Coral Springs is known for its great schools and Park Springs Elementary School is considered to be one of the best. Park Springs Elementary has a Great Schools rating of 8 out of 10. Parents give complements to the great teachers and staff, the level of parental involvement that is encouraged by the school, a wonderful media center and library, and all the extra activities that the school provides such as the Winter Festival, musical performances, Tuesday Night Live events and more.
Homes for sale in the Country Hills Elementary School District in Coral Springs
Coral Springs is known for its great schools and Country Hills Elementary School is considered to be one of the best. Country Hills Elementary has a Great Schools rating of 8 out of 10. Parents give complements to the level of communication between the school and the parents, the level of involvement that the school encourages of the parents, great teachers, and the strong PTA.
If you’re looking for a home in this great school district, check out the homes available in Country Hills Elementary
Affordable Snowbird Friendly Condominiums around South Florida
Everyone loves a gorgeous new development. The glamour of the shimmering high rise towering above the cosmopolitan skyline grabs attention, and the press loves to print gorgeous glossy advertisements in the cosmopolitan magazines. Flying under the radar, however, are thousands of affordable condominium homes that make owning a second home or retirement condominium a possibility for the savvy south Florida shopper.
The exploration of these Snowbird communities began for Your Guru three years ago with the arrival of my mother-in law. Her first visit was for two weeks when we bought our first home. The following year, the visit stretched to six weeks. Last year, mom made herself at home for a solid three months. Sometime last summer, she announced that this visit, she’d be staying. So there was some incentive to find a place – outside my house.
The following is my starting point for anyone that comes to south Florida with a desire to escape the frigid north and pursue the dream of a get-away in the sunshine state. It should be noted that a search of Fort Lauderdale’s surrounding communities will return a myriad of condominium choices, the selection can range from the downright dismal to the merely adequate. My guidance invariably reverts to one of four to eight communities of exceptional character, location, management and amenities. Follow along as I take a drive through my Four Favorites in the following video and check out my recommendations below.
Robert’s Top Snowbird Friendly Condos in South Florida
I’ve not mentioned pricing on this page as I do not want the page to get “stale” – each page linked here is updated with the latest pricing and availability.
Cypress Bend Condominiums in Pompano Beach are my favorite alternative to the larger community of Palm Aire located nearby. What draws folks to Cypress Bend are the amazing location just north of Fort Lauderdale, only 15 minutes to Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood Airport, the Isle Casino next door and the beach only two miles away. From Cypress Bend you can get to great restaurants, movies, malls and attractions just outside the community entrance. The community is extremely well managed, exceptionally well cared for, on sprawling grounds where every building is nestled along the banks of a central lake. Here’s the page with what’s currently available in Cypress Bend.
Palm Aire Condominiums in Pompano Beach are on nearly everyone’s list of places to investigate – with good reason. The community features thousands of homes that vary from standalone villas to condominium high-rises. There are townhomes, garden-style walk-ups as well offering something for every taste. Nestled around FOUR golf courses, the property has acres of green space and miles of recreation paths. The golf courses are public and no membership is required. Palm Aire is an all-ages community so there are no restrictions on who can purchase a home. Throughout the community are tennis courts, multiple pools, clubhouses with fitness facilities, even small convenience stores! Here’s the page with what’s currently available in Palm Aire.
Century Village East in Deerfield Beach is where my search ended. The condominium that we purchased for Mom was a one-bedroom, one-bath with screened in balcony in one of the mid-rise buildings for the crazy price of $36,000. To give you an idea of pricing at Century Village East, prices vary depending on where you are in the community – more for condos close to the center, less for condos closer to the outside edge. Prices vary by size (one bedrooms are available with a bath-and-a-half as well) and by how updated they are. Finally there are a variety of walk-up (2-story) buildings or 5-story elevator buildings – of which the mid-rises are more expensive. Mom’s condo was freshly painted, had modern tile throughout, and a dated kitchen and bath. We gutted the kitchen with a clean modern kitchen and freshened the bath. Maybe spent $2,500 updating the apartment with a good cleaning and new paint. There are Century Village communities in three other locations as well depending on whether you prefer Pembroke Pines, Deerfield Beach, West Palm Beach or Boca Raton. Here’s the page with what’s currently available in Century Village East.
