Lakes of Carriage Hills is an age-restricted 55+ condominium community sitting on the border of Tamarac and North Lauderdale, FL. It stands out as one of the best neighborhoods in Tamarac, FL for active adults. Oriole Homes developed it between 1980 and 2008, and the finished product is 520 units spread across 12 three-story buildings.
The community is built around a series of ponds and lakes connected by pedestrian bridges and walking paths – which is really what sets it apart visually from a lot of South Florida condo developments. Buyers looking at Tamarac real estate tend to come here specifically for the maintenance-free layout and the proximity to local amenities.
An Overview of the Community Layout
All 12 buildings are three stories with elevator access, and the units connect through outdoor catwalks that give you views of the water as you move around the property. It’s a design that keeps outdoor access central rather than an afterthought.
Amenities include a central clubhouse, a fitness center, and heated swimming pools. For recreation, the grounds have tennis courts, pickleball courts, and shuffleboard areas. The walking paths and pedestrian bridges that loop around the central ponds also serve as the main pedestrian connections between buildings – so you’re moving through the property rather than past it.
Real Estate and Property Requirements
The broader Tamarac, FL market sits at a median home sale price of roughly $308,500, with homes spending about 72 days on the market. Condos in Lakes of Carriage Hills list at a median of around $157,000 – a meaningful difference, and one worth understanding before you assume it’s simply a bargain.
Units run from approximately 990 to 1,460 square feet. The standard floor plan is two bedrooms, two bathrooms, and an assigned parking space. Interiors often include large closets, eat-in kitchens with wood cabinets, and private balconies overlooking the landscaping and lakes.
Buying here comes with specific association requirements you need to know upfront. The HOA enforces a strict no-pet policy and prohibits non-passenger vehicles – trucks and motorcycles included. Financial benchmarks for applicants can include a minimum credit score of 700, a 20% down payment, and a minimum annual income of $40,000.
HOA fees cover basic cable, water, sewer, trash removal, lawn maintenance, and exterior upkeep. Some buildings have already completed their 40-year condo recertifications with no pending assessments – but verify that yourself during the inspection period, because it varies by building.
Daily Dining, Shopping, and Transit
East Sabal Palm Boulevard is your main access road within the community, connecting out to Commercial Boulevard and Rock Island Road. From there, the Florida Turnpike and Route 441 are a few minutes away.
Everyday shopping and dining are right outside the gates. Local retailers, grocery stores, and fast-food chains are within a short drive, and spots like Circus Bar and Starbucks fall within a four-mile radius. For bigger retail runs, residents typically head west to Sawgrass Mills Mall.
Fort Lauderdale and Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport are about a 25-minute drive via major roadways – reasonable for occasional travel, less ideal if you’re flying constantly.
Local recreation holds up well too. The Fern Forest Nature Center is just to the north for hiking. Golfers have several courses less than ten minutes out, including the Woodlands Country Club and the Inverrary Country Club.
Local Schools, Healthcare, and Climate
HCA Florida Woodmont Hospital is in Tamarac itself and handles general emergencies for the city. It’s recognized specifically for its surgical care and gastrointestinal surgery departments.
You’ve also got several other facilities nearby – Broward Health Coral Springs, HCA Florida Northwest Hospital in Margate, and Florida Medical Center in Lauderdale Lakes. That’s meaningful coverage for a 55+ community.
The climate is what you’d expect from South Florida: hot, humid summers and mild, dry winters. Year-round use of the heated pools and outdoor amenities is realistic, not a stretch.
For buyers with grandchildren or other family considerations around schools, the community falls under Broward County Public Schools. Assigned school attendance zones typically include Broadview Elementary School, Lauderdale Lakes Middle School, and Boyd H. Anderson High School.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the specific 55+ age restrictions for buying a condo in Lakes of Carriage Hills, Tamarac?
Lakes of Carriage Hills is a verified 55+ age-restricted community. You’ll need to meet the homeowners association’s age requirements to purchase and occupy a unit here.
How much are the monthly HOA fees in Lakes of Carriage Hills, and what maintenance or utilities do they actually cover?
The exact monthly fee varies by unit. What the dues do cover: basic cable, water, sewer, trash removal, lawn maintenance, and exterior building upkeep.
Are dogs and cats allowed in Lakes of Carriage Hills, and are there any breed or weight restrictions for pets?
No pets are permitted. The HOA enforces a strict no-pet policy – there are no breed or weight exceptions to work around.
Can I buy a unit in Lakes of Carriage Hills as an investment property to rent out immediately, or is there a waiting period?
That depends on the specific building’s current bylaws, which you’ll want to review before closing. What’s consistent across the community are the financial requirements for buyers: a minimum credit score of 700, a minimum annual income of $40,000, and a 20% down payment.
What amenities and daily social activities are available to residents at the community clubhouse?
The central clubhouse gives you access to a fitness center, heated swimming pools, and shuffleboard. Tennis and pickleball courts are also on-site for daily use.
How does Lakes of Carriage Hills compare to other active adult communities in Tamarac, FL like Kings Point?
Lakes of Carriage Hills is a 520-unit development built between 1980 and 2008 across 12 three-story buildings. Its identity is tied to the water – outdoor catwalks, pedestrian bridges, and walking paths that loop around central ponds throughout the property.
