631 N ORANGE AVENUE 208

One or more photo(s) has been virtually staged. Some photos have been virtually staged. Unit #208 is one of just five 2BR/2BA homes for sale under $500,000 in the entire SRQ downtown region – it’s the only one under $399,000 and it’s the closest to the downtown center. Located In the charming Mentone Court complex with just 16 residences in the heart of the Rosemary District, the entire complex is above the flood plain and #208 has assigned covered parking. Its HOA fees and taxes may be the lowest in city and the HOA pays for flood insurance on the building, a huge benefit. With a walkability score of 92 it’s a "Walker's Paradise” and four restaurants with outdoor dining are less than a block away in gorgeous Citrus Square which has its own Veo Public Scooter stand. Walk five-minutes to the Main Street dining scene, or a few blocks to Whole Foods. It’s all about affordable convenient city living. This bright, well laid-out 2nd floor corner unit feels spacious with high ceilings, an open floor plan and large-format porcelain tile, and five closets. Recessed ceiling lighting shows off a fresh tropical paint color palette, the plantation blinds on all windows and the 12’ slider’s vertical blinds are included. The kitchen’s refinished solid wood cabinetry complements granite countertops while under-cabinet lighting illuminates a striking pearlescent subway tile backsplash. The induction range, dishwasher and refrigerator are new (never used). Also new is the efficient HVAC system and four Hunter remote-control ceiling fans. Two updated baths feature a pristine cast iron tub in one and an oversized shower with classic white subway tile in the other. A stacked washer/dryer is included. The large primary bedroom can fit a king bed and has a California-style walk-in closet. The 12’ glass slider opens to an oversize screened-in lanai protected by a motorized 12’ roll-down Kevlar storm/sunshade rated for a Cat. 5 hurricane. This top-quality screen has a battery backup and its MagnaTrack keeps it taut – no sagging, ever. A remote control lets it double as a sunscreen to use the patio throughout the Summer. Master insurance on the structure, water, sewer, trash, reserve funding, landscaping and exterior maintenance are all included in the low $522 monthly HOA fee. The HOA is professionally managed and fully funded; no special assessments are planned. Minimum one-week rentals and small pets are allowed. Mentone Court is not in a flood zone has never had storm damage – block construction with a newer tile roof means it’s inexpensive to insure appliances and contents as the building is insured by the HOA for peace of mind. Under three stories it’s exempt from Milestone inspections, rules and high mandated reserves. The Legacy Trail starts in Payne Park, a one mile bike ride away. Longboat Key is a short drive or just grab the nearby free Bay Runner trolley that runs daily every twenty minutes 7am–11pm to St. Armands Circle, then to Lido Beach Park with its huge pool and amenities then on to unspoiled South Lido Beach with its nature walks, see the photos. It’s the same pristine white sand as Siesta Key 1000 feet to the south, but without the crowds, traffic and parking hassles. Unit #208 checks off every box for worry-free affordable downtown living with easy beach access. With its own covered parking spot and only 12-minutes by Uber to the airport, Unit #208 could be your seasonal 2nd home, investment property that pays for itself, or live full-time downtown and walk everywhere.