Condo living is a great option for enjoying the Big Island of Hawaii. With virtually no maintenance, built-in friends, awesome amenities, and close proximity to the best of the Big Island, what’s not to love? Let’s take a look at both the pros and cons of living in one of the condo communities on the Big Island of Hawaii.
Pros of Condo Living
There are clearly many pros to buying a Big Island condo and most of my clients would agree that the pros outweigh the cons!
Great Location
The condos on the west side of the Big Island are all within a short distance of the best beaches. Not only that, but there are also shopping centers close by, great golf courses to play, beautiful natural areas, and historic sites to visit. The Kona Coast in particular is a hub with something always going on.
Amenities
Most of the condo communities on the Big Island feature some great amenities. These might include lap pools, jacuzzis, gated entrances, on-site gyms, pavilions and grills for resident use, beautiful landscaping, and reserved parking. Some communities even host events for residents to get to know one another. These resident events are perfect for making new friends.
On-Site Manager
The on-site manager can be a big asset if you run into an issue. This person is also typically your point of contact for reserving a pavilion or rental space for a get-together. They also know the area well and all the owners.
Carefree Landscaping
Go ahead and sell your push mower and leave the landscaping to the experts. You no longer have to worry about trimming hedges, keeping the grass mowed, or sweating in the heat while planting flowers in your garden. You also don’t have to deal with pulling up old or dying bushes or the stress of figuring out what should go where, or which plants work in our climate.
Security
Big Island condos have a lot of people living in a community together, which means you always have a neighbor keeping an eye out. Coupled with gated entrances and the constant presence of the on-site manager, you can rest easy. Most of the resort communities also employ a security officer to patrol the area.
Cons of Condo Living
Condo Living on the western part of the Big Island makes for a great life! But there are always cons to consider. Here are the biggest ones.
HOA Dues
Since you’re getting the best locations and the best amenities offered by condo communities on the Big Island, you do have HOA dues to keep up with. These can be approximately $1000+ per month, so it’s something you’ll have to budget for. Keep in mind that these dues go toward the upkeep of the community and the buildings themselves, which can actually be cost savings as compared with the upkeep of a single-family home.
Potential Restrictions
Bringing your German Shepherd to live in a condo is probably not the best idea! In fact, it’s not allowed. Generally speaking, pets are not going to be permitted at Big Island condos. Another issue might be having parties – if you love to enjoy yourself with your friends and get loud sometimes, condo living might not be for you. Remember that you’re living in close proximity to your neighbors, so you want to be courteous of their desires, too.
Privacy Issues
That brings us to privacy issues. Since you are indeed sharing walls (or ceilings) with others, you will need to watch your noise level. Likewise, you’ll want to be appropriately dressed when sitting on a lanai that might face another building.
Gossip and Nosiness
With the wonderful community aspect can come people who we don’t mesh well with. This might lead to gossiping and people being too nosy for your comfort level.
Assessments
Lastly, special assessments are not to be forgotten. This might be levied by the HOA to cover a large, unexpected expense, or sometimes they are planned in advance for major improvements like relining the pool. These can add up, so be sure to ask about this before making a purchase.
Am I missing any pros or cons? Let me know.
Your Big Island Realtor
I can help guide you through the process of purchasing a unit in a condo community on the Big Island. Over the years, I have assisted many buyers in navigating this and I can help ensure that you’re aware of all the pros and cons before making an offer! Give me a call if you want to experience Big Island condo living for yourself
With aloha,
Leeana
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