The mobile home was developed to meet the need of a "starter home" for lower income families. They became popular twenty years after World War II when the "baby boomers" reached maturity. The advantages of this style were afford ability, portability and car-style financing. They also depreciate like an automobile but have low upkeep unless blown over by one of the not infrequent local wind storms. In exposed locations this tenancy has been seen resisted by guy wires or piles of used tires on the roof. Two types of development have come about: private siting and trailer parks. The latter have resulted in crowded situations and spotty individual property upkeep where rules are lenient. It is estimated that about 6% of the populations livings in mobiles.

Most owners find a need for additional storage space and add a permanent basement which helps to stabilize the building. Usually, the next step is the addition of a vestibule to enclose the flight of steps leading to the front door and provide additional storage. Attempts are also made to camouflage the long narrow form of this house  by using foundation plantings,

As a rule mobiles are destined to be swallowed whole by their additions: Some folk add a "mansard roof" to cut the height while others build on a lean-to, a small overhang, a large overhang, an extended porch or even an additional storey.