Heritage originally opened in 1973 with 21 sites. In 2018, Hillside Estates and Heritage Village combined to form one corporation, Heritage Association, Inc. with 91 sites between the resident-owned communities. Hillside Estates is exclusively for people ages 55 and up.
But that transition didn’t happen overnight. We formed the Heritage Association, Inc. and started on the path to resident ownership in 2016. That’s when, with the help of Cooperative Development Institute (CDI) and ROC USA, LLC, we purchased and took control of our community on April 12, 2018.
Now, the ROC is not only a successful business, but also a thriving neighborhood.
The process of the resident-owned community buying the land beneath our neighborhood 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. We’re running the business that is our community on our terms, by our rules, for the betterment of ourselves and our neighbors.
Heritage Association is a quiet, rural neighborhood just 20 minutes from the Eastfield Mall, Hobbs Shopping Plaza, many groceries stores, and countless restaurants, movies and entertainment options.
Quaboag River, a local favorite for white-water kayaking and canoeing, is accessible only three miles away in Lucy Stone Park. Warren’s heavy industrial history is deeply connected with the Quaboag River. The park, where members enjoy afternoon strolls and picnics, is named after the famous women’s rights activist who was born nearby. Lake Wickaboag is just 15 minutes from Heritage, and offers a larger body of water known for boating and its public beach. Worcester and Springfield are a 45-minute drive, and we are close to the Mass. Pike, Interstate 84, and Routes 9 and 20.
Heritage Association, comprised of a family community and another designated for people ages 55 and over, offers something for everyone in a quiet, rural setting. Mount Holyoke Range State Park with more than 30 miles of blazed trails through 3,000 acres is a short 45-minute drive and boasts beautiful views. Mountain biking, horseback riding, snowmobiling and cross-country skiing are favorite activities at the year-round State Park. Rock House Reservation, created by a glacier and an important aspect of Native American history in the region, is just seven miles away.
Heritage Association is a friendly neighborhood, where we can take part in the democratic process of running our corporation and look after our neighbors.
Ask anyone who lives in Heritage, and we’re sure they’ll tell you it’s a little slice of heaven.
Heritage (59)
Heritage (54)
Heritage (29)
Heritage (32)
Heritage (34)
Heritage (27)
Heritage (41)
