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| Detail | Oriole Gardens |
|---|---|
| Location | Margate, Broward County, FL |
| Community Type | 55+ age-restricted |
| Total Homes | 1,413 condominiums |
| Neighborhoods | Oriole Gardens 1, Oriole Gardens 2 (560 homes), Oriole Gardens 3 |
| Year Built | 1974 |
| Home Sizes | 670-1,200 sq ft (1-2 bedrooms, 1-2 bathrooms) |
| Price Range | $55,000-$200,000 |
| HOA Fee | ~$1,065/quarter (~$355/month) |
| HOA Covers | Basic cable, water, sewer, pest control, exterior maintenance, pool, clubhouse |
| Requirements | 675+ credit score, $35K minimum annual income, 20% down payment, in-person interview |
| Pets | Not permitted |
| Leasing | Restricted (no rentals in many sections) |
| Gated | No |
Three Neighborhoods — Same Community, Separate Associations
Oriole Gardens is divided into three neighborhoods, each with its own condo association, its own clubhouse, and its own pool. This structure means each neighborhood manages its own finances, reserves, and maintenance independently — so HOA fees, reserve health, and building conditions can vary between the three sections.
Oriole Gardens 1: The original section. Garden-style walk-up buildings. Clubhouse with auditorium, fitness center, library, card rooms, billiards, and community kitchen.
Oriole Gardens 2: 560 homes. Established 1974. Resort-style pool, recreation center. Separate clubhouse from Gardens 1.
Oriole Gardens 3: Similar format to the other sections with its own pool, clubhouse, and common areas. Canal views available in some buildings.
All three sections share the 55+ age restriction, the no-pet policy, and similar financial qualification requirements. The key difference is which building and which section's association you are buying into — each has its own reserve fund and its own SB 4-D compliance status.
What Makes Oriole Gardens Worth Considering
Price point. At $55K-$200K, Oriole Gardens is one of the most affordable 55+ communities in Broward County. A renovated 2BR/2BA condo in good condition typically sells for $120K-$160K — less than a single year's HOA fees at Century Village Pembroke Pines at the high end of their range.
Amenity-to-cost ratio. Three clubhouses, three pools, fitness centers, auditorium, sauna, ballroom, library, billiards — all covered by a $355/month HOA that also includes cable and water. For comparison, Wynmoor charges $400-$500/month and Hollybrook $350-$456/month for their respective amenity packages.
Community culture. With 1,413 homes, Oriole Gardens is large enough to sustain active social programming — card clubs, social events, community dinners — but small enough that residents know each other. The in-person interview requirement for buyers helps maintain community standards.
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What Buyers Should Know
No pets — zero exceptions. Oriole Gardens does not allow pets. Service animals are the only exception under federal law. If you have a pet or plan to get one, this community is not for you.
1974 construction = SB 4-D exposure. Buildings are 52 years old in 2026. All 3+ story buildings are subject to milestone structural inspections and SIRS reserve funding requirements. Before purchasing, request the specific building's SIRS completion status, reserve fund balance, and 3-year HOA fee history.
Walk-up buildings in some sections. Not all buildings have elevators. If stairs are a concern, confirm elevator access in the specific building before making an offer. First-floor units eliminate the issue but may have less desirable views.
Financial requirements are strict. 675+ credit, $35K income, 20% down, and an in-person interview. The association screens buyers carefully, which can be a positive signal — it suggests the community values financial stability and responsible ownership.
Annual Cost Estimate at $130K Purchase Price
| Cost Category | Annual | Monthly |
|---|---|---|
| Property Tax (after homestead) | $1,590 | $133 |
| HOA Fee | $4,260 | $355 |
| Insurance (HO-6) | $1,200-$2,000 | $100-$167 |
| Maintenance Reserve | $500-$1,000 | $42-$83 |
| Total Annual Carry | $7,550-$8,850 | $630-$738 |
At $630-$738/month total carrying cost on a $130K purchase, Oriole Gardens delivers some of the lowest annual ownership costs in Broward County's 55+ market — comparable to Leisureville in Pompano Beach and significantly cheaper than the mega-communities.
How Oriole Gardens Compares to Neighbors
| Community | Homes | Price Range | HOA/Mo | Golf? | Pets? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oriole Gardens | 1,413 | $55K-$200K | ~$355 | No (adjacent course) | No |
| Oriole Golf & Tennis | 781 | $80K-$200K | ~$355 | Adjacent (no mandatory fees) | No |
| Holiday Springs | Large | $55K-$680K | $98-$765 | No | Yes (restrictions) |
| Century Village PP | 7,700 | $80K-$350K | $300-$1,000+ | No | Varies |
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