1 Br Condos or Duplex prices & locations questions (Miami, Tampa: oceanfront, HOA fees)

[BaysideJR]

I am interested in possibly purchasing a vacation home. I was looking at the South East Florida areas like Miami, Ft Lauderdale, Boca etc... but in realty when I go to Florida on vacation I really just like to relax at the beach, eat out and visit the theme parks (Disney, Busch, Universal etc...) I know I know.

Out of all these areas it seems tampa/clearwater area has the beach and is reasonably close to to the Orlando theme parks where I can comfortably drive there and back in the same day, unlike Miami where it would most likely require me to stay overnight.

What are the prices like for Duplex condos(where its two floors and only neighbors are to the left and right)? How about 1 BR Condos in High Rises?

What are some condo complexes I can look at online? Are there any areas to stay away from? Any areas to look into?

My primary residence is NYC. Since this is only a vacation home for a handful of times out of the year, I would only like to spend up to 150k.

Is it ridiculous to think you could get a beachfront studio/1Br condo for this price?

Thanks for any input.

[tampaguy03]

DO you want beach, or in the city? Ive seen one bedrooms range from around 60k to over a million in the Tampa Bay area.

[Team_Roberts]

I did a quick search on the MLS and found 38 condo or townhomes in the Clearwater, Indian Shores, Largo area under $150K with water frontage. Keep in mind, "water frontage" in the MLS could be on a lake, intercoastal waterway or ocean front. So there are some out there in that price range, however, you would just need to pick through the list to see if they match what you are looking for.

[BaysideJR]

Beach not city. And I would definately want oceanfront condo and not lake or other. I wasnt aware there was an MLS site for tampa. Ill do a quick google search for it thanks.

What areas should I put in for beach front (Nice neighborhoods only, middle class/Upper middle + only )? Is clearwater beach a nice area?

How are the HOA fees and taxes in those areas?

Thanks again.

[BucFan]

might as well ask for homeowner's insurance rates - anything on the ocean has got to be high

[JohannaTF]

A beautiful area walking distance from a small beach, shopping, eating and drinking is apollo beach. Apollo beach is a great little known town in the middle of all the big cities. Prices are low and great people occupy the town. I have watch prices drop trying to sell my own condo that i really do not want to sell but i co own it and my partner wants out. It is worth a look and for the money the town has some great homes. My unit is in the middle of the pack of units selling since it is the only building built after all the older units and before the building craze. It was built in 2001 and was used only a handful of times. I would like to keep the place because i still believe apollo beach has staying power. It is not overbuilt and wants to stay that way. It is higher end at reasonable prices. If you have interest let me know. I am looking for $159,000. If not good look on your findings. Tampa is a great place to unwind.