Asbury Arms Location 803 83rd Ave N. St Petersburg 33702 Asbury Arms is a comparatively small (46 units) over-55 community in the...
 |
| Asbury Arms Location |
803 83rd Ave N. St Petersburg 33702
Asbury Arms is a comparatively small (46 units) over-55 community in the far NE Gateway area of St. Petersburg. It may well be an unusually good choice for those on a tight budget who want both the conveniences of urban living and a quiet living environment. The solid concrete slab 3 and 5-story buildings were constructed in the late 1970's and early 1980's. The units are all two bedroom, two baths with about 800- 860 heated/air conditioned square feet. Many units of the units have private covered screened-in balconies.
In contrast to many other over-55 communities, Asbury Arms does not have spacious landscaped grounds around its buildings. In fact, the exterior of the buildings amidst a sea of asphalt parking lots may seem to some a bit dreary. However, the interior of the Asbury Arms complex brings to mind that old adage about not judging a book by its cover! The residential buildings were built around an attractive but compact inside courtyard with a pool, a small clubhouse building and attached community laundry room, a shuffleboard court, and a pleasant patio sitting area with a barbecue and some greenery.
 |
| Shuffleboard and clubhouse in inner courtyard |
Asbury Arms has unusually low HOA fees of only about $234-250 a month. That is an incredibly low figure by today's standards! How do they manage that and still carry insurance (including flood insurance), provide water and trash service, and still keep the place up? It is true that the complex needs only minimal landscaping maintenance in its courtyard compared to many other local communities that have acres of greenery surrounding them. The critical factor, however, in the low fees is the income earned by the HOA by renting space for several commercial cell towers that adorn the five story buildings. This is estimated to be approximately $100,000 per year or almost $2000 for each condominium residence!
 |
| Northeast Shopping Center just across 83rd Ave N. |
Frankly, there are relatively few over-55 complexes in Pinellas County where one could reasonably exist without owning and/or driving a car to conduct regular shopping and errands. However, Asbury Arms is one of these rare exceptions! The Northeast Shopping Center is located a short walk just across 83rd Ave N., and it contains a Publix super market, a Target, a bank, and several restaurants and fast food outlets. Furthermore, there is a bus line that runs regularly along 9th St. North which is just to the west of the complex.
Asbury Arms is one of those smaller complexes in which all residents--for better or worse--are apt to know each other pretty well. This is especially true as community life revolves around the inner courtyard. It has a relatively modest turn-over of properties. The most recent sale (summer 2016) of a 2 bedroom, 2 bath unit in good condition was $59.950. Other units have sold this year from about $50-$60,000
Asbury Arms Positives:
- Convenient Location
- HOA fees are a comparative bargain
- Low priced for 2 bedrooms 2 baths
Cause for Concern?
- No pets
- No covered parking
- Limited grounds
Tony Branch
Earnest Realty, Inc.
3136 3rd Avenue North
St. Petersburg, Florida 33713
727-460-7887 direct line
727-323-1706 office
stpetetonybranch@gmail.com
