Good areas (with good schools) to look for condos? (Smithtown: to rent, how much)

[luvmyfirefly]

We're looking to buy in the next year or so. I'm encouraging DH to consider condos because they tend to cost less and have lower taxes than traditional homes. Not to mention the benefit of now having to deal with yard work.

We are hoping to spend only around 400. Are there any areas with condos in that price range that also have good schools.

Thanks for your help!

Jennie

[KellyFG]

I'm not sure how many bedrooms you are looking for but there is a community in Oakdale called "greenwood' its right off Locust Ave. I lived there for 10 years, I think you might find something in your price range there. My son graduated from Connetquot in 2005, its a good district.

[modmondays]

Run, dont walk to Bay Terrace section of Bayside Queens.

[suzook]

Originally Posted by modmondays

Run, dont walk to Bay Terrace section of Bayside Queens.

this is a long island forum. Why would you post about a queens condo?

[amylauren]

I love Bay Terrace. My grandmother lives there still and I used to rent a condo there after college. So convenient to city just a nice area.

[luvmyfirefly]

I need to stay in Suffolk because my husband works in Ronkonkoma. Also we need three bedrooms. Thanks again!

[Jennifer06]

We were looking at condos for awhile, and I found that they are generally not less expensive than homes in the same areas. The taxes also aren't necessarily lower, and there is a common charge in a addition. Common charges range from the $100s at the very lowest to $300 or $400s and up per month.

That said, two condo developments we liked were Tara in Commack and and Hidden Ponds in Smithtown. I liked the schools for both, and particularly Tara's. There is another similar complex in Smithtown as well, but I can't recall its name.

Ultimately, though, and particularly since the weather is nice, I realize how much love having our own big fenced-in yard (really, not worth $300/month to have someone else mow it or maintain grounds and such) rather than a little patio outside, our own [detached] house, a home of our own on a residential street, and not being at the mercy of the shared-ownership rules at such high prices. Looking at homes in the above areas (Smithtown, Commack), e.g., you'll see that you can get so much more in many ways for the price of a 2-3 or 4 bedroom house than for the same-priced condo.

And add the taxes and maintenance together to see your monthly payments and whether you're really getting a deal on that one (taxes) or not, because as we looked it really wasn't the case. The monthly fees turned out to be quite high.

You can search the MLS for co-op/condo and get results that don't include houses.

[TANaples]

Originally Posted by luvmyfirefly

I need to stay in Suffolk because my husband works in Ronkonkoma. Also we need three bedrooms. Thanks again!

There is a condo development off Terry and Townline Rds. in Smithtown at the border of Hauppague. Sorry, I cannot remember the name of it. There aren't very many 3 bedroom units, but there are some. I remember seeing one advertised back in 2005 for $375,000, which was a very good price at the height of the market. They might be be less now, if any become available.

The school district is good and it would be a very short commute for your husband to Ronkonkoma.

Note: I cannot remember if this was a condo or a co-op.

[Lancet71]

Try bayport which is just east of sayville and oakdale (Northwood ct.)

[Brendansmommy]

I highly suggest looking at The Lakes in East Setauket. It is in Three Village SD. Two different units that have 3 bedrooms...Fairfax and Davon (end unit). There are three pools, tennis courts, community center and gym. Taxes are LOW, LOW, LOW, and the maintenance is SO low for the amenities and maintenance (about $300/month). The community is lovely, and full of children. We just moved from there and MISS it so much! Resale is very good there. Singles, couples, families and seniors all buy there, so you have a big spectrum. Good luck!