a slab foundation or a concrete pier foundation for their support. Not only does this use a lot less concrete, but it’s also faster.
- Simple Designs
One of the trade-offs of buying a cheap mobile home is that you don’t get a lot of variety with the design. Mobile homes utilize simple designs to keep their costs low. In return, they’re able to keep their prices low.
There are other reasons why mobile homes are less expensive than traditional houses but the above lists are the big factors why mobile homes remain affordable.
Conclusion
Looking for cheap mobile homes for sale in Sarasota Florida requires research, patience, and perseverance. Although Sarasota is one of the most expensive counties in the State of Florida and the whole United States, not all people living in the county are rich, and many mobile homes are still cheap if you know how to find them.
Buying a cheap mobile home in Sarasota Florida requires time and dedication but it is always worth the effort knowing that you are buying a mobile home in one of the country’s best places to live!
We, at The Mobile Home Dealer, always provide our clients with easy access to cheap mobile homes in the Sarasota Florida area. If you have been searching and still cannot find one, give us a call. We specialize in brokering a mobile home while assisting both the Buyer and Seller to get a better place in life.