Tradition vs. Vero Beach (Palm Beach, St. Lucie: renters, HOA, condo)

[lwiniarski]

We were recently in both areas looking for homes. We liked both and are struggling to decide which would be better. We are younger and have kids. Looking at Minto in Tradition and DiVosta in Vero. Both have community pools. Vero appears to be less busy and closer to traffic, Tradition has higher maintenance fees and taxes due to special assessment? Can anyone share thoughts / comments???

[FlaLadyB]

Town Park in Tradition, and Tradition in general is wonderful for families with kids. Lots going on, Westfest held every 3rd Friday each month with plenty of family activities. Shopping is at your fingertips and its easy to get to anywhere out of the area pretty quickly.

What you have in fees is not a "special assessment" but a CDD, Community Development District tax. All the communities in the area have it... not just Tradition.

Its because you have sidewalks, and streetlights, and waterways, and underground utilities with Cat 5 wiring and high speed Internet, and parks, etc. and a "community" made up of other communities with so many additional things that make life easier and more enjoyable.

and yes, I also live in Tradition myself...and like it here!

[HarryWho?]

I would vote for Vero. But it's ultimately your decision. You should try and allocate some time in both areas, and not just the developments. Go into town, go shopping, go to the beach, talk to some natives.

[relocating_family]

Vero still has some trees and shade, which is nice. Tradition feels like it came out of a can, but if that doesn't bother you, the street lights and sidewalks are nice and there are also loads of kids roaming around. PSL is also a little closer to Palm Beach, just in case you need the airport or you want to go to a real mall.

[SeetheUSA]

I like Tradition because it is futher inland, which may fair better in a hurricane. But Vero seems less expensive than Tradition. Before we moved here, all I wanted was to live in Tradition. Now that I have actually seen what you get for the price, not so much.

[Miami HurricaneZ]

Tradition gets my vote. However we own a condo in the PSL Area so I'm biased (My brother is from Vero and we have a PSL-Vero rivalry). I would give anything to live in Tradition. I was there for the New Years Eve fireworks and it was outstanding. I love the architecture and beauty of Tradition. It is also close to several stores, gas stations, ect.

[pslhomie]

I just don't get the HOA thing. We lived in one and they acted like Nazis yet they had the power of Pee Wee Herman when it came to standing up to people. You get the Condo Commandos and the board members who have the "Do as I say not as I do" attitude on things. Not very neighborly places sometmes and when the renters move in, LOOK OUT!!!! Those people do not care.

[59chevyguy]

Recent article I read said that the average age in St. Lucie County is 42.5 yo. Tradition is a great planned community and this is our second full year. We are older but live in heritage Oaks because we love to see children too. I hear that Vero is a bit older in most areas but not all. Right now you should visit Tradition Square when they have their Friday Feast otherwise known as Westfest. Music, vendors, activities for children too. Good Luck.

[SeetheUSA]

Westfest?? Please elaborate! We will definitely be checking that out!

[elrodcod]

Vero Beach is prime rib, Tradition is Spam.