How's The Drake Condos? (Wilton Manors: HOA fees, purchasing, living)

[jameswritzus]

I am thinking about purchasing a condo at The Drake in Wilton Manors or in phase 4 of Manor Grove condos ( they are basically beside each other.)
Any comments on what the condos are like...i.e. stability of the HOA, if people ar freindly etc.
I am also concerned about financing...I have been preapproved with 25%+ down payment. This is going to be used as a winter place for two months a year.
Open to hear the good, bad,ugly about the area and condos.
Thanks
J.

[kpaige13]

I live in Manor Grove Phase IV, just bought a condo there a couple of months ago. I bought mine cash, so I don't know about financing. Right now the HOA fees are a little less than $300 a month, but that may go up because we just voted on whether or not to have reserves in the future (right now there are no reserves), and I haven't heard the verdict yet. So far, I like living here, people are friendly, watch out for each other, and its nice and quiet. They keep the common areas very clean, and seem to socialize well. And you can walk to Wilton Drive, which is great.

I've never been in the Drake, I know the units are a little smaller than Manor Grove, but otherwise have no info.

[jameswritzus]

I checked out one unit in phase 4 and the common areas were impressively clean and maintained.
There was a good feel about it. I would want a back unit and not one facing the parking lot. I was concerned about the lack of reserves, in Rhode Island that is unheard of.I think that may stop financing there.
The unit prices are all over the place...saw one for $89k then another for $119K which I am thinking is far from reality. Thanks for your input.
J.