Every community that has condo units, carriage homes or coach homes has something unique and special about it. It could be the amenities, the location or the view.
Some boast of being elite golfing communities such as Crown Colony, The Legends, and Colonial Country Club. They have impressive country clubs with plenty of social activities centered around the golfing lifestyle. 
Crown Colony- Golf, Country Club, Tennis, Community Pool, Fitness Center
Others are located near the beaches and offer tremendous family friendly amenities like Laguna Lakes and Parker Lakes.
Laguna Lakes - Children's Play Area, Fitness, Tennis, Sand Volley Ball, Community Pool
Parker Lakes- Community Pool, Basketball, Fitness, Children's Play Area, Tennis, Shuffle Board
And, not all HOA and Condo Associations are created equal either. Here are some important tips to keep in mind when purchasing your condo:
1. What are the HOA and Condo Association fees? Remember, the fees are subject to adjust and change. Also, keep in mind that some charge annual special assessment fees.
Crown Colony: HOA $440.00 - Quarterly, Condo fee $1046.00 Quarterly. This includes: Cable, Insurance, Irrigation, Water, Land / Lawn Maintenance, Legal / Accounting, Pest Control External, Security, Sewer, Trash Removal
Eagle Ridge Lakes: HOA $287.50 Monthly. This includes: Irrigation, Water, Lawn / Land Maintenance, Legal / Accounting, Pest Control External, Recreation Facilities, Street Maintenance, Trash Removal, Sewer
Parker Lakes: HOA $300.00 Monthly. This includes: Fidelity Bond Insurance, Lawn / Land Maintenance, Master Association Fee is included, Repairs, Reserve, Sewer, Street Lights, Street Maintenance, Trash Removal
Eagle Ridge: HOA Fee $100.00 Annually, Condo Association Fee $895.00 Quarterly. This includes: Cable, Insurance, Lawn / Land Maintenance, Legal / Accounting, Pest Control External, Sewer, Trash Removal, Water
The Legends: Condo Fee $790.00 Quarterly, HOA fee $1250.00 Quarterly, $1100.00 One Time Special Assessment Fee. The fees include: Irrigation Water, Lawn / Land Maintenance, Legal / Accounting, Security.
2. How much extra does it cost to use the amenities. Some communities such as Crown Colony and The Legends have additional charges to have a golf and country club membership. The cost could be upwards of $40,000 depending on which community it is. Or, if you live in Eagle Ridge Lakes, you can drive down the road to Eagle Ridge and pay as you play golf. However, you are paying much less in Eagle Ridge Lakes on your HOA's than you would pay if you lived in Eagle Ridge. Two communities that are very close to each other, but with very different costs involved.
3. Consider the floor you want to live on? Top floor end units typically have higher resale value due to their vaulted ceilings, extra window, better views, and on a top floor unit no one lives above you. This means that you will not hear your neighbors walking overhead. However, the energy costs will be higher as there is more space to heat or cool down.
4. Is it a gated community or is there actually a guard at the gate taking note of visitors and guests into the community? You will pay extra to live in a community where a hired security guard actually works the gate.
5. What is the view that you would like to have? 
A lake view typically has a higher resale value than a landscaped area or a view that faces other units.
A condo is a perfect way to enjoy a Florida lifestyle for seasonal snowbirds, to annual residents because of the low-maintenance and wonderful community amenities. Have fun thinking about what features you would want and need your condo and the community it is in to have!
Check out Florida Homes for more resources on buying your new dream condo!
Crown Colony Entrance