Kings Point in Tamarac is the newest development, which makes sense since it’s the furthest west – near the Sawgrass Mills Mall and the BB&T Center. Residents of Kings Point enjoy modern buildings that feature contemporary floor plans, hurricane impact windows in some buildings and in-home laundry in many buildings. Sprawling over several square miles and with 9,000 homes, the community has endless jogging, walking and bicycle paths. The landscaping is lush and most buildings feature some water view. Of course there’s a community center with amazing facilities along with a theater for live shows and movies. Every cluster of homes has its own pool as well so every resident can walk to a sundeck and a soak. The benefit to the location at the western boundary in Broward is proximity to enormous parks, everglades nature preserves and of course world-class shopping, sports and entertainment at BB&T Center. Here’s the page with what’s currently available in Kings Point.
Lauderdale Oaks is located along Oakland Park Boulevard in central Broward between I-95 and the Turnpike, and once you enter the community the tranquility will amaze you compared to the busy congestion that surrounds the community. Don’t let it deter you, however, as the community is located conveniently close to I-95 for easy access to the airports, and the central location means residents have access to both the beach (3.5 miles east) or to attractions further west in Weston and Sunrise. Golf, shopping, movies, dining, and entertainment are plentiful in any direction.
Inside Lauderdale Oaks the community features 716 condominiums in 19 buildings. Being a 55+ community means the homes are very affordable which is a surprising change from incredibly expensive new construction nearby. A large club house features an auditorium with seating for 300 and many activities all year long. Three pools, shuffleboard, bocce ball, and plentiful walking trails create a tranquil oasis where it’s easy to relax. Here’s the page with what’s currently available in Lauderdale Oaks.
These are my top four favorite spots for your ideal Snowbird Retreat. I’d say there are another half a dozen that I like. Although you may see dozens more, one of the benefits of having a pro working for you is the time and aggravation saved from seeking out this information on your own. They don’t call me the Guru for no reason!
Are you seeking a sunny South Florida home for yourself? Contact me today
Kings Point Condominiums in Tamarac
Kings Point in Tamarac truly offers something for everyone with nearly 9,000 residences. Modern elevator buildings afford contemporary floor plans with new kitchens and bathrooms, many with in-home laundry. Garden style buildings feature more secluded living with private entryways and walk-up homes. Miles of bicycle and walking paths wind through the various communities. As you make your way throughout, residents enjoy pools, tennis courts and a myriad of other outdoor activities.
In the center of it all is a large community center and theater for both live performances and movie screenings. A business center features computers and printers, and internet access throughout the center. Class and recreation rooms accommodate the extensive class schedule and recreation rooms range from a pool hall to card rooms with the obligatory tournaments. The location in Tamarac is tranquil and secluded, however only a short distance to major attractions such as the Sawgrass Mills Outlets and the BB&T Center.
See the comprehensive guide to Snowbird Friendly Condos for my complete list of favorite communities
What’s Available in Kings Point
A complete list of all the homes in Kings Point is available here.
Kings Point is a community of “neighborhoods” throughout Tamarac. Each separate community offers a different feel with different types of homes. Some feature mid-rise modern buildings, some are villas and town homes, and others feature first and second floor walkups in a woodland setting. Home selections in the various neighborhoods are listed below.
Ashmont: One bedroom with one bath and two bedroom with two bath condominiums in elevator buildings. Amenities include an entrance gate, heated pool and shuffleboard. Click to see what’s available in the Ashmont neighborhood.
Belfort: Two bedroom with one or two bath condominiums in a garden setting with first and second floor walk up homes. Residents enjoy the secure entrance, a barbecue and picnic area, heated pool and shuffleboard. Click to see what’s available in the Belfort neighborhood.
Clairmont: One bedroom with two bath, and two bedroom with both one and two bath homes in elevator buildings surrounded by lush landscaping and water views. Residents appreciate 24-hour security and secured entrance, a barbecue and picnic area, heated pool and shuffleboard. Click to see what’s available in the Clairmont neighborhood.
Devon: The Devon community features all modern two bedrooms with two baths in three story elevator buildings. Amenities include an entrance gate, outdoor pool and shuffleboard. Click to see what’s available in the Devon neighborhood.
Exeter: The Exeter Neighborhood community features 2 and 3 bedroom, 2 bath coach homes, all with either a 1 or 2 car garage. The 3 bedroom upstairs units have approximately 2,000 square feet under air, while the 2 bedroom downstairs units have approximately 1,600 square feet under a/c. All upstairs units have an elevator. The well landscaped Neighborhood’s amenities include a heated pool and shuffleboard courts. Click to see what’s available in the Exeter neighborhood.
