AriZona Real Estate insider!

A new national analysis from StorageCafe finds that Greater Phoenix now leads the country in manufactured housing, with Mesa ranked No. 1 nationwide for total inventory and Phoenix No. 2. Together, they form the strongest manufactured housing corridor in the U.S.—a powerful response to rising home prices and rapid population growth across the Valley.

🏠 Mesa: The National Leader

• 29,300 manufactured homes make up 13.1% of Mesa’s housing stock, the largest inventory of any city in the country.
• Long‑established 55+ communities and straightforward zoning rules have helped Mesa maintain this leadership position.
• For residents, this means a clear, accessible pathway to ownership in a market where traditional homes are increasingly out of reach.

🌆 Phoenix: A Close Second

• Phoenix ranks No. 2 nationally, with 20,500 manufactured homes.
• Historic mobile home neighborhoods and affordability pressures have kept manufactured housing central to the city’s housing mix.
• Even with redevelopment challenges, manufactured housing remains one of Phoenix’s most accessible ownership pathways.

💰 Affordability at the Core

• Statewide, a new manufactured home costs 67% less than the average Arizona home—one of the widest affordability gaps in the nation.
• This affordability makes manufactured housing a critical option for retirees, first‑time buyers, and families priced out of site‑built homes.

📦 Storage Supports the Lifestyle

• Manufactured homes often mean smaller footprints, but the Valley’s self storage market fills the gap.
• Mesa residents average 6 square feet of storage per person at about $109/month, while Phoenix averages $123/month.
• This pairing of manufactured housing and storage creates a flexible, affordable way to live comfortably without overspending.

🌞 The Valley’s Manufactured Housing Corridor

Together, Mesa and Phoenix showcase how manufactured housing continues to fill key affordability gaps across the Valley. As site‑built home prices rise, factory‑built homes are no longer just for retirees—they’re becoming an increasingly important option for a broader range of residents, from Millennials to investors.

📌 Final Takeaway

We’ve been talking about manufactured housing since the beginning of the year, and these findings reinforce why: it’s a great option for first‑time home buyers and investors.

• For buyers: Manufactured homes offer a low entry cost, making ownership possible sooner.
• For investors: Strong rental demand and affordability pressures create consistent opportunities.
• For everyone: Smaller footprints paired with affordable storage solutions make living flexible, efficient, and cost‑effective.

Mesa’s 29,300 units—and Phoenix’s 20,500—prove that manufactured housing isn’t just a niche. It’s a cornerstone of affordability and opportunity in today’s Greater Phoenix market.