Fast Facts
• Quartzsite averages 70 °F from November‑March—perfect winter base.
• Seasonal lot rents as low as $375/month (Nov 1–Apr 1).
• A new single‑wide + porch ≈ $109 k—often cash‑purchased from RV sale proceeds.
• Homes can be rented out April‑September, offsetting annual costs.
• Mohave Homes handles transport on US‑95 and city permits in under 30 days.
Why Quartzsite Is Snowbird Heaven
Each winter, more than 1 million RVers flock to Quartzsite for gem shows, swap meets, and 360‑degree desert views. When repetitive RV repairs or cramped quarters wear thin, many snowbirds opt for a permanent manufactured home base:
- Better comfort: 850–1 300 sq ft = real kitchens + queen beds.
- Lock‑and‑leave: Secure skirting and smart cameras protect while you’re north.
- Equity: Home values here rose 7.2 % in 2024—better than motor‑home depreciation.
Already curious about communities? Get park details in our post on 55+ manufactured home parks in Mesquite, NV—useful comparison when choosing your winter base.
1. Picking the Right Community (and Lot Rent Strategy)
| Park | Lot Type | Seasonal Rate* | Amenities |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quail Run RV & MH Park | Back‑in 50 × 80 ft | $395/mo (Nov‑Apr) | Clubhouse, pickleball, laundromat |
| La Posa Village | Pull‑through 60 × 90 ft | $375/mo | Desert trails, library, propane |
| Arizonian Acres | Premium corner | $450/mo | Pool, craft room, gated entry |
*2025 posted rates; confirm each summer.
Money‑Saving Tip: Many parks discount annual leases by $60‑90/month. If you rent the home in summer (see Section 4), an annual lease can pay for itself.
2. Best Home Sizes for Snowbirds
| Footprint | Who It Fits | Delivered + Set Price (avg) | Why It Works |
|---|---|---|---|
| 14 × 48 (672 sf) | Solo traveler / couple | $99–$112 k | Less tax, smaller utility bills |
| 16 × 56 (896 sf) | Couple + hobby room | $112–$128 k | Fits most 50 ft pads |
| 24 × 44 Porch Model (993 sf) | Entertainers | $137–$149 k | Built‑in 8 ft porch for sunset watching |
All price estimates include transport from Cavco Durango plant, set‑up, skirting, and A/C. Design yours online at build.mohavehomes.com—select the “Porch Series” to preview Quartzsite‑ready models.
3. Utility Realities in the Sonoran Desert
| Utility | Typical Winter Bill | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Electric (APS) | $85–$110/mo | Heat pumps rarely run; biggest load = cooking |
| Water / Sewer | Included in lot rent | Quartzsite provides city water—300 ppm mineral; install whole‑house filter |
| Propane | Optional | Many snowbirds prefer electric appliances; propane only for BBQ |
Solar Ready? Quartzsite boasts 330+ sun days. A 4 kW rooftop kit costs $9 k and wipes out summer standby power when renting the unit. Learn about PV options in our Nevada solar guide (pricing similar in AZ).
4. Earning Off‑Season Income
Snowbirds often leave in April. Two monetization paths:
- Seasonal Lease: Summer contractors working on I‑10 pay $850–$1 050/mo.
- Airbnb “Desert Retreat”: Weekend stargazers book May‑Sept at $79/night.
Before listing, secure park approval and add landlord rider to your American Modern insurance. A local property‑check service ($40/visit) can handle key handoff and post‑dust‑storm sweep.
5. Financing & Tax Perks
Many buyers pay cash after selling a class‑A RV, but financing is available:
- Chattel loans 25 yrs @ 7.1 % with 5 % down.
- Home‑equity lines on your summer house north of the Rockies.
Arizona tax perks:
- First $150 k of a new factory‑built home is sales‑tax free in counties < 800 k pop (La Paz qualifies).
- Senior property‑tax freeze may apply if total income < $46 600; apply at La Paz County Assessor.
Need loan tips? Read Financing AZ Manufactured Homes Without Land.
6. Transport & Permit Timeline
| Day | Task |
|---|---|
| 0–2 | Sign purchase agreement & pick park lot. |
| 3–5 | Mohave Homes files Quartzsite MH permit (same day approval). |
| 6–20 | Home built; site pad graded; piers poured. |
| 21–24 | Transport via US‑95; set & marry sections. |
| 25–28 | Utility hookups, skirt, final city inspection. |
| Move‑in day: 29 – 30 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I keep my RV next to the manufactured home?
Most Quartzsite parks allow one RV per site if the home footprint leaves space; others offer separate storage lots (~$35/mo). Check park covenants.
Do I need extra insulation?
Yes. Order R‑38 roof and R‑22 floor so the house survives 115 °F August days while you’re away. Read why in our “Insulation Package” post.
Are pets okay?
Nearly all parks are pet‑friendly but cap dogs at 40–50 lbs. Desert paw safety: bring booties for gravel walks.
Can I add a garage or carport?
Yes—most parks approve 12 × 24 ft aluminum carports. Mohave Homes partners with Versatube (see our Metal Buildings page) for turnkey installs.
Next Steps: Your Warm‑Winter Plan Starts Now
- Design & Price: Build your snowbird‑perfect layout at build.mohavehomes.com.
- Lot Hunt: We maintain a live list of vacant Quartzsite pads—call (928) 565‑4400.
- Finance or Cash‑Out Ride: Explore loan pre‑qual or RV consignment trade‑ins.
- Move‑in by Next Season: Order by July 15 to have keys before the January Gem Show rush!
Mohave Homes—Arizona’s manufactured‑home experts since 1995. Let us park your winter dream under the desert sun.
