Heritage Oaks, Sarasota (Country Club, University, University Park: rent, HOA, condos)

[Spotswoodboy]

We've looked at Heritage Oaks and have found a home which we like. Looking for some information about intangibles--friendliness of residents and staff, range of activities, plusses and minuses concerning the location, etc. We appreciate any information. Thanks.

[Sunshine Rules]

Heritage Oaks in Sarasota requires mandatory membership in the country club for all homeowners, which when you factor in the HOA and other required costs, can total up to $10k a year.

Many home buyers like the option of joining the community country club but do not want to be obligated to join. So resale of a home with mandatory, expensive memberships is going to be harder to do and you may see a lesser price for your home than if it were in the community with optional country club membership. Something to think about should you decide a few years from now that Heritage Oaks no longer works for you.

Have you looked at all into some of the other golfing communities such as Misty Creek, Bent Tree? Laurel Oaks membership runs much less per year, as does University Park Country Club. If you don't mind that it is not gated, The Meadows offers great membership deals and 3 golf courses. Rosedale on SR70 near Lakewood Ranch is a gated golfing community with voluntary cc membership, plus there is a builder doing new construction in the eastern part of the community right now if you prefer new over somewhat older homes. River Club just SE of Rosedale is another golfing community without mandatory membership. Esplanade at Lakewood Ranch is adding a golf course to their (new construction) community, which already offers a large clubhouse with a "lifestyles" director and amenities.

There are lots of options in our area for people wanting a golf and country club lifestyle, so you may want to check out what else is out there and weigh the pros and cons before you settle on one particular community.

[motordavid]

We have very good friends that do a monthish there; the rest of the season they rent out their condo. They live outside YYZ, and this is their first FL experience.

We have been there visiting them for a few days/couple nights each of past 3 winter seasons: very nice golf course, condos seem nice, ranging from smallish to good sized, some nice SFHs, etc. Club is well done, pro shop is efficient and professional, grill room is standard, and our friends say the activities are well done/run.

It is bundled to my knowledge, but I do not know the annual master fee or recall what our friends pay for their COA. I believe SFHs have their own HOA(s) fees.

Nice track, nice location, gated, well done but not hoity toity, nor is it 'run of the mill' bundled, imo. All anecdotal, and just my opin from cursory visits and experiences.
GL, mD

[Spotswoodboy]

Thanks for the feedback. We will certainly do more research. Glad to hear good things about the residents and staff at Heritage Oaks. That is very helpful when you are looking in the off season and things are so quiet.