• Menu
  • Home
  • About
  • Contact
    • Instant Home Value
    • Market Snapshot
    • Robert’s buyer presentation online
  • Fort Lauderdale
  • Property Pages
  • Featured Partners
  • Blog

Sunshine Guru

Robert Darrow, Broker Associate

  • Menu
  • Home
  • Home Value
  • Development
  • Areas
    • Aventura
    • Coconut Creek
    • Cooper City
    • Coral Springs
    • Dania Beach
    • Deerfield Beach
    • Fort Lauderdale
      • Fort Lauderdale – Coral Ridge
      • Fort Lauderdale – Coral Ridge Country Club
      • Fort Lauderdale – Coral Ridge Isles and Coral Heights
      • Fort Lauderdale – Harbor Beach
      • Fort Lauderdale – Harbordale
      • Fort Lauderdale – Middle River Terrace
      • Fort Lauderdale – North Andrews Gardens
      • Fort Lauderdale – Rio Vista
      • Fort Lauderdale – Tarpon River
      • Fort Lauderdale – Victoria Park
      • Fort Lauderdale – Las Olas Isles, Seven Isles, East Fort Lauderdale Isles
    • Hallandale Beach
    • Hollywood
    • Imperial Point
    • Lauderdale by the Sea
    • Lauderdale Lakes
    • Lauderhill
    • Lighthouse Point
    • North Lauderdale
    • Oakland Park
    • Palm Aire in Pompano Beach
    • Pembroke Pines
    • Plantation
    • Pompano Beach
    • Sunrise
    • Tamarac
    • Weston
    • Wilton Manors
  • Schools
  • 55+

Comfortable condo for an LGBT buyer in Fort Lauderdale, Wilton Manors or perhaps Miami?

A new client of mine wrote in today to ask…

“I’m looking  to consult with a local agent in fort Lauderdale area for a potential investment property or vacation home.  For us the most important search criteria is location.  I know years ago, Wilton Manors was a good area to invest and live in for the LGBT community, is this still the case?  Are there any other neighborhoods that we should be considering?

We are debating between investing in Miami or Fort Lauderdale.  What are your thoughts pros and cons for each market if you are familiar with both?

Here is our search criteria

  • 1-2 bedroom(s) condo
  • At least 1.5 bath
  • HOA fees less than $400/monthly depending on amenities could pay more
  • LGBT neighborhood preferred or central location in metro FLL or close to beach
  • Must include Parking and pool
  • Max price -$300k
So here’s the deal in South Florida.  This is going to hold especially true for southern Broward County and into Miami-Dade.