Fairfax: Fairfax is an island surrounded by a large body of water within the Kings Point community with beautiful water views from every apartment home. With the convenience of elevators in each building, this spread out; beautifully landscaped community features spacious, beautiful 2 and 3 bedroom 2 full bath floor plans with a 200 sq. foot terrace. The Queen is 1,425 sq. feet under air and The Prince and The King are both 1,775 sq. feet under air. Amenities include entrance gate, manned security 24/7, outdoor heated pool, clubhouse, basketball, handball & racquetball courts and shuffleboard. Click to see what’s available in the Fairfax Neighborhood.
Granville: Welcome to beautiful Granville with deluxe 2 bedrooms 2 bath and 3 bedrooms 2 bath floor plans with elevator buildings. Amenities include 24 hr. manned entrance gate, outdoor heated pool, clubhouse, BBQ picnic area, handball court and shuffleboard. Click to see what’s available in the Granville Neighborhood.
Lombardy: This is for you if you like the feel of a single family home of a 2 or 3 bedroom unit with den, 2 full baths and 1 car garage. Amenities include entrance gate, outdoor heated pool, clubhouse, shuffleboard, in-home security, cable TV, trash removal and you can BBQ in your own backyard. Click to see what’s available in the Lombardy Neighborhood.
Malvern: Malvern villas have the cozy feel of a single family home featuring beautiful 2 and 3 bedrooms with Jacuzzi bath tubs, den, skylights and picture windows. Amenities include entrance gate, outdoor heated pool, Jacuzzi hot tub, clubhouse and you can BBQ in your own backyard. Click to see what’s available in the Malvern Neighborhood.
Southampton: The Southampton community has impressive floor plans of expansive 2 and 3 bedroom 2 bath apartment homes in elevator buildings. Amenities include the comforting feeling of a secured entrance gate, manned between the hours of 7:00 am and 11:00 pm; gates are securely locked after 11:00 o’clock. Residents enjoy a private clubhouse, heated pool, tennis courts and shuffleboard. Click to see what’s available in the Southampton Neighborhood
Trent: The popular Trent neighborhood is one of choice which offers 2 bedrooms 1 bath, 2 bedrooms 2 bath and 2 bedrooms 2 ½ baths. Amenities include entrance gate, elevator buildings, outdoor heated pool & cabana and shuffleboard. Click to see what’s available in the Trent Neighborhood.
Weldon: Beautiful Weldon offers gorgeous 2 bedrooms 1.5 baths and 2 bedrooms 2 bath floor plans with elevator buildings. Amenities include 24 hr. manned entrance gate, BBQ/picnic area, outdoor heated pool and shuffleboard. Click to see what’s available in the Weldon Neighborhood.
Yardley: The youngest of all Kings Point communities, Yardley offers 2 bedrooms 2 bath apartment homes with elevator buildings. Amenities include entrance gate, outdoor heated pool & cabana and shuffleboard. Click to see what’s available in the Yardley Neighborhood.
Century Village East in Deerfield Beach
Century Village East in Deerfield Beach, Florida, features 8,500 condominium homes conveniently located only a mile and a half to the beach along Hillsboro Boulevard and Military Trail. The grounds are beautifully landscaped featuring miles of walking and jogging paths, nature preserves, ponds and lakes and so much more. The community is active and vibrant catering to snowbirds and retirees that want a myriad of activities to stay busy.
A community center offers two theaters – one for movies and another for live performances. A museum has constantly rotating galleries. Classes are offered in nearly every subject imaginable. An outdoor pool features a cafe with food and beverage service. There are several floors of recreational spaces, meeting rooms, card rooms, pool halls, specialty classrooms, and so much more. Outside the community center, nearly every cluster of buildings has its own pool so residents are never farther than a few steps to a sundeck. Tennis courts are everywhere.
See the comprehensive guide to Snowbird Friendly Condos for my complete list of favorite communities
Click to see what’s available in Century Village East in Deerfield Beach
Cypress Bend Condominiums in Pompano Beach
What’s Available in Cypress Bend Condominiums
Cypress Bend is located just two miles from the beach and conveniently near recreational amenities such as movie theaters, shopping, restaurants and the Isle Casino in Pompano Beach. Cypress Bend features jogging and walking paths, tennis courts, outdoor pool and recreation building with fitness and on-site management. There is plenty of parking available for residents. Enjoy the picturesque gardens, lakes and fountains. Homes in Cypress Bend are spacious and modern and many feature in-home laundry!
See the comprehensive guide to Snowbird Friendly Condos for my complete list of favorite communities
2016 Winterfest Boat Parade Highlights
Dog parks in and around Fort Lauderdale
South Florida can be a wonderful place to share with your four legged family members. Dog parks and beaches can be found in every corner of Fort Lauderdale and the surrounding communities.
