need info about condos in Condo Row - for islanders

oh, I forgot, these condos are in St Croix. Any input would be greatly appreciated.

Neither one is on "condo row".
Long Reef is inland a little way, behind a shopping center.
With any condo or house, look at it before buying! A photo can be very decieving.

Terry,

Thanks for your reply. I have one more question, I see that several agents have pictures of Long Reef, actually the same picture, if you have a chance/time and wouldn't mind giving me the 411, I'd appreciate it.

Thanks

Better to get advice from folks who llive fulltime on the island. We are snowbirds for many years who looked for four years before buying a property a few months ago.

However I can say a few things since we considered buying at Carlton. It seemed the most affordable condo during a time when condo prices were apparently rapidly increasing and becoming in shorter supply. We found a pair of 1BRs for sale by owner for $140,000! - but are told the prices since then are significantly higher.

Carlton has plus and minuses, and agree that you should see before buying.

Pluses for us were West End location (which we definitely wanted), interesting neighbors (apparently a mix of snowbirds, relocated mainlanders, a few locals, mixture of renters and owners, some who had lived there a very very long time), nice grounds and interesting architecture, seemed solid as a fortress (said that after Hugo, was the only place on the island with water and electricity immediately), built as part of a luxury hotel (signs of good construction from that time period), looked like good security. Some aspects to consider, the well-liked manager of many years is elderly, the "apartments" are actually combinations of 2 or more luxury hotel rooms, so the layouts are a bit odd, not walking distance to beach we liked, very high fence around the property (I suppose some might like that - LOL).

When we found the house we ultimately bought (we only considered condos after not finding a two-unit house we liked after years of looking), we gave our lead to the owner (a retired lady who really knew the island well, lived there most of her life). She was delighted, bought them immediately and has seen them appreciate in a very short time.

I hope that helps. Everyone looks for different things in a home, so I tried to share some of my "subjectivity" too about our criteria.
- Joanna

What is a 411?
I suggest that you contact Alexandra. She is a poster on the board, and a great realator. She can give you more info.
All I know about thoes condo, is when we were looking, we did a "drive by". They were not what we were looking for in the way of a condo.

Long Reef Condos are convenient to all the amenities of Christiansted- 5-10 min walk to Pueblo, drugstore, Banks, Subway, KFC, McDonalds. Hurricane insurance is included with condo fees. Carlton condos do not have hurricane insurance included with the condo fee. Have you looked into Bay Garden Condos next door to Long Reef. They were both built at the same time and are similar interiors but Long Reef has better landscaping and pool IMO Bay Garden offers better value for money. Both Long Reef and Bay Garden Condos are small. Studios are abt 425 sq ft and 1 BRs about 600 sq ft--- translation: about the size of a 2 car garage back on the mainland.. With both you've got a view of CSted harbour (and WAPA). The good thing about life on the island is you do a lot of outdoor living. I'm off to the beach right now myself.

I'd like to thank everyone for the information given.

*Iguana - I think that was a focal point in Long Reef, is the view of the water, insurance included, close to amenities. I would only be there part-time, and then the other time on the mainland.

I know you kinda get what you pay for, but, I am not used to hurricanes or tornadoes, so I would definitely be off the island, I believe hurricane season is June-November.

The condos on the beach (beachfront) the monthly condo/insurance fees are just too expensive.

Yes, it's nice to own beachfront, but, the timing is not right for buying beachfront.

Another question,

How far is the Golden Rock Shopping Center or Orange Grove Shopping Center to Long Reef?

Thanks

walking distance to both, plus walking distance to most necessities

Thanks jnr home,

is it safe to walk in these areas? I ask this because some of the realtors and some islanders try to steer me away from living anywhere near the locals.

Of course, I would use common sense and not walk alone while it's dark. But for the most part, is it safe?

Thanks

Long Reef , Golden Rock etc are rather close to a not very safe housing project so strolling around after dark, might not be so smart.

I live in the Orange Grove area and walk to Pueblo, Food Town and the Post Office in Richmond quite often. I have never been approached or had a problem. You just use common sense. Walk like you know where you are going, don't wear a lot of flashy jewelry or carry a lot of money, and yes, I don't walk at night. And always say "Good morning" or "Good afternoon" to any one you pass. I can be in a bad mood and that will quickly change just by that easy salutation. I have friends who have rented at Long Reef for two years. They like the convenience of the location and they feel safe there and have had no problems. It may not be the fanciest location on the island, but well worth the views and convenience.