Mainlands of Tamarac Lakes

Independent Assessment

Independent sources confirm that Ken Behring built Mainlands in 18 sections between 1967 and 1977, and that Sections 9 and 10 are all-ages rather than 55+. This all-ages carve-out is a real and material fact, not a minor footnote — buyers who specifically want an age-restricted environment should confirm their target section is not 9 or 10. Reported HOA fees ($70-$200/month, sometimes cited as low as $90-$120/month) are broadly consistent with an alternate $50-$150 estimate, though the low end may be closer to $70-$90/month than $50/month in current listings; buyers should treat any published figure as approximate and confirm directly with the specific section's association.

Who May Find This Community Appealing

Buyers who want fee-simple ownership of a single-family or attached home on land they control, with one of the lowest HOA cost structures in Broward County's 55+ market, and who are comfortable handling their own exterior maintenance and insurance, are the best fit for Mainlands. It particularly suits buyers who specifically want an age-restricted community character and are willing to confirm which of the 18 sections meets that criterion.

Homes, Builders & Development History

Mainlands of Tamarac Lakes was built by developer Kenneth E. Behring between 1967 and 1977 across 18 sections, and Behring is also credited as the founding developer of the City of Tamarac, incorporated in 1963. Homes are primarily single-story, concrete block ranch-style construction, generally reported in the range of roughly 806 to 3,384 square feet, with most homes on the smaller-to-middle end of that range. No confirmed precise current total home count was found; 5,000+ is the figure most consistently reported.

Current Pricing & Market Positioning

Reported pricing for single-family homes runs from under $200,000 up to roughly $490,000, while townhome-style units are reported in the $350,000-$400,000 range. Pricing varies significantly by section, home condition, and lot type (corner lots command a premium). Buyers should request recent comparable sales for the specific section under consideration rather than relying on a community-wide range.

New Construction vs. Resale Considerations

Mainlands has been fully built out and resale-only for decades. Because homes are 49-59 years old, many require renovation — a well-maintained, updated home commands a meaningful premium over an original-condition home needing a new roof, A/C, and kitchen (a $50,000-$100,000 renovation gap is a reasonable planning assumption per market commentary, though not independently priced). A standard home inspection focused on roof age, plumbing, electrical panel condition, and A/C age is essential on any purchase here.

Taxes, Insurance & Special Assessments

Homes here are subject to Broward County and City of Tamarac real estate tax; buyers should confirm the current rate and assessed value directly with the Broward County Property Appraiser. Because homeowners carry individual insurance policies rather than a shared building master policy, premiums depend on the specific home's age, roof condition, and the buyer's chosen carrier and deductible — get a current quote before making an offer. There is no SB 4-D/SIRS exposure since these are not condominium buildings, but buyers should still budget for aging-system replacement (roof, A/C, plumbing) given the 1967-1977 construction vintage.

Community Layout & Lifestyle

Because Mainlands is 18 separately governed sections rather than one unified community, the lifestyle and social programming vary meaningfully by section — there is no single, community-wide clubhouse or professional activities department, and residents' social life centers on their specific section's clubhouse and pool. This gives Mainlands a lower-key, more neighborhood-scale character than Broward's condo mega-communities, appealing to buyers who prioritize independence and lower cost over resort-scale amenities and heavy programming.

Shopping, Healthcare & Airport Access

Mainlands sits in central Tamarac, with reasonably convenient access to the Florida Turnpike, the Sawgrass Expressway, and Commercial Boulevard shopping and services. It is not close to the coast; buyers who want beach proximity should look at east Broward communities like Leisureville or Palm Aire instead.

Age Qualification & Material Ownership Restrictions

Most of Mainlands' 18 sections are age-restricted 55+, but Sections 9 and 10 are confirmed all-ages — buyers must verify which section a specific home is in before assuming 55+ status applies. Nothing in the sources reviewed included the recorded HOPA deed language or occupancy-verification policy for any individual section's association. Buyers should confirm current HOPA certification and occupancy compliance directly with the relevant section's HOA before purchasing.

Tradeoffs & Limitations

Because Mainlands is a collection of 18 independently governed sections rather than one HOA, fees, reserve health, pet policies, and even age-restriction status vary by section — there is no single community-wide answer to most cost or rules questions. Homes are roughly 49-59 years old as of the last update and are not gated, and amenities are section-scale (a clubhouse and pool per section) rather than resort-scale. Buyers must identify and verify facts for the specific section under consideration rather than relying on a community-wide average.

Comparison With Nearby Communities

Mainlands is most directly comparable to Leisureville in Pompano Beach as an owned-land, low-HOA alternative to Broward's condo-dominated 55+ market — Mainlands sits farther west/central in Tamarac while Leisureville is closer to the coast in Pompano Beach and adds a complimentary golf course that Mainlands lacks. Compared with condo mega-communities like Wynmoor Village or Sunrise Lakes, Mainlands trades resort-scale amenities and golf for meaningfully lower monthly carrying costs and full control over home insurance and maintenance decisions.

Current Listings

A connected local agent can provide current available homes by section, confirm which sections are age-restricted versus all-ages, and identify homes that have been updated versus those needing renovation.

Is Mainlands of Tamarac Lakes age-restricted?

Most of it, yes — 16 of the community's 18 sections are age-restricted 55+. Sections 9 and 10 are confirmed all-ages. Buyers should verify which section a specific home is in before assuming 55+ status.

Who developed Mainlands of Tamarac Lakes?

Kenneth E. Behring built the community in 18 sections between 1967 and 1977. Behring is also the founding developer credited with the City of Tamarac's incorporation in 1963.

What is the HOA fee?

Reported at roughly $70-$200/month depending on section — among the lowest of any Broward 55+ community with amenities. Confirm the exact fee and coverage directly with the specific section's association.

Does Mainlands have a golf course?

No on-site golf course. Nearby communities like Leisureville include a complimentary course; Mainlands residents who golf typically use off-site clubs.