University Lakes

For many individuals and families in Florida, navigating the dynamic housing market, especially in vibrant metropolitan areas like Miami, can present significant challenges. Mobile home parks, or manufactured home communities, have historically offered a more accessible pathway to homeownership or affordable living. These communities can provide a sense of stability and community that differs from traditional rental apartments. University Lakes in Miami, Florida, is one such established mobile home park that has been a part of the Miami-Dade landscape for many years. This article aims to provide a factual and comprehensive overview of University Lakes, including its location, reported features, and insights from resident experiences, to help prospective residents make an informed decision about whether this community aligns with their living preferences in the Sunshine State.

It's important to approach the consideration of any mobile home park with a balanced perspective, weighing both the advertised benefits and real-world feedback from those who live there. Mobile home parks typically operate on a model where residents own their home but lease the land it sits on, which can offer lower initial costs compared to traditional home purchases. They often strive to create a community environment with shared amenities. University Lakes, like many properties of its kind, presents itself as a community designed with families in mind, aiming to offer a balance of leisure and convenience. However, understanding the full picture, including long-term resident perspectives, is crucial for anyone considering a move.

University Lakes Mobile Home Park is located at 12850 SW 14th St, Miami, FL 33184, USA. This address places it in a well-established area of Miami-Dade County, offering residents a South Florida lifestyle with accessibility to various urban conveniences. The park's location is approximately 18 miles from downtown Miami and about 20 miles from South Beach, providing a balance between suburban living and access to the city's vibrant cultural attractions, dining, and nightlife. For those who commute or travel frequently, University Lakes is situated about 13 miles from Miami International Airport, making air travel relatively convenient. Additionally, medical facilities are reportedly within 3 miles, ensuring essential healthcare services are nearby.

The immediate vicinity of University Lakes offers practical accessibility to daily necessities. Grocery stores, general shopping centers, and a variety of restaurants are within a 2-mile radius, allowing for easy access to everyday errands and dining options. While some amenities might be walkable or accessible by local bus routes, like schools and some shopping, it's generally understood that personal vehicle transportation is highly recommended for maximizing convenience and accessing the broader Miami metropolitan area. The strategic location aims to provide residents with the benefits of living in a diverse and culturally rich region, where numerous cuisines and entertainment choices are just a car ride away. However, it is important for prospective residents to verify the specific proximity and convenience of these external amenities based on their individual needs and transportation preferences, as personal experiences can vary.

Based on public information and community descriptions, University Lakes is advertised as offering various services and amenities designed to enhance the living experience for its residents. While detailed operational services beyond what is typical for a mobile home park are not extensively listed, general services for such communities often include:

• Community Management: An on-site or accessible management team responsible for overseeing the park's operations, enforcing community rules, and addressing resident concerns. However, some past resident reviews have indicated issues with management responsiveness and attitude, which is a significant consideration for prospective residents.
• Maintenance of Common Areas: Upkeep of shared spaces such as roads, landscaping in common areas, and recreational facilities. Residents have, however, raised concerns about the consistency and quality of this maintenance, particularly regarding trash collection and the overall cleanliness of certain areas.
• Utility Connections: Provision of necessary infrastructure for utility hookups, including water, sewer, and electricity to individual lots. Residents are typically responsible for their own utility bills. Some older homes within the park may experience issues with plumbing or other internal systems due to age, as noted in resident feedback.
• Security Measures: While specific details on security are not heavily publicized, mobile home parks generally aim to provide a secure environment. However, recent resident reviews have highlighted concerns about increased delinquency, theft, and the presence of suspicious individuals, indicating a need for prospective residents to inquire further about current security initiatives.
• Permit for Home Sales (not rentals): The park's official stance is that it is a community for home sales, not rentals. However, resident reviews suggest a discrepancy, with individuals allegedly renting out subdivisions of purchased trailers. This implies a need for clarity and careful investigation regarding true residency policies.

Prospective residents should thoroughly investigate these services and speak directly with current residents where possible to gain a comprehensive understanding of the day-to-day living experience and management practices.

University Lakes advertises several features and highlights designed to attract residents seeking an active and family-friendly environment. These include:

• Three Shimmering Lakes: The community is reportedly designed around several lakes, which could offer peaceful views and a sense of tranquility.
• Nine Parks and Four Playgrounds: The presence of multiple parks and playgrounds suggests ample space for families and children to engage in outdoor activities and recreation.
• Two Swimming Pools: The community is advertised with two pools, providing opportunities for leisure and exercise. However, recent resident reviews critically mention that the pool has been "always closed for years now," indicating a significant discrepancy between advertised features and current reality.
• Clubhouse / Community Center: A common feature in manufactured home communities, a clubhouse typically provides a space for social gatherings, events, and community activities.
• Sport Courts: Advertised amenities include a basketball court and a volleyball court, suggesting options for sports enthusiasts. However, similar to the pools, the operational status and maintenance of these facilities should be verified.
• Pet-Friendly Community: University Lakes is advertised as pet-friendly. However, a resident review notes that even the "only little park you can take your dog to play and walk" has been closed off with a chain and lock, which would significantly impact pet owners' experience.
• Proximity to Education: The community is reportedly close to great schools, which is a key consideration for families with children.
• Affordable Housing: The primary appeal of mobile home parks in high-cost areas like Miami is often the promise of affordable homeownership or living. However, this must be balanced against concerns raised by residents regarding increasing space rent and the overall value proposition.

Given the significant discrepancies between advertised features and recent resident experiences, prospective residents are strongly advised to conduct thorough on-site visits and speak with current residents to confirm the availability, condition, and accessibility of all advertised amenities before making any commitments.

For those considering University Lakes Mobile Home Park, direct contact with the park's management is essential for obtaining the most current and accurate information. It is crucial to ask detailed questions about all aspects of living in the community, including current policies, maintenance schedules, rules and regulations, and the operational status of all advertised amenities. Given the serious concerns raised in recent public reviews, prospective residents should be diligent in their inquiries, seeking clarity on issues such as property upkeep, security measures, and the actual availability of recreational facilities. Transparency from management is key for making an informed decision. Visiting the office in person, if possible, might also provide a clearer picture of their responsiveness and professionalism.

Address: 12850 SW 14th St, Miami, FL 33184, USA

Phone: (305) 226-4251

In conclusion, University Lakes Mobile Home Park in Miami, Florida, presents a complex picture for locals considering their housing options. While advertised with features that suggest a family-friendly and amenity-rich environment, recent and persistent concerns raised by long-term residents warrant serious consideration. The park's location offers undeniable proximity to Miami's conveniences and attractions, which is a significant draw for many. However, the recurring themes of unaddressed trash, perceived management issues, increasing delinquency, alleged rental policy discrepancies, and the reported closure of key recreational facilities like pools and dog parks are critical points for prospective residents to investigate thoroughly. The narrative from residents suggests a community that has, for some, seen a decline in living standards over time. For Floridians contemplating a move to University Lakes, it is imperative to go beyond initial impressions and advertised features. Conduct in-depth research, perform multiple on-site visits at different times of day, and, most importantly, engage directly with current residents to gain an honest understanding of the day-to-day reality of living there. Investing time in this due diligence is crucial to determine if University Lakes truly aligns with your expectations for a safe, comfortable, and well-managed home environment in Miami.

University Lakes

12850 SW 14th St, Miami, FL 33184, USA