Colonnades Condominium in Fort Pierce, FL

Pros

• It is a great place to live.
• It offers clean facilities, boat slips, and is close to food and beers.

Cons

• The HOA dues ruin an otherwise good place to live.
• The management desperately needs professional management.
• The Colonnades imposes a no-pets policy and a 55-plus residency requirement.
• The condo association is horrible, unprofessional, and greedy; maintenance is poor and the office staff are no better than Hitler.
• Prospective buyers are advised not to buy there.

Review

Colonnades Condominium in Fort Pierce is best suited for active, age-55-and-older residents who want a clean, boat-friendly, low-hassle waterfront lifestyle and can live with a strict set of rules tied to a mandatory HOA. The community rewards residents who appreciate a predictable, maintenance-light environment and don’t require pet companionship or a flexible age policy. This is not where younger seniors or animal lovers will feel at home; the 55+ designation and the no-pets rule shape daily life, influence resale potential, and set clear boundaries on who should even consider moving in.

Alternatives should be on the table for anyone who needs pet-friendly living, or who wants a broader age mix and more flexible governance. If professional, courteous management, responsive on-site staff, and transparent financial oversight are non-negotiable, this is a red flag-heavy option. Potential buyers who demand strong board leadership, timely maintenance, and a policy framework that evolves with resident needs will likely find better alignment in other Fort Pierce communities or in markets with more robust management cultures.

On the plus side, Colonnades delivers a tidy, well-kept physical environment. The common areas and grounds are described as clean, and the property accommodates boat slips, which is a concrete asset for residents who prize water access and a marina-like rhythm. The location also provides convenient access to nearby casual dining and local beverage options, enhancing social opportunities without forcing residents to travel far for everyday pleasures. For a particular buyer, these practical advantages translate into a straightforward, satisfying daily routine and a tangible sense of place.

The flip side is where the decision gets decisively real. Reviewers consistently flag the HOA dues as a major burden relative to what is delivered, calling into question whether the financial value supports the governance and maintenance level. Management is described as needing professional leadership, and the on-site office staff are perceived as unhelpful or disengaged. Maintenance is not consistently dependable, leaving residents worrying about repairs and improvements that should be routine. Coupled with a pet ban and a firm age 55+ policy, these governance and service gaps create ongoing friction that undermines long-term satisfaction and limits appeal to a broader range of buyers.

To determine if the positives can genuinely offset the drawbacks, demand a credible plan for improvement before committing. Require a current budget with a transparent reserve study, a multi-year maintenance roadmap, and a concrete timeline for addressing aging infrastructure. Push for a professional management contract or a governance overhaul with clear accountability and measurable service standards. Probe the feasibility of relaxing the pet policy or adjusting the age restriction for future residents, and verify how flexible the board is on reasonable exceptions. Speak with several residents about turnaround times for maintenance requests, the responsiveness of the staff, and the actual day-to-day execution of boat-slip operations and related fees.

In the end, Colonnades functions as a well-ordered, waterfront-oriented option for a tightly defined buyer: someone who values a clean, secure, community-focused environment and who can tolerate, perhaps even influence, the management and policy framework. For families or individuals who require pet-friendly living, broader age flexibility, or a higher level of professional, resident-centered governance, alternatives should be pursued. The decision hinges on three core levers: the cost-to-value equation of dues, the faith placed in management and staff, and the willingness to operate within a rigid 55+, no-pets paradigm. When those levers align, Colonnades can be a solid, low-drama retirement-oriented choice; when they misalign, the smart move is to keep looking.

This area of Fort Pierce, Florida offers a variety of amenities and services that may appeal to older individuals looking for senior living options. With a selection of restaurants ranging from seafood to casual dining, there are plenty of choices for dining out. Nearby pharmacies such as CVS and Walgreens provide convenient access to medications and health care supplies. Several physicians' offices are also located in the vicinity, offering medical services and eye care. For recreational activities, parks like Lakewood Park and Winterlakes Park offer opportunities for outdoor enjoyment and relaxation. The close proximity to hospitals such as New Horizons of the Treasure Coast and Martin Memorial Health Systems provides peace of mind in case of any medical emergencies. Additionally, transportation services such as Budget Rent A Car are easily accessible for getting around the area. Overall, this part of Fort Pierce offers a mix of dining options, healthcare services, recreational facilities, and transportation convenience for seniors considering the area for retirement living.

Restaurants

• Chuck's Seafood Restaurant (0.5 miles)
• Archie's Seabreeze (0.7 miles)
• 12A Buoy (1.5 miles)
• Sharky's (1.6 miles)
• Cobb's Landing (1.6 miles)
• Islamorada Beer Company (3.7 miles)
• Golden Corral (5.5 miles)

Cafes

• Old Florida Coffee Co (1.7 miles)
• Starbucks (5.7 miles)

Pharmacies

• CVS Pharmacy (2.1 miles)
• Fort Pierce Discount Pharmacy (2.9 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (3 miles)
• Walgreens (5.8 miles)
• Winn-Dixie (6.3 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (7.1 miles)
• Winn-Dixie (7.1 miles)

Physicians

• Advanced Care Medical Center (3.1 miles)
• Treasure Coast Medical Pain Center (3.1 miles)
• St Lucie Optical (3.2 miles)
• Karli, Sapir Saint Lucie Eye Associates (3.2 miles)
• Cataract Counseling- Saint Lucie Eye Associates (3.2 miles)
• St Lucie Eye Associates (3.2 miles)
• Prasad VRK Chalasani (3.3 miles)

Hospitals

• New Horizons of the Treasure Coast (7.4 miles)
• Martin Memorial Health Systems (11.2 miles)
• Surgical Center of Treasure Coast (11.3 miles)

Parks

• Lakewood Park (7.7 miles)
• Winterlakes Park (8.2 miles)
• Charles E. Ray Park (9 miles)
• Savannas Preserve State Park (11.4 miles)
• Lagoon Greenway (11.6 miles)

Transportation

• Budget Rent A Car (10.5 miles)