The View Point Story...
View Point opened in the late 1980s and has grown up over the years into a 98-site, resident-owned manufactured home community. But that transition didn't happen overnight. We began the move toward controlling our own destiny in 2008. That's when, with the help of New Hampshire Community Loan Fund and ROC USA®, we formed the View Point Cooperative that would, on Dec. 23, 2008, purchase and take control of our community.
Now, the View Point Cooperative is not only a successful business, but also a thriving neighborhood. The process of the cooperative buying the land beneath our homes brought this community closer together. Not only do we know far more of our neighbors than ever before, but we look out for one another, too. And with no outside landlord to report to, we're the envy of other nearby manufactured home communities.
Our member households elect our board of directors, which works with a property management firm and also appoints various volunteer committees to help with special projects, celebrations, community improvements and more. The board submits a budget every year, and the entire membership votes on it and any changes to the rent before the budget becomes official. Our rent has stabilized since becoming a ROC – something about which we're not only happy, but also proud. We're running the multi-million dollar business that is our community on our terms, by our rules, for the betterment of ourselves and our neighbors.
View Point couldn't be better situated. The town of Swanzey, known as "the covered bridge capital of New Hampshire", has a museum, libraries, a recycling center, and easy highway access. The commute to Keene is a short 10-minute drive. Keene offers restaurants, book stores, grocery stores, small shops and Keene State College. Having the College so close by gives anyone interested an opportunity to take classes. There is also the Keene Pumpkin Festival in October each year – the annual challenge to maintain the world record for the most lit jack-o-lanterns in one place at one time. This autumn festival is a wonderful family and community event.
Swanzey, which is known for its Old Home Festival, offers lots of programming, including plenty of camp and summer programs for children. The Old Homestead Association joins forces each year with Swanzey’s Old Home Day Committee to create a free concert series, held in the park across from Swanzey Town Hall. To see our town's website, click here.
Since we voted to become a resident-owned community, we have worked hard to improve our community. We've put up new signs, planted flowers, upgraded our community office and more. Our social committee holds events throughout the year, which always include the chance to win prizes and have fun. We even give away a free month's rent once a year.
Ask anyone who lives in View Point Cooperative, and we're sure they'll tell you it's a little slice of heaven.
Now, the View Point Cooperative is not only a successful business, but also a thriving neighborhood. The process of the cooperative buying the land beneath our homes brought this community closer together. Not only do we know far more of our neighbors than ever before, but we look out for one another, too. And with no outside landlord to report to, we're the envy of other nearby manufactured home communities.
Our member households elect our board of directors, which works with a property management firm and also appoints various volunteer committees to help with special projects, celebrations, community improvements and more. The board submits a budget every year, and the entire membership votes on it and any changes to the rent before the budget becomes official. Our rent has stabilized since becoming a ROC – something about which we're not only happy, but also proud. We're running the multi-million dollar business that is our community on our terms, by our rules, for the betterment of ourselves and our neighbors.
View Point couldn't be better situated. The town of Swanzey, known as "the covered bridge capital of New Hampshire", has a museum, libraries, a recycling center, and easy highway access. The commute to Keene is a short 10-minute drive. Keene offers restaurants, book stores, grocery stores, small shops and Keene State College. Having the College so close by gives anyone interested an opportunity to take classes. There is also the Keene Pumpkin Festival in October each year – the annual challenge to maintain the world record for the most lit jack-o-lanterns in one place at one time. This autumn festival is a wonderful family and community event.
Swanzey, which is known for its Old Home Festival, offers lots of programming, including plenty of camp and summer programs for children. The Old Homestead Association joins forces each year with Swanzey’s Old Home Day Committee to create a free concert series, held in the park across from Swanzey Town Hall. To see our town's website, click here.
Since we voted to become a resident-owned community, we have worked hard to improve our community. We've put up new signs, planted flowers, upgraded our community office and more. Our social committee holds events throughout the year, which always include the chance to win prizes and have fun. We even give away a free month's rent once a year.
Ask anyone who lives in View Point Cooperative, and we're sure they'll tell you it's a little slice of heaven.
