Ever live in a downtown condo???
 

Anything to look for? I want to move downtown and am looking for tips on what to look for. Example, condo fee is a big deal and varies a lot. Traffic noise is huge in Brazil but I am guessing a lot less in Minneapolis but maybe not. Heating and cooling are included but how to make sure it is not a bum deal as I am buying...? Just trying to avoid any big pitfall.

I've had both a downtown condo and a downtown loft apartment.

Because I had TWO cars stolen there, I'd say make sure you have GOOD security and a secure place to park.

Also, if it's on the bus line... DONT DO IT. You'll have undesirables hanging outside of your place all the time.

Be on the lookout for bars and clubs too. Stay clear of them as on the weekends people are dunk, breaking shit, parking and blocking you in. Not worth the hassle.

get the shortest term lease as possible.. just in case

i live in a condo loft downtown which is great, i am the youngest guy living here

most people have day jobs so you cant be very loud at night... which sucks

make sure you have gated parking.. look at the cars in the parking lot, should be full of luxury cars.. if u have peices of shit cars u will have asshole neighbor tenants, just an observation though.

Great stuff. This should be an area of homeowners but yeah my BMW convertible might be a target and I had missed that.

I should print this out. I hate that crap too. I live 2 blocks from a huge club in Rio and it is cool as drunk chicks are on the street at 3 am on Sat but very few and only for a while. But every night would suck.

I lived in a really nice highrise condo with underground gated parking and it was worse for vehicle break-ins, because the parking garage was underground so in the middle of the night it was more deserted

I've had the best luck with gated outdoor parking that is right within the condos so that alot of suite's windows were able to see the whole lot :2 cents:

I would always visit places when they could be typically busy - see what its like around 5-7 PM as well as between 9, and latter. You know the times agents never show the damn place.

Always check the place out at night... and a few blocks each way. Public transportation is important as you will likely hate to drive.

Years ago we owned a luxury condo in a Toronto highrise at Yonge & Sheppard - right above the subway station. Had its own shopping concourse below ground and full access to the subway without having to go outdoors. We could make it all the way down to SkyDome to catch a Jays game in winter without going outside.

The only real drawback was the heavy traffic flow in the area. But the view from the 15th floor was spectacular (especially during lightning storms).

Some great advice here.

This is what I am looking for. Currently have a nice suburban house and it is cool. But would love a great view, be able to use the lightrail or actually walk somewhere. Stuff like that.