Coquina Key...What are your thoughts?? (renters, condos, crime)

[darthnipple]

Interested in Coquina Key. What is that area like? How is the neighborhood? Hows the crime? Please share your thoughts.

[westies12]

Recently purchased at Waterside and the neighborhood seem pretty calm.

[lavender]

Nice, access to St Pete is pretty good, but you do have to drive pretty eclectic areas to get there, or go the long way via 54th S and up the highway.
I have friends there on the water and they love it, it's very pretty there on the south end of the bay.

[druthb00]

I would love more information about Waterside at Coquina Key if anyone has it. I am, however, really only interested in responses from people that have lived there in the last year or two; not the upset renters who were ousted from Coquina Key Arms. The main concerns I have are about the crime in the area as well as the infrastructure of the "new" buildings. I am looking to relocate to Saint Petersburg in September from Indiana and would appreciate any information about the area of Coquina Key.

[goi_cuon]

All of the police runs are published in the paper each week. You can look at the calls made in the neighborhood to get a feel for the area.

Generally speaking, the closer you get to the water, the less crime there is. On the interior though, stay out of people's domestic disputes and don't buy or sell drugs and you won't be part of those issues. There have been a string of day time robberies and as a result the community policeman has been encouraging residents to call for anything suspicious, and that is reflected in an increase in the number of police runs that are recorded in the newspaper.

One neighbor's security camera caught a break in and I understand that two people were arrested as a result. Maybe that will put a stop to it.

I don't live in the Waterside condos, so I don't know if they've had the break ins that the rest of the island has experienced.

[berg4763]

I have recently bought and live at Waterside South, and really enjoy the lifestyle here! Not aware of any crime, although I have witnessed some pretty crappy behavior from some renters. Our security staff do a great job keeping the peace. It is so beautiful living on the water (I have manatees in my "backyard" on a regular basis), and the amenities are great!

I did have the developer address some issues with the unit prior to purchase, and they completely cooperated. Keep in mind that this is a conversion, not new construction. How much interior renovation was completed in each unit was all up to the buyer. Units range from old "as-is" ones to units where the owner combined units and completely gut-renovated them to a high standard. The developer does not address electric, plumbing or windows.

Hope this helps

[druthb00]

Thank you so much, both of you. I have heard that the communities right on the water tend to be less troubled by crime than when you go further inland. I also have noticed that there seems to be a difference in opinion of those that live in Waterside North than in Waterside South; the latter being the better neighborhood it seems. Maybe because the Southern village is further from the inland? Regardless, I do think that I will try renting there for maybe a year before I consider purchasing. Thank you again for your responses.

[berg4763]

I have to agree with you about Waterside North vs. South. Actually, they are two seperate entities. I ruled out North due to some security issues I heard about, and the low percentage of owner residents vs. renters. Also, all the best amenities are in Waterside South.

The developer just hired a new marketing firm, "Marketing Directors", and they have really lowered asking prices - it's a good time to be a buyer! 20 units were sold last month - pretty good for this economy..

[westies12]

I have own a condo on the south village and its great! Very calm community and they keep the ground beautiful. I have not hear any break in other that renters dispute after a break up. Security does a good job of keeping the peace.

[berg4763]

Posted this on another site - hope this helps...

Very happy about the move here! The association is in the black financially, and they continue to spend on improvements (latest is lighting at the main pool so it can stay open until 10:00pm). The builder has really lowered prices, and have over 20 units under contract. They've engaged a new prominent marketing firm, "The Marketing Directors", out of New York, and a new PR firm "Delucci+".

I haven't had any issues with my unit, but as it is a condo, internal issues such as electrical and plumbing are my responsibility. I go to each board meeting, and whenever a repair issue comes up, like patching a seawall, spraying for lawn pests, or fixing the sprinkling system, the board is all over it. The process of bidding out to vendors, then chasing them down if their work is difficient can make it seem to take a while. I moved down to Florida from the northeast to a private home initially, and I can tell you from experience that Florida contractors really leave a lot to be desired!!! Hope this helps.