Retirement Communities Port St. Lucie (Holiday, Lake Park: rent, HOA fees, mortgage broker)

[NJCarol]

Hello all.

I am a 62 year old single female considering retirement in the area as I can not longer afford the high cost of living in NJ. My health is declining so I'm pretty nervous and an out of state move alone is quite frightening to be honest. I have a couple of friends in the area so Port St. Lucie is a consideration. All of my fellow retirees are spread out across the State. A trailer is out of the question so I'm considering a villa or small home within a 55 plus community. I wont know exactly what my financial status will be until I sell my home. Broad question I realize..but would appreciate recommendations. Near the beach is definite requirement. Ive been looking at new developments but the CDD fees along with HOA's make it just as expensive as living in NJ lol. Any recommendations would be appreciated.

[FireStation46]

I just googled “ Port St. Lucis 55+” and there is a pop up map showing some 55+ communities run by national and regional builders

Cant figure out the HOA/CCD fees.

Have you been to the area? Able to spend time down there to visit as many as you can? Best to see them up close and personal IMHO.

Other option is to look at 55+ in Toms River NJ. Close to medical hospital.Taxes in some of the 55+ down there is very low compared to most of NJ.

The Termite Service firm guy was talking about it as his mom moved to Holiday City Berkley, I think he said it was low taxes.

I would prefer FL over NJ weather wise but its a personal decision.

Good luck.

[NJCarol]

Thanks..yes I have done the same, and yes have paid a visit and will be returning to visit next month. A lawyer recommended the "Villages but its an hour and a half from the beach...cant do that its huge lol but seems to offer many advantages for a senior activity wise. I dont think Id be very Happy in Toms River.....Thanks for your response.

[Batro516]

Originally Posted by NJCarol

Thanks..yes I have done the same, and yes have paid a visit and will be returning to visit next month. A lawyer recommended the "Villages but its an hour and a half from the beach...cant do that its huge lol but seems to offer many advantages for a senior activity wise. I dont think Id be very Happy in Toms River.....Thanks for your response.

Please, if you can, stay away from The Villages as it is infested with STDs. I worked for a home health agency and we had an office there and know a lot of disgusting stories.

[FlaLadyB]

Perhaps you should visit a Mortgage Broker and see what you should be able to afford first, unless you plan on paying cash for a house.

Im in Port St Lucie and actually right next door to two 55 and older communities in St Lucie West, Cascades and Kings Isle, of which neither are new builds and neither have CDD's. The other ones in Tradition, (Vitalia, Lake Park, and now Del Webb is building) are new construction and have a CDD which is paid through your taxes.

You have to be aware that 55+ communities cost more to live in because they have more ammenities than others- things to keep you busy and to socialize.

[PhotoFlo]

I used to work at Kings Isle as an Activities Director. The homes are older but very nice. There are over 30 clubs and the clubhouse is always filled with residents. Their new Activities Director is a friend of mine and plans great events. More importantly, the Property Manager is excellent so the clubhouse and facilities are run very well. As a single woman, you would have so much to do and would be surrounded by wonderful people in an affordable community.

I used to live in Tradion in TownPark/LakePark. I would not recommend that area or the community. LakePark does not have the amenities for a 55plus community. The HOA fesses in Tradition are high and you have the CDD Fees as well.

[NJCarol]

Thanks Photo for your response. I will certainly check it out. Traditions glossy new home pics are quite appealing but I'm not liking all the fees and troublesome the builders history. They hound me all the time and are encouraging a visit. I have to take it all one day at a time.

[FlaLadyB]

which community are you speaking of as builders troublesome history - I might can clarify that for you

[FiveLoaves]

I looked into the Kings Isle community and there are some very nice homes in there. Well maintained, updated Kitchens, and Concrete Block Construction.

Most have HOA Fees that are around $300 per month.....what do you get for that ?? Common Indoor Pool ?? Clubhouse activities ? Restaurant on site ??

What would the RE Taxes be on something like those ??

[City Guy997S]

Why not rent something to try the area with no huge expense incurred?