Seeking Independence,FL community residents (hoa fees, insurance, for sale)

[Flcruzr]

Hello, i'm seeking information on the Townhomes in Independence,FL. My wife and I are looking for a new home and we really like the Independence community. We saw a couple of models this past weekend and my main question is for a Townhome resident.
1) Do you like living in a townhouse?
2) Do they feel confined to you?
3) Is the HOA fee reasonable and does it include outside hazard insurance?
4) Can you hear noise coming from the neighbors?
5) What is the ball park amount for insurance?

We are deciding between a Townhome or a single family home in Independence. However, the prices on the Townhomes are more what we are looking to invest. Thank You in advance for any feedback!

[Long Island Mermaid]

I have a single family in Independence and it is for sale. Unfortunately, I have not lived there yet (moving in 2 weeks I hope). I do not know of anyone living in a townhouse so I can't help you except to tell you to really shop the prices because everyone, especially the Builders (Engels Homes)are cutting crazy deals. Also look into already built homes for some distressed home sales.

[Flcruzr]

Long Island, Thanks for your reply, Independence seems like a really nice community, I know of one family that live there and love it, I have been shopping around all of the surrounding areas and I'm still hoping to end up in this community.
By the way, i'm a born and raised New Yorker, Brooklyn. Been here in FL. for 14 yrs.

[sworlando]

The HOA fees are on the high side for all of Independence but Long Island Mermaid is right. There are tons of resales that you can get a great deal on because they were bought by investors who have never lived in them. Townhomes are out of favor at the moment so its a great time to buy one as long you live there 3-5 years. The original builder was Transeastern Homes who were bought out by Tousa who owns Engle. If you're concerned about noise then I would probably go for an end unit since you only have one neighbor vs two. The insurance is included in your HOA fees with townhomes so you just need contents insurance which is very inexpensive.

[Flcruzr]

Thanks SWO... We are going to wait it out a few more months to see if the prices drop even more, I do know we want to buy in Independence, and if we have to settle for a townhome it will definitely be an end unit. When I went to talk to the sales person, she seemed unsure if the HOA for the townhomes included the outside hazard. Would you know what would be the cost for this insurance if I had to cover it myself. Thanks again.

[Long Island Mermaid]

If you are speaking with Stephanie, be careful...she is a bit clueless. She tried to tell me these one families were selling for $430k new and higher for older...way, way off. She said it all so enthusiatically that I wanted to and almost did believe her. It is scary when I, a NYer, need to inform a Fl. realtor that she is off by $200k. :-o~
Be careful
If you are interested in a basic Carolina model 1600-1700 sq.ft. home that was build the end of 2005, you could buy mine mid $200 (at a short sale rate).
It is a very quiet neighborhood!