Lauderdale West True Cost Guide: What It Really Costs to Live Here

1,000 homes in Plantation. Prices $165,000-$470,000. HOA $450-$520/month. Here are the annual numbers the listing does not show you.

Lauderdale West is a mixed (single-family, villas, attached homes) 55+ community in Plantation, built 1970s. With 1,000 homes and two heated pools, it sits in the middle tier of Broward County 55+ communities — more affordable than the mega-communities but with enough amenities to support an active retirement lifestyle.

This guide breaks down the true annual cost of ownership — not just the purchase price, but the HOA fees, property taxes, insurance, and maintenance that determine your monthly cash outflow.

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Annual Cost at $165K Purchase Price

Cost CategoryAnnual CostMonthly
Property Tax (after homestead)$2,300$192
HOA Fee$5,400$450
Insurance (HO-6 + share of master)$1,800-$3,200$150-$267
Maintenance Reserve$1,000-$2,000$83-$167
Total Annual Carry$10,500-$12,900$875-$1,075

Annual Cost at $318K Purchase Price

Cost CategoryAnnual CostMonthly
Property Tax (after homestead)$5,300$442
HOA Fee$5,820$485
Insurance$2,200-$3,800$183-$317
Maintenance Reserve$1,500-$2,500$125-$208
Total Annual Carry$14,820-$17,420$1,235-$1,452

What the HOA Covers

Lauderdale West's $450-$520/month HOA is remarkably comprehensive for a community with 1,000 homes. It covers fiber optic HD TV and internet, lawn service, exterior painting, roof replacement and repairs, pest control, and full access to two clubhouses, two heated pools with hot tubs, a freestanding fitness center, tennis courts, shuffleboard, billiards, ping pong, woodworking shop, community library, live entertainment and shows, and a courtesy bus service that picks up at your door. Financial requirements are strict: 20% minimum down payment and 720+ credit score. No leasing during the first year. Located in Plantation — one of Broward's most established suburban cities — Lauderdale West offers a quiet, lake-dotted setting with canal views from many homes.

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The 5-Year Cost Projection

In Broward County's current environment, expect HOA fees to increase 5-10% annually as insurance premiums stabilize (the 17% statewide cut in 2026 helps, but does not eliminate increases entirely) and SB 4-D reserve funding requirements take effect. Property taxes increase modestly under Save Our Homes (capped at 3% annually for homesteaded properties).

YearEstimated HOA/MoEstimated Annual Carry (at $318K)
2026 (current)$485$16,120
2027$519$16,837
2028$558$17,614
2029$597$18,391
2030$635$19,156
Special assessment risk: The 5-year projection above assumes no special assessments. For communities built 1970s with buildings now 30-50+ years old, special assessments for roof replacement, elevator modernization, concrete restoration, or SB 4-D compliance could add $5,000-$25,000+ per unit at any time. Always request the specific building's reserve study and pending assessment history before purchase.

How Lauderdale West Compares

At a $318K purchase price with a $485/month HOA, Lauderdale West falls in the middle range of Broward County 55+ communities. The annual carry of approximately $16K-$17K compares to Century Village Pembroke Pines (lower purchase price but higher HOA), Wynmoor ($400-$500/month HOA but more amenities), and Mainlands (much lower HOA but you handle your own maintenance).

The right choice depends on whether you prioritize lowest monthly cost (Mainlands), best amenity-to-cost ratio (Wynmoor), or the specific location and community character that Lauderdale West offers.

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