Where I live, there are many levels of quality when it comes to "trailer parks". I know of a few that are essentially slums: very low-income residents, crowded, dirty, noisy, and packed with trailers from the 50s and 60s. I don't know who would _choose_ to live in these places. Maybe it's a case of poor people being poor because they make poor choices. Or simply aren't aware that there are better options.
On the other end of the spectrum, there are communities with HOA rules, well-kept common areas, a clubhouse, etc. My mom lives in one of these. Honestly, it's not a bad place to live. I could totally live there if needed to. I tried to talk her out of buying it based on the economics alone ($400/mo lot rent plus around $60k for the house) but she went ahead with it anyway. It doesn't make financial sense to me, but maybe she sees something about the situation that I don't.
Or, because they have no money and it's all they can afford.
it's that or being homeless. In a trashy RV park, they generally get running water, electricity and a toilet that flushes. Actual homeless people are a step down from that, generally no running water, etc.
Also note, most homeless persons are effectively barred from working. (employers mostly require an address to hire you)
source: me. a formerly homeless person and have lived in the trashy RV parks before.
On the other end of the spectrum, there are communities with HOA rules, well-kept common areas, a clubhouse, etc. My mom lives in one of these. Honestly, it's not a bad place to live. I could totally live there if needed to. I tried to talk her out of buying it based on the economics alone ($400/mo lot rent plus around $60k for the house) but she went ahead with it anyway. It doesn't make financial sense to me, but maybe she sees something about the situation that I don't.