Lakes of Carriage Hills

Independent Assessment

Lakes of Carriage Hills' core facts were independently confirmed: 520 condo units developed by Oriole Homes between 1980 and 2008, organized in 12 three-story buildings with elevator access, and an association-governed, age-restricted community with HOPA requirements. Some descriptions characterize the community more generally as '500+ homes' with both condo and villa-style attached homes; independent sourcing specifically describes the community as entirely condominium units rather than a condo/villa mix, and the condo-only description is treated as better supported given it comes with a specific unit count and building configuration, while the villa-mix claim remains unconfirmed.

Who May Find This Community Appealing

Buyers who want a smaller, more contained 55+ condo community in central Tamarac — with lake views, elevator-access buildings, and a maintenance-free lifestyle — but without Kings Point's scale and higher-end fee variance, are the best fit for Lakes of Carriage Hills. It particularly suits buyers prioritizing straightforward, moderate HOA costs over an extensive resort-style amenity program.

Homes, Builders & Development History

Lakes of Carriage Hills was developed by Oriole Homes in phases from 1980 through 2008, ultimately comprising 520 condominium units across 12 three-story buildings with elevator access. Units are reported to range from roughly 1,000 to 1,350 square feet, generally two-bedroom, two-bathroom layouts with in-unit laundry/storage and screened balconies.

Current Pricing & Market Positioning

Reported pricing runs roughly from $90,000 to $200,000, with a recent average sale price cited around $147,500 (roughly $116 per square foot). This positions Lakes of Carriage Hills as one of the more affordable condo-based 55+ communities in Tamarac, generally below Kings Point's average sale price and comparable to or below Century Village Pembroke Pines' entry-level pricing.

New Construction vs. Resale Considerations

Lakes of Carriage Hills is fully built out and resale-only; buyers should expect no builder warranty and should budget for a standard inspection. Because the community's 12 buildings were developed over nearly three decades, confirming the specific building's age, reserve study, and any SIRS findings is especially important here.

Taxes, Insurance & Special Assessments

Homes here are subject to Broward County real estate tax; buyers should confirm the current millage rate and assessed value directly with the Broward County Property Appraiser for the specific unit. Given the community's buildings were developed over a long 1980-2008 span, buyers should request the specific building's SIRS status, reserve-fund balance, and master insurance declarations, consistent with Florida's post-Surfside structural reserve requirements for condo buildings three stories and taller.

Community Layout & Lifestyle

Lakes of Carriage Hills' character is shaped by its series of connected ponds and lakes, with walking paths and pedestrian bridges giving the community a distinct landscaped feel relative to more built-up Broward condo developments. The clubhouse anchors a moderate activities calendar (bingo, cards, potlucks) typical of a mid-sized, resident-run community rather than a professionally staffed mega-community program.

Shopping, Healthcare & Airport Access

Lakes of Carriage Hills sits in the northeast section of Tamarac, in central Broward County, near the city's other major 55+ communities (Kings Point and Mainlands of Tamarac). Drive times to area highways, hospitals, and shopping have not been independently measured; buyers should confirm current travel times directly.

Age Qualification & Material Ownership Restrictions

Lakes of Carriage Hills is independently described as an age-restricted 55+ community with HOPA/association age requirements. The recorded HOPA deed language and the current age-verification procedure were not independently found; buyers should confirm current certification and occupancy-compliance requirements directly with the condominium association before purchasing.

Tradeoffs & Limitations

As a smaller community (520 units versus Kings Point's 4,869), Lakes of Carriage Hills offers a more limited resale buyer pool and a less extensive activities calendar than Broward's mega-communities. Its buildings, developed over a long 1980-2008 span, likely vary in age and structural-reserve exposure depending on phase; SIRS status for any specific building has not been independently confirmed. The community is reported to have notably strict financial qualification requirements (income, down payment, and credit score minimums) that buyers should confirm directly, since these can affect financing options.

Comparison With Nearby Communities

Within Tamarac, Lakes of Carriage Hills sits between Kings Point's much larger scale and broader home-type mix and a typical single-family HOA in terms of both cost and amenity scope — its roughly $400/month HOA and moderate amenity package position it as a lower-key, more contained alternative to Kings Point's resort-scale programming and higher-end condo fees. It is also broadly comparable in price and condo-only structure to Century Village Pembroke Pines' more affordable unit tiers, though at a far smaller community scale.

Current Listings

A connected local agent can provide current available units, recent comparable sales, and the current HOA fee, reserve status, and financing qualification requirements.

Is Lakes of Carriage Hills age-restricted?

Yes — it is independently described as an age-restricted 55+ community with HOPA/association age requirements. Confirm current age-verification procedures directly with the association.

Does the community include villas as well as condos?

Sources differ. The most specific independent source describes the community as 520 condo units in 12 three-story buildings; some secondary sources describe a broader condo-and-villa mix. The condo-only description is treated as better supported but is flagged for direct verification.

How much does the HOA cost?

Reported at approximately $400/month, covering cable, building maintenance, insurance, and amenities. Confirm the current fee directly with the association.

Are there strict financial requirements to buy here?

Yes, according to reported association requirements — a 20% down payment, minimum annual income around $40,000, and a minimum credit score around 625 have been cited. Confirm current requirements directly, as these can affect financing options.