West Palm Beach or Sarasota - Place for Family (Plantation: rent, HOA fees)

[SergioMastro]

Hi there,

I'm planning to purchase a Condo or Townhouse (Gated Community) in Florida, not sure which area I should use for my search and 3 day onsite visit.

Here are my requirements:
. 100 to 150k
. Taxes aprx 3000$ per year
. HOA fees aprx 300$ per month
. Safe area
. 15-20 minute drive to closest beach
. 2 bedrooms, 2 Bathrooms, Kithchen + Living room are a min
. Recent development (2000 or newer)
. Quiet Area
. Shopping nearby
. Restaurants nearby
. Pool access
. Pool table / recreational room access
. I would use place 2 months out of 12
. My mother'n'law would use place 4 months out of 12, therefore 6 months would be vacant


Family:
My kids are 12, 10, 5
Myself + wife, early 40's

I found some nice places at Cityside, West Palm Beach, but not sure if this area meets my needs.

My mother'n'law (65+), thinks I should invest on the Gulf coast instead and not on the Est coast.

Any guidance would be appreciated.

Thanks...
Sergio

[dmccauley]

Is the condo going to be a vacation home or all year residence?

[SergioMastro]

Vacation home. I may rent it, but most probably not, I don't have the patience anymore.

Originally Posted by dmccauley

Is the condo going to be a vacation home or all year residence?

[dmccauley]

I have been to both coasts and personally would rather vacation on the gulf side. The water and the beaches are just breathtaking and depending upon where you buy its very close to all the attractions. I am still out as far as which coast is better to live permanently though. IMO the east coast is alot faster paced then here on the west coast.

[SoFLGal]

I would have to agree with dmccauley, the beaches on the gulf are much nice, IMO. If you were looking in Sarasota in the $100K and under range the condo/townhome would be older, probably in the 1970's-80's. You would be able to get a townhome in Lakeside Plantation in North Port, that is 2003 or newer for under 100K. This community meets your specification except for it is about 25 minutes from the beach.

[angelnfl]

I lived in West Palm in the 80's and have friends over there. It has really turned into a concrete jungle and crime is out of control in alot of areas. Also, like one person said the gulf coast beaches are way ahead of the Atlantic side. I personally would never go back to the other coast and love living in North Port.

[SergioMastro]

Thanks for all comments.

Can you provide me the zip code, so I can start my search in the North Port area.

Take care...
Sergio

[dmccauley]

I know there are a number of deals on townhomes my zip is 34233 or check 34232. I saw a townhome 3 bdrm 2 bath 1500 sq feet asking $114... has a lake, club room etc. 8 miles to the beach.. The development is Admirals Walk, Sarasota

[SoFLGal]

The zip codes in North Port are 34286, 34287, 34288 and 34291. Good luck

[SergioMastro]

Guys, I was talking to my mother'n'law and she suggests that I look into "The Meadows" area of Sarasota. What do you guys think?

Thanks for zip codes.

Also, are you guys aware if North Port has been hit with Hurricanes in the past?

What are the differences between North Port vs The Meadows? Is it the cost of property? Is it a younger or older crowd?

What about insurance, wich area will be more reasonable?

Sergio