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Barclay Farms is a newer (started
in 2001) 55+ retirement community located in Camden,
Delaware (population 2,500), a growing, rural suburb of Dover, the historic state
capital. This development offers
attractive, low maintenance, manufactured homes in a
tranquil country setting and at an affordable price.
Barclay Farms is just wrapping up building its last homes and has 292
freestanding single-family residences, creating a nice-sized
development with a welcoming neighborhood feeling.
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This community offers five manufactured home models from which to
choose. The least expensive model, the Canterbury, has two
bedrooms, one bath, 1,120 square feet and is priced from
$118,500. The most expensive home is the Saratoga; this model
has two bedrooms, two baths and 1680 square feet. It is priced
from $145,200. Standard features on all homes include
fully landscaped and sodded yards, off-street parking,
maintenance-free exteriors, cathedral ceilings, formal dining rooms,
plush carpeting, large closets and state-of-the-art kitchens.
Homes can be customized with optional features (this will add to the
price), including skylights, sunrooms, custom decks, fireplaces,
ceiling fans and attached garages. There are a few resales
available starting at around $100,000. Well behaved pets are welcome.
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Because this is a manufactured home development, residents do not own the
land upon which their homes rest. Instead, homeowners lease the land and
pay a monthly HOA fee (in the low-$400s) that covers
leasing the land, snow removal, common areas maintenance, trash pickup and
access to all
community amenities. Utilities and real estate taxes are not included in
this monthly fee. All land leases are guaranteed for renewal each
year, and each home comes with a warranty that covers the dwelling and all of
its operating system. Once a buyer chooses a home design, the
home can usually be ready for occupancy within 120 days. Visit here
for more information.
Barclay Farms considers itself a resort community and has a brand new 6,000
square foot clubhouse and recreational facility that features a library, a
state-of-the-art fitness and exercise center, a putting green, a computer
center and an outdoor swimming pool with an indoor Jacuzzi.
As with many master-planned retirement developments, an array of social events
are scheduled for residents, including dances, potlucks, picnics, forays to the
local casino, as well as trips to local museums and theater
presentations.
Crime stats for Camden are above the national average, but residents seem to
love their town and say they feel completely safe. There are several
Amish and Mennonite communities around the area, and horse and buggies mingle
with autos on the streets. Historic homes, a small grocery with owners
who actually carry customers' bags to their cars and quiet nights are Camden
highlights.
Visiting Dover (the town dates from 1682 and is
where residents cast the first vote to ratify the U.S. Constitution) offers
residents the opportunity to enjoy beautiful parks, NASCAR racing, shopping and
casual and fine dining. Three public golf courses and four private ones
are within a short driving distance, as is the Delaware shore.
Washington, D.C., Philadelphia and Baltimore are all within an hour's drive as
well. Silver Lake, a spot for boating and fishing, is just five minutes
away.
Health care in this area is very good. The Health Medical Center/Kent
General Hospital is about 15 minutes away and is a full service facility able
to treat major medical problems, as well as minor illnesses and injuries.
The climate in central Delaware brings average summer temperatures in the
80s and average winter temperatures in the 30s. Humidity averages 70%.
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