Hometown America recently increased lot rent (at Maple Valley-Manteno IL) above the 2.8% that the Social Security Admin. deemed as the cost of living for 2026. Maple Valley is a 55+ community, so many residents rely on SS for all or most of their income. Therefore, Hometown has forced those residents to find and implement cost reductions in order to pay the lot rent.
I first contacted local management, the response was quick, and after speaking with the local manager I have the understanding that the corporate team is the group I wanted to ask questions to for my concern.
I have contacted or attempted to contact 5 different Hometown corporate individuals with zero response. On their homepage it states that "The Hometown America name is recognized across the U.S. for integrity, service, and communication.". I have not experienced it.
My question/concerns that are not being answered are: what justification was there to exceed the SS increase; and since Hometown is forcing residents to implement cost reductions, what was budgeted by Hometown corporate for cost reductions?
I would truly like a decision maker at the corporate office to convince me that cost reduction is a primary focus by Hometown with an ultimate goal of announcing at least once, that there would be no lot rent increases for a year or two. If I had that valuable information I could spread the good word that Hometown is really working hard at cost reductions to minimize lot rent increases.
Without any communication from the corporate team, I can only believe that "listening" is not a primary tool used, and that there is no cost reduction process.
There are many great people living in Maple Valley!
Recommendation: Make sure you get history on lot rent.