Photo Gallery: Trailer Chic at the Boston Trailer Park

The Charles River runs through its backyard, and a circus used to practice in it's front yard. You wouldn't expect much less from the . While few even know it exists, West Roxbury has housed the city's only trailer park just off the VFW Parkway since 1947. 

The Park's 104 spaces offers affordable housing, accessible location, and a unargueably unique neighborhood. "It's like a little, hidden community," said Boston Trailer Park Tenants Association President Pauline McLaughlin, "It's a handy location to live, and we really watch out for eachother." 

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While a few younger tenants call the Park home, many residents have lived here for several decades. Some recall the 1960s, when a circus used to set up camp and practice in a lot in front of the Park. Several circus performers lived at the Park at the time, and a twin trapeze artist duo lived there until two years ago. Others recall the drama in 1987, when the land was sold to the Clair Family, who intended to turn the land into two auto dealerships. "That's when we incorporated," said McLaughlin. Everyone knows the biggest story, however - how two decades and much negotiation later, the , complete with city grants to complete much-needed repairs and construction. 

The majority of residents own their mobile home, pay a monthly space fee, and enjoy a quiet stretch of the Charles "Riviera." The Park is not without problems, however, and has faced multiple upkeep problems in past years. Residents are eager to see improvements following the purchase. Longtime resident Tom Ford repeated a common sentiment - "Now that we own it, we've got to fix the place up."