Keep in mind that along the main beach in Fort Lauderdale, there are limited areas that dogs are permitted on the beach, and when walking along the beach, dogs are restricted to the west side of the street.
Some of my favorites
Canine Corner in Pompano Beach: Along Federal Highway at 10th Street (near the large park and small airport) is a well kept park featuring separate areas for large dogs and small dogs. The park district also has several areas that can be taken offline or put into use letting parts of the park recover from excessive use – a nice feature to keep the pups out of the mud.
Snyder Park in Fort Lauderdale: On the north side of Fort Lauderdale Airport and I595 (accessible from SR84) is a sprawling park with a large dog play area and a lake that’s accessible to dogs that may enjoy a swim.
Performance Pups in Hollywood: Located on the south end of Tiger Tail Lake, Performance Pups offers a dock and beach normally used for advanced dog training but is open for play sometimes. This facility is privately owned and there’s a fee to play on the beach and use the dock.
Hurricane Matthew and preparation in Fort Lauderdale
Hello local neighbors and South Florida readers. We have an unfortunately good chance of getting at least some part of a Category 3 or 4 hurricane. South Florida will see the effects late on Wednesday and all day Thursday.
A few things:
Do not empty your pool. I don’t know where this horrible piece of advice started but if you don’t have water holding your pool down, then the groundwater will pop it up out of the ground. This is a fact. Plus, in an emergency, you can use pool water to flush your toilet.
Do not put tape on your windows. It ultimately doesn’t do enough to help and you have a big mess to scrape off the windows when they don’t get broken.
Yes, shutters or plywood is good for your windows. You do not need to get 3/4″ plywood. 1/2″ is fine, save the extra money. But if you don’t or can’t shutter your windows, stay in a room that is either on the north or west side of the house because the wind will be coming from the southeast corner. Or even better, a room that has cbs (concrete) walls or a room in the middle of the house.
If you have rechargeable batteries, charge them even if you don’t think you need them. If you have a chargeable battery for a boat, charge it. You might be able to use the battery for something. If you take prescription meds, make sure you have at least enough for a few weeks or more.
If you have pets, make sure you have their food, treats and meds for at least a couple weeks.
Do your laundry now if you have been letting the dirty clothes pile up. These minor household chores are some of the things that folks forget about.
We all know about food and water, but make sure you are prepared.
Take some cash out of the ATM. When there’s no power or internet, CASH is king. Fill the car up with gas now. Gas stations in South Florida are all required to operate with generators nowadays. However finding gas and waiting in line may not be pleasant on Thursday or Friday.
Use common sense and be as safe as possible. And let’s hope it just brushes by us. I’m rooting for the gulfstream.
For folks who wish to contact me: I will be making hurricane preparations on Tuesday, October 4.
If the storm appears to veer towards South Florida on Wednesday I will be leaving town until utilities are restored – possible remaining out of town through Sunday, October 9.
I will have access to email and telephone however I do not expect to be returning emails as frequently as I would during regular business hours.
I’ll post regular updates on my Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/bobdarow
Florida has 4 of top 10 retirement cities
From the website Wallet Hub: The financial website rated 150 U.S. cities on affordability, health care, activities and quality of life. Of 11 Fla. cities in the study, all ranked above average.
According to WalletHub, its analysts compared the affordability, quality of life, health care and availability of recreational activities in the 150 largest U.S. cities. They used a data set of 31 key metrics that ranged from “cost of living” to “public-hospital rankings” and “percentage of the 65 and older population.”
Top 10 retirement cities in the U.S.
1. Orlando
2. Tampa
3. Scottsdale, Ariz.
4. Miami
5. Sioux Falls, S.D.
6. Las Vegas
7. Cape Coral
8. Atlanta, Ga.
9. Minneapolis
10. Los Angeles
Other Florida city rankings
13. Fort Lauderdale
15. Port St. Lucie
21. St. Petersburg
26. Pembroke Pines
40. Hialeah
63. Tallahassee
68. Jacksonville
WalletHub provides an example of its rating system – individual trait rankings that, when combined, provide a total score by city:
Retirement-friendliness of Orlando (1=Best; 75=Avg.)
No. 70 – Adjusted cost of living
No. 42 – Annual cost of in-home services
No. 21 – Number of recreation & senior centers per capita
No. 19 – number of adult volunteer activities per capita
No. 27 – Emotional health
No. 43 – ‘Mild weather’ ranking
No. 1 – Number of home-care facilities per capita
For the full report, visit WalletHub’s website.