A tale of Two Markets

The single family home market is healthy and vibrant.   In fact, it’s overheated.   Prices are increasing.   Demand is strong.   Broward is an economic engine – not just a vacation destination – and demand for family homes in good school districts is strong.
The condo market is the opposite.  Several agents mentioned Dave Gervase.  Dave lives in Hollywood and serves greater Broward, but he is willing to work further south than I do.   From Hollywood, down into Hallandale, Sunny Isles and Miami, the condo market is struggling.   New development is over-built.  Developers are scrambling to convert properties already out-of-the-ground into apartments.   Seriously scary shit.
Me and the husband (Condo Guru Steve West) settled in Oakland Park (which may as well be Fort Lauderdale) on the north east side.  We are 8 minutes to Wilton Manors, too.   So I am biased.   I’ll push you towards Fort Lauderdale (including Wilton Manors and Oakland Park) because I think it’s the most gay-friendly, relaxed, amazing place to live.
However Fort Lauderdale is a “Tween.”    What I mean is that the only reason it exists is because it was a whistle stop on the way south to Miami from the Treasure Coast.   So your North Easterners with money will choose West Palm Beach and the Treasure Coast.
Folks who want an international destination with the feel of a big city will choose Miami.
The rest of us think that Fort Lauderdale is “Just Right.”    It’s a bit more quiet.   It’s not as homogeneous as West Palm Beach.    And after the heyday of Spring Break (which BTW is still going strong) gays and lesbians moved in and fixed the place up.
As far as what you can get?    I had a fellow agent from Michigan purchase a condo in Pompano Beach for under $100,000.   Pompano Beach is farther from Wilton Manors, of course.  But Michael and Karl got a 2 bedroom, 2 bath, only a mile to the beach off Atlantic Boulevard, in a community with a pool, near restaurants and bars.  The condo itself was gorgeous.   The community was on the more basic end of the scale.  They won’t lose money, however.  Ever.
NOTE:   You can NOT Air BNB in most condos.  You probably can use your condo as an annual rental.    Read this:https://sunshineguru.com/2017/05/18/can-i-use-my-condo-in-south-florida-as-a-short-term-rental-or-vacation-rental-by-owner/
$300,000 will almost get you a whole house.   Clients Ed and Jeff close on a house in Oakland Park next week for $330,000.   It’s a 2 bed, 2 bath, full 2 car garage, and a pool overlooking a canal.    $300,000 will comfortably get you a townhome, almost new townhome in Pompano.   A 1970’s or 1980’s townhome in Wilton Manors.   Easily a condo.   And if you’re near the gayborhood, you’re less susceptible to the vagaries of the market that are plaguing the beachfront in Miami-Dade.
NOTE:   You can easily use a townhome or a house as an Air BNB.   Heck, I have a pocket listing duplex that would allow you to keep one, and AIR BnB the other.   The various villages have inspection and registration requirements.   For example, a vacation rental needs a $500 inspection and registration in Fort Lauderdale.  On the other hand, Oakland Park is a free-for-all.   Similar for Wilton Manors.
Last but not least:   You should feel comfortable anyplace in Broward.  Just a matter of style of community depending on where you are.   You don’t have to be right inside Wilton Manors.   I have uber-business lesbians out in Coral Springs because that’s where the good schools are located.  There’s a young vibrant gay community in Boca Raton because of several universities.   Oakland Park seems to be “Where The Bears Are.”

Posted in: Fort Lauderdale, Gay Life, Guides, Investments, Live The Dream, Living in South Florida, Oakland Park, Wilton Manors

What should we do this weekend in Fort Lauderdale?

Here’s my rundown of fun stuff in Fort Lauderdale this weekend…

 

CharliesRiseNRide

Charlie’s Rise N Ride (Bike Ride)

Meet up is at 7:15am
We leave promptly at 7:30am.

JOIN us for our weekly Charlie’s Rise and Ride. Weekends go better when they start off in the saddle.

We leave from the north east part of Broward? Join us Sat morning at the Duffy’s Diner at the corner of Cypress Creek Rd and Dixie Hwy where we will head to the beach and go north for a round trip ride of approx 30 miles and a nice pace of about 15+ mph. We stay together as a group.

Stay with us after the ride for breakfast. We have a nice place to have a cup of coffee or to grab a bite and to safely store your bike.

Pedals turn at 7:30 AM

 

Bowling4Hunger

 

 

Bowling to Fight Hunger   (Note: bowling spots all filled. You’re welcome to join & enjoy)

Welcome to the Hunger Fighting Zone. Thank you for your commitment to fighting hunger in our community. By participating in “Bowling to Fight Hunger”, you’re making a direct impact in the lives of youth, women and men living with HIV / AIDS who are not able to buy adequate food and nutrition.

“Bowling to Fight Hunger” is Poverello’s longest running charity event. To date, over 1 million dollars have been raised to fight hunger through our annual bowl-a-thon.

All proceeds from Bowling to Fight Hunger go to help Poverello provide life-saving food and basic life essentials to youth, women, and men living with HIV / AIDS and who are at poverty level and below.

– My goal is $500 so please help donate to this worthy cause herehttps://www.poverello.org/portal/open-fundraisers-secure?PFR=39

 

PrideCenterRaceRide

 

 

THE COMMUNITY CARE RACE AND RIDE TO BENEFIT POVERELLO CENTER. 

