Sunrise Lakes

Independent Assessment

Sunrise Lakes is larger than some descriptions suggest: some sources describe 'four phases' totaling '2,400+ condos,' but independent research found the community is organized into five phases (not four), and Phase 3 alone is reported at over 3,000 units across 93 buildings. Aggregate sources describing the community as a whole cite 'just over 8,000 units' across the five phases, which is more directionally accurate than the lower figure, though a precise total could not be independently verified from a single authoritative source, so the total is presented as a wide, unresolved range (roughly 5,000-8,000+). The reported HOA fee ranges for Phases 1 and 2 are roughly $285-$650/month. The claim of an NBC6-covered special-assessment protest at Phase 2 in August 2023 could not be independently corroborated and is treated as unconfirmed pending direct verification.

Who May Find This Community Appealing

Buyers who want a large, well-established 55+ condo community with genuine golf access (Phases 3 and 4) in a central Broward location near Sawgrass Mills, and who are prepared to do phase-specific and building-specific due diligence rather than relying on a single community-wide reputation, are the best fit for Sunrise Lakes.

Homes, Builders & Development History

Sunrise Lakes was built across five phases between 1971 and 1997: Phase 1 (1971-1978, 1,150+ units), Phase 2 (1975-1985, 900 units), Phase 3 (1978-1990, 3,000+ units across 93 buildings, with a 9-hole golf course), Phase 4 (1985-1997, with a 9-hole golf course, split into multiple sub-associations), and Phase 5 (established as a condominium association in 1974). The original developer was not independently confirmed and a definitive total unit count could not be reconciled, which likely falls somewhere between 5,000 and 8,000+ depending on which phases and sub-associations are counted.

Current Pricing & Market Positioning

Reported pricing runs roughly $80,000-$230,000, positioning Sunrise Lakes as one of the more affordable large 55+ communities in Broward County, comparable to Oriole Gardens and Mainlands of Tamarac Lakes on the low end. Pricing and value vary significantly by phase — Phase 4, with newer construction and lower reported HOA fees, is generally positioned as the better value within the community per market commentary, though a phase-by-phase price breakdown was not independently verified.

New Construction vs. Resale Considerations

Sunrise Lakes is fully built out and resale-only across all five phases. Phase 1's buildings (1971-1978) are the oldest and warrant the closest scrutiny of roof, plumbing, and electrical condition along with SIRS/milestone-inspection status; Phase 4's newer buildings (1985-1997) carry comparatively lower structural risk per market commentary, though phase-by-phase inspection outcomes were not independently verified.

Taxes, Insurance & Special Assessments

Homes here are subject to Broward County and City of Sunrise real estate tax; buyers should confirm the current rate and assessed value directly with the Broward County Property Appraiser. Given the wide construction-date range (1971-1997) across phases, buyers should specifically request the building's current SIRS status, most recent milestone/40-year inspection results, and any pending or recently completed special assessments — a reported 2023 NBC6-covered special-assessment protest at Phase 2 could not be independently confirmed, and buyers should verify that claim, along with current assessment history, directly with the Phase 2 association.

Golf

Phases 3 and 4 each include a 9-hole golf course threading through the community, providing both a recreational amenity and golf-course views for many units in those phases. Current course-maintenance condition and whether resident play is complimentary or fee-based could not be independently confirmed; buyers who golf regularly should verify directly, and should confirm that a specific unit is actually within Phase 3 or 4 rather than Phase 1, 2, or 5, which have no on-site golf.

Community Layout & Lifestyle

Sunrise Lakes' amenity scale is substantial for a Broward 55+ community, with a large main clubhouse (reported at roughly 34,000 sq ft) supplementing numerous satellite pools distributed across the five phases. The community's central Sunrise location near Sawgrass Mills and the Panthers' arena gives residents strong access to shopping and entertainment beyond the community's own facilities, appealing to buyers who want an active off-site lifestyle in addition to on-site amenities.

Shopping, Healthcare & Airport Access

Sunrise Lakes sits in the city of Sunrise, minutes from Sawgrass Mills (one of the largest outlet malls in the country) and the Amerant Bank Arena, with Sawgrass Expressway access for north-south travel and I-595 for east-west access to Fort Lauderdale (roughly 20 minutes) and I-75. Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport is under 15 miles east.

Age Qualification & Material Ownership Restrictions

Sunrise Lakes is consistently and independently reported as an age-restricted 55+ community across all phases, with at least one phase's own HOA website explicitly confirming the requirement that at least one resident be 55 or older. The recorded HOPA deed language for every phase was not independently confirmed. Buyers should confirm current HOPA certification and occupancy compliance directly with the specific phase's HOA before purchasing.

Tradeoffs & Limitations

Because Sunrise Lakes is five operationally independent phases rather than one HOA, financial health, reserve funding, and fee levels vary meaningfully between phases and even between buildings within a phase — there is no single reliable community-wide answer to cost or condition questions. Phase 1 buildings are the oldest (1971-1978) and carry the most structural-inspection scrutiny under Florida's SB 4-D requirements; Phase 2 has been the subject of reported (though not independently confirmed) resident concern over assessments. Buyers should request phase- and building-specific reserve studies and inspection results rather than assuming a single figure applies community-wide.

Comparison With Nearby Communities

Sunrise Lakes' scale and golf access position it between Broward's smaller, single-HOA 55+ communities (like Oriole Golf & Tennis Club) and its largest mega-communities (like Century Village Pembroke Pines or Wynmoor Village), while its central Sunrise location near Sawgrass Mills offers shopping and entertainment access that more residential-only communities in Tamarac or Margate cannot match. Buyers weighing Sunrise Lakes against Mainlands of Tamarac Lakes should note the fundamental ownership-structure difference: Sunrise Lakes is condominium ownership with SB 4-D exposure across all phases, while Mainlands is fee-simple single-family/attached ownership with no condominium structural-reserve requirements.

Current Listings

A connected local agent can provide current available units by phase, recent comparable sales, and each phase's current HOA fee, reserve status, and inspection history — information that varies enough between phases to materially affect a purchase decision.

How many phases does Sunrise Lakes have?

Five — Phases 1 through 5, each with its own condo association(s). Some descriptions list only four phases, but a fifth phase, established in 1974, also exists.

How many total units are in Sunrise Lakes?

Sources conflict significantly: some cite approximately 2,400+, while independent aggregate sources describe just over 8,000 units across the five phases (and Phase 3 alone is reported at over 3,000 units). The exact figure could not be resolved and is presented as a wide, unconfirmed range.

Does Sunrise Lakes have golf?

Yes, in Phases 3 and 4 only — each has a 9-hole golf course. Phases 1, 2, and 5 do not have on-site golf.

Is Sunrise Lakes age-restricted?

Yes — it is consistently reported as age-restricted 55+ across all phases. The recorded HOPA deed language for every phase was not independently confirmed, so buyers should confirm current certification with the specific phase's HOA.