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                                                                    EXHIBIT 23.1

                        CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS



We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement of
Manufactured Home Communities, Inc. on Form S-8 (pertaining to the registration
of 2,000,000 shares of common stock related to the 1992 Stock Option and Stock
Award Plan) of our report dated January 25, 2001, except for Note 18 as to which
the date is February 13, 2001, with respect to the consolidated financial
statements and schedules of Manufactured Home Communities, Inc. included in its
2000 Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission.



/s/ ERNST & YOUNG LLP
Chicago, Illinois
July 31, 2001