Mobile Home Park

With the passage of the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, Congress approved the first major housing legislation in three decades. Illinois housing experts react to what that means for Central Illinois.

Mobile homes are rarely discussed as policymakers and developers try to address a housing shortage that’s driven up rents and home prices across Bloomington-Normal. There are many reasons why.

Here’s some advice for how Bloomington-Normal mobile home owners can protect themselves, from knowing the law to organizing with other residents.

Oak Wood's move into Bloomington-Normal is part of a nationwide trend toward consolidation in manufactured home park ownership, often led by private equity acquisitions. Oak Wood even got help from Freddie Mac, a government entity that is supposed to help make housing more, not less, affordable.

For decades, mobile homes were one of the most affordable housing options in Bloomington-Normal, especially for those with low or fixed incomes. Oak Wood’s arrival in the market has changed that. Oak Wood has again and again squeezed more money from its residents.

Two Bloomington mobile home residents have reached a settlement with their Texas-based landlord, after they filed a lawsuit in 2024. The mobile homeowner and his partner rent a lot in Hilltop Mobile Home Park on the southern end of Bloomington, one of five properties owned by Oak Wood Properties.

Two Bloomington mobile home residents are alleging the Texas-based company that bought the mobile home park they rent land from last year is violating their rights.

A 22-year-old woman now faces murder charges in connection with a fatal stabbing last month at a south Bloomington mobile home park.Brittney Mikesell of…