In a region where housing costs continue to climb, 55 households in south Kalispell have secured their future. The residents of Twin Acres and Willow Glen have officially transitioned their neighborhoods into a single, resident-owned community (ROC) known as Twin Willows. By forming a cooperative to purchase the land beneath their manufactured homes, these residents have effectively removed their properties from the volatile speculative market, ensuring that one of the valley’s most critical sources of affordable housing remains intact.
The move comes at a pivotal time for the Flathead Valley real estate market. With median home prices in Flathead County frequently exceeding $660,000, traditional homeownership has become increasingly out of reach for the local workforce. Manufactured home parks are often viewed by outside investors as prime targets for redevelopment into high-end residential or commercial projects. By taking ownership, the Twin Willows cooperative prevents the displacement that often follows when such parks are sold on the open market to developers.
The acquisition was made possible through a collaborative financing effort. The Montana Board of Investments and Clearwater Credit Union provided the primary funding, while the Whitefish Community Foundation contributed $93,000 in grants and donations. This financial structure allowed the residents to bypass the typical barriers to commercial real estate acquisition. For the 72% of residents classified as low-income, this transition provides a level of equity and control that is rarely available to those living on fixed incomes or in the service sector.
A Model for Market Stability
Beyond immediate security, the ROC model offers long-term operational advantages. Instead of lot rents flowing to an out-of-state landlord, the funds are managed by the resident-led cooperative. This allows the community to prioritize its own infrastructure needs, such as road repairs, lighting, and common area improvements. For the 14% of residents living with a disability and the 6% who are veterans, this democratic governance ensures that the community’s specific needs are addressed directly by those who live there.
For the broader Montana real estate industry, the success of Twin Willows—the fifth such community in the Flathead Valley—signals a growing trend toward alternative ownership models. As "naturally occurring affordable housing" disappears, the preservation of these parks becomes essential for maintaining a balanced labor market. When workers can afford to stay in the valley, it supports the overall health of the local economy, benefiting everything from small businesses to large-scale developments.
This successful conversion serves as a blueprint for other manufactured home communities facing potential sale. By providing residents with the tools and financing to become their own landlords, Montana is finding ways to stabilize its housing inventory from the ground up. As Twin Willows begins its new chapter, it stands as a testament to the power of collective action in a challenging real estate landscape.