Pine Ridge of Ft Myers (Cape Coral, Fort Myers: for sale, foreclosure, rentals)

[cyclonewilly]

Wife and I are thinking about purchasing a winter condo in the Ft Myers area -paid a short visit a few weeks ago and looked at some condos at Seven Lakes. Came across another, via internet, in the Pine Ridge of Ft Myers complex (over 55, gated). Not looking to spend a lot of $ for a winter home - max time for now in winter would be 4-6 weeks but longer as time moves on. Both retired.

Any info or comments about either the Seven Lakes complex or the Pine Ridge greatly appreciated

[yachtcare]

I cant speak to the Pine Ridge complex...
But my cousin was, until recently, a security gate guard at Seven Lakes. He could possibly shed some light on it if you have some specific questions I could forward to him. He isnt a member on this forum. I also know he has at least one friend there that is trying to sell a unit on the upper floor of one of the buildings. An estate sale, not a foreclosure. Cant recall the ask price, but pretty sure it was in the high $60K range.
If you are interested, use the PM function here to contact me, and I'll get you in touch with the owner direct.

[cyclonewilly]

thanks for reply - looking strictly for a ground floor condo. We have a small 8# Papillon, easier for her to go outside. Plus, you do not feel closed in with two entrances.

Questions for your cousin would be strictly about the complex itself.
About maintenance, pest control, cleanliness, pool upkeep, safety in complex and the surrounding area.

How long to get to the beach? Problems if grandkids stay for a few days. Staff friendliness, those type of questions.

Realize he may have some but not all the answers, any help appreciated.

[yachtcare]

Keep in mind, this is info for Seven Lakes, I dont even know where Pine Ridge is, but if it is anywhere near Pine Manor(a.k.a. Crime Manor), run.....

Some of those I can answer, from what he has told me in the past.
He was there for about four years, until about five weeks ago, when the management changed guard company's which eliminated his position there.

He has mentioned grandchildren making short stays, cant remember the exact time frame. Older (adult) children of residents staying for prolonged periods was fairly common. Cant recall him ever mentioning a major crime related "incident" in the complex, mostly just calls to check minor suspicious activity, from a concerned citizen that turned out to be nothing. Most "incidents" were of a medical emergency nature.

Maintenance, common knowledge, they are older buildings, and the maintenance staff was kept busy.

You are likely twenty minutes to Ft Myers Beach from there, but during the winter season, when you would be here, a traffic jam of 1-2 miles to get onto the beach is typical. The earlier you go, the better you'll fare. But of course that has nothing to do with where you live.

I doubt he'd be able to add much more about maintenance or pest control, pool upkeep, etc. But I'll ask when I see him tomorrow. He may be able to offer more insight.

[cyclonewilly]

Pine Ridge of Ft Myers is zip code 33905 - east of I-75, south of 80, off exit 141, located on Lakeside Club Blvd, NE of Campbell Acres, here is a link, if it works

26.677388, -81.795389 (4670 Lakeside Club Blvd, Fort Myers, FL, 33905) - Google Maps

[Roadrunner69]

If you are thinking of using the beach then Pine Ridge (33905 off SR 80 ?) would be a pack a lunch trip to the beach. There is a Pine Ridge RD. down by the beach that I think there are some new condos, runs between McGregor and Summerlin but may be a little too close to Harlem Heights.

[justNancy]

Seven Lakes is a nice community. The people I've met who live there are very friendly, some snowbirds and some full-time residents. IMHO the only way to really know about condo rules is to read them carefully since many residents are grandfathered by older agreements. My sister, for example, lives in a condo in MA and she can keep her pet, but she can't replace her when she dies. (they're still voting on that)

Each condo development includes different amenities, so looking at the fee listed doesn't mean much to me without knowing exactly what's covered. To me, $500 is very high. However, some pay for cable and high speed internet. Most pay for water/sewer. A few cover part of the electric bill. I've seen a few fees that only cover the trash removal, lawn maintenance and building insurance. Although a security guard doesn't stop crime 100%, having a gated entrance is definitely a deterrent but often increases the fee. If you're a golfer, some developments include golf, some charge for it.

Regarding the beach, I can tell you exactly how long it takes from South Fort Myers (Daniels Pkwy area) since I used to work right up the street and lived very close to the beach. I would recommend either Bonita Beach or Barefoot Beach in the winter. Fort Myers Beach is so congested some days that it takes 10 minutes to drive one block. Anyway, unless there's an accident, it should take you no longer than 35 minutes, maybe 40 by the time you park. Route 41 to Bonita Beach Rd, turn right (west) to the beach. 20 miles/31 minutes from Seven Lakes Blvd according to mapquest.

