Mature woman wishing to move to Honolulu (lease, condos) - Oahu - Hawaii (HI) -Includes Honolulu - City-Data Forum

threy3 · 10-08-2009, 05:58 PM

I'm a 62 year old African American female. I've always wanted to move to Hawaii, I've visited 3 times ( a week each time). I feel I really don't know anything about daily life there, especially the lives of African Americans. Would a single senior female have a difficult time making a home, fitting in, and finding friends there? I'm a retired teacher and would like to do part-time tutoring, attend a Christian church, and eventually find a compatible African American male mate. I'd only be able to afford a condo for around $150,000. I realize that housing is very expensive there. Is it possible to find a condo in a nice safe area for that price?

hothulamaui · 10-08-2009, 06:13 PM

aloha I live on maui so can't really help too much with the oahu info but I would think with you going to church and tutoring you will meet people and make friends. the islands are a wonderful place and I think you would like living here. you may be able to find a condo for that I am not sure. be careful sometimes the asso. dues in condos are very expensive. google mls search for oahu and start condo shopping. maybe look around the same areas your church would be. there are several areas of oahu as well so many options as far as where you want to land. best of luck.

tortoise31 · 10-08-2009, 06:57 PM

Wishing you the absolute best of luck!

nullgeo · 10-09-2009, 09:14 AM

Oahu condos in your stated price range are going to shock you ... and I don't mean in a good way ... but I certainly wish you well in your search.

You know, you MUST be very thoughtful and become VERY informed -- but not all Leasehold condos are bad deals. Most folks don't even consider them because they want full Freehold ownership. For some people in retirement, who may be less concerned with leaving an estate value behind to heirs, as they are with quality of life for retirement years, Leaseholds can offer a good value. It is critical that you find a highly knowledgeable and experienced financial advisor and realtor to help you do the analysis of Leasehold offerings, though. I can't stress that too much.

And, no, I am not a realtor, nor do I offer any referral to one.

good luck!

Afishwithabike · 10-09-2009, 10:50 AM

Condos in Hawaii aren't easy to come by at that price but take that with a grain of salt because my knowledge is not based on current market conditions. My mother sold her 2 bedroom condo a few years ago for about $220K.

I don't know if you are planning to meet an African American partner on Oahu but if you are, please know the majority of African American males here seem to either be in the military or in college.

Good luck with your research!