Equity LifeStyle Properties, Inc. is a publicly owned real estate investment trust (REIT). The firm engages in the ownership and operation of lifestyle oriented properties. Its portfolio of properties include various amenities and common facilities, such as a clubhouse, a swimming pool, laundry facilities, and cable television service, sauna/whirlpool spas, golf courses, tennis, shuffleboard and basketball courts, and exercise rooms. The firm leases developed sites to owners of manufactured homes referred to as resort homes, park models referred to as resort cottages, and recreational vehicles. It primarily invests in the markets of the United States. The firm primarily invests in land with lower maintenance costs and customer turnover costs, high quality real estate in and around major metropolitan areas, high barriers to entry, retirement and vacation destinations, growth markets, and appreciating component of real estate2. It was formerly known as Home Communities, Inc. The firm was founded in 1992 and is based in Chicago, Illinois with additional offices in Clearwater, Florida, Phoenix, Arizona, and Aurora, Colorado.