In the tradition of the ChristmasChanukahKwanzaCrank and the Spring Fling Cha-Ching, the RiSKi AC presents a mid-summers second saturday eve charity bike race and ride.

For over 25 years, the Poverello Center in Wilton Manors has provided life-saving food and basic life essentials with the highest degree of understanding, respect and love to almost 2500 youth, women and men living with HIV/AIDS and other chronic illnesses, at or below the poverty level. On August 9, 2014, at 4:00 PM, the RiSKi AC will host the Second Annual Community Care Race and Ride, a scavenger hunt ride and race through the streets of Fort Lauderdale, to support the Poverello Center. 

Anticipated cost of donations per rider: $20.00.

Free parking available at The Pride Center at Equality Park, 2040 N Dixie Hwy Wilton Manors, FL 33305.

Post-ride/race food and festivities: to be announced. 

 

 

 

 

 

FL-violin.jpg_FLBroadsheet_03-23-2014_PN_1_KD6GIF8O.jpg

 

Symphony of the Americas Summerfest

Sat., Aug. 9, 8 p.m.

201 SW Fifth Ave.
Broward Center for the Performing Arts

$25-$60 | 954-462-0222

The 23rd annual classical culture exchange this year features the Mission Chamber Orchestra of Rome. Formed six years ago, the acclaimed European ensemble is led by composer/conductor/pianist Lorenzo Turchis-Floris.

 

 

 

15thStreetFisheries

Summer Waterfront Tasting at 15th Street Fisheries

Thu., Aug. 7, 5 p.m. – Ongoing | More dates

1900 SE 15th St.
15th Street Fisheries & Dockside Cafe

Sample a variety of the chef’s culinary creations at an affordable price. The menu, which includes three courses, changes nightly and is served in the upstairs dining room.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Posted in: Diversions, Fort Lauderdale, Live The Dream, Recreation, Wilton Manors

Stonewall Pride in Wilton Manors this weekend, June 21 & 22

Stonewall Pride

Fort Lauderdale’s social scene will be focused on Stonewall Pride weekend in Wilton Manors this weekend.     The festivities kick off Saturday on Wilton Drive in Wilton Manors around noon, and the Pride Parade kicks off on Saturday at 7:00 pm.   The parade will travel along Wilton Drive from the High School on the south end of the drive and head north/east towards Five Corners.   You can view the parade anywhere along Wilton Drive. There will also be bleacher seating available at various locations up and down the drive.

Pride with KenLive music and entertainment will be playing throughout the day with a main stage right in front of the Shoppes Of Wilton Manors on the drive.    And of course all the bars and restaurants will have outdoor facilities set up to encourage any additional festivities.

The annual contest for the best parade entries is sure to spark some competition again this year. There are two prize categories, the “Over the Top, Grand Prize Float” prize will be presented to the float with the best decorations, music and enthusiasm. The second prize category is “Best Walking Group” will be judged on the the best overall concept and visual appeal.

At the end of the evening the bars should be rocking until the last patron is tossed back onto the drive.

 

Posted in: Diversions, Gay Life, Wilton Manors

Wilton Manors Townhomes & Condos

When they say “Put ‘em all on an island….” Wilton Manors residents usually reply that they’re already there! The US Census has noted that the village on Wilton Manors is the second gayest city in the US, with 140 same-sex couples per 1,000 residents.

Wilton Manors is sandwiched (wink) between Provincetown, Mass, and Palm Springs, California.

The village is literally an island city, surrounded on all sides by Fort Lauderdale or Oakland Park. Although the population is only about 12,000 residents, Wilton Manors enjoys its proximity and the crowds that visit Fort Lauderdale and surrounding communities.