It also depends what you're looking for in a beach. Many Fort Myers & Cape Coral residents enjoy the Sanibel beaches. Periwinkle can be congested, but only at certain times. Yes, that means you might want to pack a lunch (or eat at a local restaurant) and stay for a few hours, but that's what most people do when they plan a day at the beach anyway. Sanibel beaches are dog friendly as long as the owner is responsible, keeps the dog on a leash & cleans up the poop.

By the way, there is so much inventory in Fort Myers that I wouldn't rush into anything. People told me 6 months ago that prices were going up, but I've seen many reductions, especially on condos.

[cyclonewilly]

Thanks justNancy - we liked 7 Lakes and keep comng back to some of the listings - however, my wife sortof prefers the Bonita Beach area - even though they are fairly close..... I have another post asking about several different condo locations in Bonita.

thanks for the info.

Bill

[Mrs. P]

Originally Posted by justNancy

Seven Lakes is a nice community. The people I've met who live there are very friendly, some snowbirds and some full-time residents. IMHO the only way to really know about condo rules is to read them carefully since many residents are grandfathered by older agreements. My sister, for example, lives in a condo in MA and she can keep her pet, but she can't replace her when she dies. (they're still voting on that)

Each condo development includes different amenities, so looking at the fee listed doesn't mean much to me without knowing exactly what's covered. To me, $500 is very high. However, some pay for cable and high speed internet. Most pay for water/sewer. A few cover part of the electric bill. I've seen a few fees that only cover the trash removal, lawn maintenance and building insurance. Although a security guard doesn't stop crime 100%, having a gated entrance is definitely a deterrent but often increases the fee. If you're a golfer, some developments include golf, some charge for it.

Regarding the beach, I can tell you exactly how long it takes from South Fort Myers (Daniels Pkwy area) since I used to work right up the street and lived very close to the beach. I would recommend either Bonita Beach or Barefoot Beach in the winter. Fort Myers Beach is so congested some days that it takes 10 minutes to drive one block. Anyway, unless there's an accident, it should take you no longer than 35 minutes, maybe 40 by the time you park. Route 41 to Bonita Beach Rd, turn right (west) to the beach. 20 miles/31 minutes from Seven Lakes Blvd according to mapquest.

It also depends what you're looking for in a beach. Many Fort Myers & Cape Coral residents enjoy the Sanibel beaches. Periwinkle can be congested, but only at certain times. Yes, that means you might want to pack a lunch (or eat at a local restaurant) and stay for a few hours, but that's what most people do when they plan a day at the beach anyway. Sanibel beaches are dog friendly as long as the owner is responsible, keeps the dog on a leash & cleans up the poop.

By the way, there is so much inventory in Fort Myers that I wouldn't rush into anything. People told me 6 months ago that prices were going up, but I've seen many reductions, especially on condos.

Nancy do you have any idea what the condo fees are at Seven Lakes? I couldn't find any info in fee's or if one is allowed a small dog.

I found 3 all year rentals there one at 595.00 and two at 600.00 , one bedroom, one bath both had patios and not those glassed in "sun rooms" that I hate.

I also saw two for sale at 39,000.00 only. Those were 1 bedroom 1 bath as well, which is all I need. I just have this little dog who's probably got another 4-6 years left and I wouldn't give him up for all the world.

I tried calling but didn't get through.

[justNancy]

Originally Posted by Mrs. P

Nancy do you have any idea what the condo fees are at Seven Lakes? I couldn't find any info in fee's or if one is allowed a small dog.

I found 3 all year rentals there one at 595.00 and two at 600.00 , one bedroom, one bath both had patios and not those glassed in "sun rooms" that I hate.

I also saw two for sale at 39,000.00 only. Those were 1 bedroom 1 bath as well, which is all I need. I just have this little dog who's probably got another 4-6 years left and I wouldn't give him up for all the world.

I tried calling but didn't get through.

Please don't hold me to this, but around $450 a month. I think it depends on the building and the size. Some 2 bedroom listings indicate that the fee is approx $540. I'll send you the link where I found this information. Sounds as if the owners are just breaking even by renting for $600, but maybe new owners pay more. I have no clue.

Originally Posted by cyclonewilly

Thanks justNancy - we liked 7 Lakes and keep comng back to some of the listings - however, my wife sortof prefers the Bonita Beach area - even though they are fairly close..... I have another post asking about several different condo locations in Bonita.

thanks for the info.

Bill

They're close, but very different.