After nearly 40 years in their Manhasset Hills home, Gary and Robin Zander no longer wanted the hassles of owning a house. "We enjoyed being empty nesters in our home for many years," Gary Zander, 70, said. While they weren’t doing major upkeep themselves, managing the details of a house took its toll.
Hiring professionals to handle landscaping, heating and air conditioning maintenance, snow removal and more cost money. Vetting those providers took time and energy. "We figured, let’s look for an easier lifestyle on Long Island," said Gary.
In August, he and Robin, 66, traded their memories for amenities, selling the five-bed, 31⁄2-bath house and buying a three-bed, 21⁄2-bath condo in The Hamlet in Jericho. They pay a little more than $1,000 a month in homeowners’ association fees, which cover maintenance, landscaping and amenities like pools, tennis and pickleball courts and a clubhouse. Although they don’t expect a major monthly savings compared to owning their house, they say it’s worth it.
"There is the significant benefit that it's the HOA who's responsible for overseeing and getting the work properly done instead of me, the homeowner, having to worry about it," Gary said. Owning a house remains an American dream, but lately more, often older, Long Islanders are chasing a different dream. Condominiums and cooperatives that provide community, comfort and convenience are in demand on Long Island.
The number of condo sales in July in Nassau dropped 3.6% from a .