Info on The Reef Condos, Plz

Your memory is correct. The Reef is on a hill across the road from the beach. The Reef has it's own beach, a very nice one, by the way, but it's across the road from the condos.

This is a nice property. But the condo we looked at was on THREE levels, too much for my knees.

This is the dry side of the island. Be sure to find out what you will be paying for water.

travelwoman- their is also some other condos called Candle Reef (up the road from The Reef, heading toward C'sted, right by Carden Beach Condos). I think Candle Reef is closer to the waters edge. It is located on Green Cay. Just thought I should mention that so you do not confuse the two.

Thanks for the info. I think there is also Long Reef Condos, too.(?) Can't wait to return and look at everything again.

oh yeah your right. Forgot about that one too. Long Reef is located near the Orange Grove Shopping center right out side of C'sted heading west. Soooo confusing at times. When I did my research before I went on my pmv, I got a map and wrote every condo down and when I drove to them I knew exactly where they were. Saved alot of time backtracking and getting lost on STX.

There is as much difference between The Reef condos and Long Reef as between a new car, and second hand. You'll just have to see for yourself, but if you like what you saw by driving by the Reef, you won't even stop to look at Long Reef.
We didn't choose to buy there, only because as they do have a nice view of the ocean, they are 1/2 mile away. If you play golf, you might like them. Also it is on the dryier side as has been pointed out.

The Reef Condos are located at the far east end of St. Croix. They are within a 9-hole golf course and secure within its gated grounds. The condos are built up a hillside with great views of the Caribbean and Buck Island, plus STT, STJ and the BVI's on clear days.

There are 1 BDR and 2 BDR unit at The Reef. The current listings range from $91K to $165K, although the 2 BDR have been priced up to $213 recently. Due to the hillside construction, all the units are multi-level (either 2 or 3), which means LOTS of internal and external stairs. They aren't ideal for anyone with physical disabilities or the elderly who might develop such infirmities. If you seek to purchase a property to live in part time and rent out when you are away, keep in mind that you limit your potential tenants if you select a condo with lots of stairs.

The units have brick floors through most of the condo with ceramic tiles in some areas. Most of the units that have come on the market need some refurbishment and new appliances. They all have LOTS of windows, all with hurricane shutters. If you open a few windows, you get a great breeze and a dramatic view. There are cute internal courtyards off the kitchen, as well as a round, front courtyard near each entrance. There are stackable washer/dryer units in most of the condos. The condo fees/insurance for the 2 BDR units is around $800/month. The water fee is $.07/gallon (the highest of any condos I have seen).

This is a very upscale part of the island and does have local services nearby, including an ocean front restaurant called Duggan's Reef and a convenience store/deli/liquor store/video rental shop called Case Place. The closest gas would be a few miles away at the Solitude Store, immediately west of Cotton Valley.

This location is about as remote as you can get from most job opportunities and might be a factor to consider if you intend to work on the island. Compared to where most of us moved here from, it doesn't seem like much of a commute.... but once people get here, they get spoiled quickly and complain about driving "clear to the other end of the island", even though the island is less than 28 miles long.

There are positives and negatives, as with most properties. If you would like me to send you a link to current listings at the complex, email me privately and I'll forward it to you ASAP.

If you have questions about other complexes, just ask. I wish you the best of luck with your upcoming move and hope you will be very happy here on STX. It is a great place.

The design of the Reef feels very contemporary even though the units are 30+ years old. The units are layed out so everyone has a maxium amount of privacy and all units have great ocean and Buck Island views. They are more like town homes than a traditional condo apartment. There are fifty one bedroom and fifty one two bedroom units. All units have two outdoor living areas.

The grounds are very spacious with lots of open areas including the golg course and driving range. Only half the units planned were ever built

Most of the units are only occupied on a seasonal basis. Some of the units are rented, but the majority of the units are not.

While there are stairs in the units the Reef attracts a large number of owners in their 60s & 70s. The units are built on a split level. In the two bedroom units the living room, dinning area and kitchen are on the main level, the master bedroom is on the upper level and the second bedroom is on the lower level. The one bedroom units are more of a loft style with the bedroom being on a large loft over the downstairs areas. If you can't climb stairs or want everything on a single level the Reef isn't for you.

Maintenance of the exteriors and the grounds is performed by the on site staff. Management is professional and the Reef's board and its committes are active. The association's finances are in good shape with cash reserves to cover any storm damage and fund capital improvements. The association has property insurance on the units and it accounts for approximately 25% of the monthly fee.

Some of the units interiors have been upgraded more recently than others. Last year one of the recently renovated units was on the STX home tour. Interior condition and furnishings dictates most of the market price differences.

In addition to the Reef's beach there is a lovely tiled pool with fantastic down island views. Great place to have a rum punch and enjoy the sunsets. There are also tennis courts on site.

While the beach is across the road next to Duggans many people feel more comfortable not living right on the water. Hurricanes are frigtening enough without having to worry about a storm surge. Besides you should see the view from the units higher up on the hill. The breezes are also better the higher you go.

The Reef is seven miles from downtown Christiansted. Nearby are Duggans, the STX Yacht Club and the casino. Cheeseburgers in Paradise isn't that far either. You can be to Gallows bay for shopping in twenty minutes.

The residents of the Reef are great and there is a very active social life during the Nov - May season. Some of the people have been visiting the Reef for over twenty years.

Hope this helps. If you want more information send a private e-mail and I will send you some links to Reef specific web sites.

Jim

Thank you all! This info is veeery helpful.

Thanks Jim, we looked at a two bedroom unit last year We loved it . this is one place we are considering buying at when we move next year the other being at coakley Bay . they both have thier advantages adn disadvantages buit remain high on our list. the Reef have a certain charm to them adn the only problem I saw was the shape of the room large triangles with narrow points in the one corner or the living room and the two bed rooms but great view right on the greens of one of the holes we loved it