[impress_property_showcase property_type=”savedlinks” saved_link_id=”5393″ agent_id=”” show_image=”1″ use_rows=”1″ num_per_row=”4″ max=”52″ order=”default” styles=”1″ new_window=”0″ ] [impress_property_showcase property_type=”savedlinks” saved_link_id=”5394″ agent_id=”” show_image=”1″ use_rows=”1″ num_per_row=”4″ max=”52″ order=”default” styles=”1″ new_window=”0″ ]

Posted in: Listings, Live The Dream, Wilton Manors

Wilton Manors Single Family Homes

When they say “Put ’em all on an island….” Wilton Manors residents usually reply that they’re already there! The US Census has noted that the village on Wilton Manors is the second gayest city in the US, with 140 same-sex couples per 1,000 residents.

Wilton Manors is sandwiched (wink) between Provincetown, Mass, and Palm Springs, California.

The village is literally an island city, surrounded on all sides by Fort Lauderdale or Oakland Park. Although the population is only about 12,000 residents, Wilton Manors enjoys its proximity and the crowds that visit Fort Lauderdale and surrounding communities.

[impress_property_showcase property_type=”savedlinks” saved_link_id=”5359″ agent_id=”” show_image=”1″ use_rows=”1″ num_per_row=”4″ max=”52″ order=”default” styles=”1″ new_window=”0″ ]

Posted in: Listings, Live The Dream, Wilton Manors

Robert Darrow

Robert Darrow your Sunshine Guru

Keller Williams Realty
3696 N. Federal Highway
Ft. Lauderdale, FL, 33308
(954) 446-9001

Contact the team

View Robert Darrow's profile on LinkedIn

Real Estate Resources

  • Broward County Property Appraiser
  • Broward County Recorder's Office
  • Miami Dade Property Appraiser
  • Miami Dade Recorder of Deeds

Single Family Homes in:

  • Fort Lauderdale $1-million & up
  • Fort Lauderdale $100,000-$250,000
  • Fort Lauderdale $250,000 to $600,000
  • Fort Lauderdale $600,000 to $1-million
  • Oakland Park
  • Victoria Park over $1-million
  • Victoria Park up to $1-million
  • Weston $1.2-million & up
  • Weston $300,000-$700,000
  • Weston $700,000-$1.2-million
  • Wilton Manors

Townhomes & Condo's in:

  • Fort Lauderdale $1-million & up
  • Fort Lauderdale $100,000-$250,000
  • Fort Lauderdale $250,000-$600,000
  • Fort Lauderdale $600,000-$1-million
  • Oakland Park
  • Victoria Park over $1-million
  • Victoria Park up to $1-million
  • Weston
  • Wilton Manors
Client Reviews
2931372
"Bob was truly a pleasure to work with. We didn't have good luck with our previous realtor and with this being our first home we were buying we were ... more "
5.0/5.0
by bruiserboi7
2774807
"Robert did an excellent job listing and selling my condo. He was efficient, friendly, and professional at all times. This is one of the few times ... more "
5.0/5.0
by jjmagdic
2708728
"Robert is the absolute perfect realtor. He visited the condo, took photos, then, consulting us, arrived at a price. He aggressively marketed online ... more "
5.0/5.0
by brod307
© 2025 · Equity Framework
Log in
Manage Cookie Consent
To provide the best experiences, we use technologies like cookies to store and/or access device information. Consenting to these technologies will allow us to process data such as browsing behavior or unique IDs on this site. Not consenting or withdrawing consent, may adversely affect certain features and functions.
Functional Always active
The technical storage or access is strictly necessary for the legitimate purpose of enabling the use of a specific service explicitly requested by the subscriber or user, or for the sole purpose of carrying out the transmission of a communication over an electronic communications network.
Preferences
The technical storage or access is necessary for the legitimate purpose of storing preferences that are not requested by the subscriber or user.
Statistics
The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for statistical purposes. The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for anonymous statistical purposes. Without a subpoena, voluntary compliance on the part of your Internet Service Provider, or additional records from a third party, information stored or retrieved for this purpose alone cannot usually be used to identify you.
Marketing
The technical storage or access is required to create user profiles to send advertising, or to track the user on a website or across several websites for similar marketing purposes.
Manage options Manage services Manage {vendor_count} vendors Read more about these purposes
View preferences
{title} {title} {title}
 

Loading Comments...