Beech Hills Co-op in Douglaston, Queens good place to live? (for sale, sublet)
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Hi Everyone,
I have searched for information here several times in the past (its been very helpful, thank you!). Just wanted to register and ask a quick question.
My wife and I (just got married) want to get a "starter home" of sorts to be on our own. We currently live in Suffolk County with relatives but want to be a bit closer to NYC for our job commutes. I hear that Douglaston/Bayside/Little Neck/Oakland Gardens are some of the "safest" places with good school district (26) to start a family.
Previously, I had never considered a co-op, but we have been looking at some in the area of Douglaston/Little Neck (Beech Hills, Deepdale Gardens, Langdale Gardens) and they seem nice and the price is nice.
We've narrowed it down to a 2 bedroom (with "formal dining room" which can be converted to a 3rd bedroom) in the Beech Hills co-op complex. The complex was built in the 1950's so a bit older but the unit we are looking at is in pretty good condition (we'll fix it up a bit).
I just wanted to check with you guys if there's any concerns/things to consider to living in the Beech Hills co-op (any opinions from current residents greatly appreciated) and Douglaston in general. Thanks in advance for any input!
I am a plumber for Beech Hills co-op the ones closer to the LIE. If you want My personal opinion...........I wouldn't buy there. The plumbing sucks, rude older neighbors always looking to sue someone, apartments are like stacked up boxes and you have to go through much hassle if you want to renovate or do something to your place. But that's just my personal opinion.
I am a plumber for Beech Hills co-op the ones closer to the LIE. If you want My personal opinion...........I wouldn't buy there. The plumbing sucks, rude older neighbors always looking to sue someone, apartments are like stacked up boxes and you have to go through much hassle if you want to renovate or do something to your place. But that's just my personal opinion.
What you have to say about this co-op is pretty much true about all of them! They all suck to some degree, sorry.
What you have to say about this co-op is pretty much true about all of them! They all suck to some degree, sorry.
Some people hate co ops because there are rules and they can't do whatever they want or rent out their apartments to whoever they want.
Other people love co ops because there are rules and their neighbors can't do whatever they want and can't rent their apartments out to whoever the want.
I own a co op in whitestone- Beautiful area, great neighbors- true we are NOT allowed to sublet but I think these "rules" are what makes my neighborhood still good- you are not allowed to have 5 people living in a one bedroom
The rules any co-op may have should protect and enhance the quality of life of its shareholders. Unfortunately, there are too many instance where this ain't so. One of the most widespread complaints you will hear is how co-op owners lose their buyers due to board rejection when they want or need to sell their apartment.
Imagine, especially in this bad economy how difficult a task it is to get a buyer when your unit is for sale. Once an owner is lucky enough to get someone in contract the next step is a board interview. While I'm sure many co-ops are reasonable about what qualifications are necessary for approval, too many simply reject buyers due to ridiculous standards that most will not be able to meet. The owner, should their buyer be rejected is then indefinitely trapped in the unit until they can find just the right applicant for the board to approve. In the meantime, months go by...
I look forward to NY laws changing in the favor of a shareholder soon to stop the cycle of abuse that way too many co-ops exercise against shareholders who are NOT on the board.
Whitestone has some nice co-ops. The cryder House is probably my favorite. The staff is awesome and that building is up to date. The Bay Club is also great. The thing I don't like about beech hills is that it's built poorly and I don't believe you get what you pay for. I am a plumber for many buildings and co-ops all around flushing/Whitestone/little neck and lots of queens area. Although I should shut my mouth before someone figures out who I am I rather not see folks spend their life saving in a box with 4 sheet rock walls. Just my opinion.
Thanks everyone for your input! We'll keep everything in mind during our search.
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They all suck to some degree, sorry.
