A QUIET CORNER OF PEMBROKE PINES

Drive down Johnson Street near North 72nd Avenue and you'll pass dozens of communities without noticing something unusual sitting just off the road. It's called La Via Condominiums, and it might be one of the smallest condo communities in the entire city.

Built in 1999, La Via features low rise buildings with units ranging from 793 to 1,247 square feet offering one, two, and three bedroom layouts. In a city full of large condo complexes and sprawling HOA communities, that kind of intimate scale is rare.

The property sits near the C-10 Canal, and several units enjoy views of the nearby lake giving the community a quiet, tucked-away feel despite being close to major roads and everyday conveniences.

While larger west Pines condo communities command $400K+ for similar sized units, La Via delivers gated security, resort-style amenities, and lake views starting in the $260K–$340K range. And for buyers looking for something small and hard to find, that combination is powerful.

Let's break it down.

LOCATION & LAYOUT: West Pines New(er) Construction

La Via is in the Westview neighborhood of Pembroke Pines, situated about 25 miles north of Miami and 10 miles west of the Atlantic Coast. The neighborhood is largely residential and dotted with lakes and ponds.

What's nearby:

  • Pembroke Lakes Mall: 5 minutes (major shopping, dining, entertainment)

  • I-75 access: 10 minutes via Pines Boulevard

  • Florida Turnpike / I-95: 15 minutes east (for Miami or Fort Lauderdale commuters)

  • Memorial Hospital West: 10 minutes

  • Publix, Target, CVS, Walmart: All within 5–7 minutes

  • CB Smith Park: 8 minutes (aquatic complex, trails, camping, playgrounds)

  • Tree Tops Park, Flamingo Gardens, and Miramar Pineland Within 7.7 miles

Translation: You're in central Pembroke Pines with quick access to shopping, dining, healthcare, and major highways without paying premium west Pines pricing.

La Via is a gated community with only 250 homes total creating that intimate, neighborhood feel where you can actually know your neighbors. The low rise buildings are spread across landscaped grounds with mature trees and lake views.

THE HOMES: 1999 Construction with Modern Updates

La Via homes offer 1 bedroom to 3 bedroom floor plans ranging in size from 793 to 1,247 square feet, built in 1999. These aren't luxury penthouses, they're practical, functional condos designed for first time buyers, downsizers, and long term homeowners.

Unit sizes and styles:

  • 1 bedroom, 1 bath: 793–850 sq ft

  • 2 bedroom, 2 bath: 1,000–1,100 sq ft

  • 3 bedroom, 2 bath: 1,200–1,247 sq ft

  • All units: Low rise condo construction (3 stories, elevator access)

Common features across La Via units:

  • In unit washer and dryer

  • Open balconies or patios (many with lake views)

  • Tile flooring throughout (many updated units)

  • Walk-in closets in primary bedrooms

  • Updated kitchens with stainless steel appliances (in renovated units)

  • Assigned parking (covered or open)

  • Hurricane shutters or impact windows (varies by unit)

  • One-car garages in select units

Current price ranges (as of early 2026):

  • 1 bedroom units: $212K–$260K

  • 2 bedroom units: $260K–$295K

  • 3 bedroom units: $290K–$340K

  • Lakefront units with premium upgrades: $330K–$355K

Recent market observations:

  • La Via real estate activity during the past year (as of November 2025) reflects seven condos changing hands, with an average asking price of $307,429 and an average selling price of $293,571. This represents a healthy list to sell price ratio of 95% and $259 per square foot. During this period, La Via condos have taken an average of 77 days to sell.

Translation: You're looking at $260K–$340K for most 2 and 3 bedroom units, depending on updates, floor level, and lake views. That's significantly less than comparable west Pines condos ($400K+) and you're getting gated security with resort amenities.

WHAT THE HOA COVERS (and Why It’s Exceptional Value)

Monthly HOA fees at La Via range from $503 to $570, depending on unit size and location.

Here's what's included:

  • Common area maintenance, grounds maintenance, building maintenance, roof repair and replacement, the community pool, and security. Also included is property insurance, water, trash removal, sewer, parking, and recreation facilities.

  • Gated security with controlled access

  • All exterior maintenance (roof, paint, structure)

  • Property insurance (master policy covering building structure)

  • Water and sewer (no separate water bill)

  • Trash removal

  • Full access to resort style amenities (pool, spa, fitness center, tennis, clubhouse)

Translation: For $503–$570/month, you're getting water, property insurance, trash, sewer, exterior maintenance, gated security, and full access to resort style amenities. That's exceptional value, most condo buildings charge separately for water ($100+/month) and property insurance.

DAILY LIFE HERE: Resort Amenities in a Small Community

La Via building amenities include a clubhouse, swimming pool, spa/hot tub, a state of the art fitness center, sauna, billiards room, hobby room, basketball court, pickleball, tennis courts, racquetball, and playground.

That's an impressive amenity package for a community this size.

Community amenities:

  • Large community pool (heated, lakefront)

  • Spa and hot tub

  • State of the art fitness center with cardio and weights

  • Sauna

  • Clubhouse with community room for gatherings and events

  • Billiards room

  • Hobby room

  • Basketball court

  • Pickleball courts

  • Tennis courts

  • Racquetball court

  • Children's playground

  • Gated entry with controlled access

  • Walking paths and lakefront views

Pet policy:

  • Dogs and cats allowed (breed and size restrictions may apply, verify with HOA)

Translation: You're getting resort level amenities typically found in 500+ unit luxury complexes, but in a community small enough that you can actually know your neighbors. That's the La Via advantage.

THE SCHOOL ZONE: Solid Broward County Schools

La Via is located in the Westview neighborhood and typically zoned for Broward County Public Schools (verify current boundaries):

  • Elementary: Silver Lakes Elementary or Lakeside Elementary (verify current zoning)

  • Middle: Pines Middle or Silver Trail Middle (verify current zoning)

  • High School: Flanagan High School or Piper High School (verify current zoning)

Broward County also allows school choice, so families have flexibility beyond zoned schools. Pembroke Pines Charter schools and magnet programs are accessible through the district's choice application process.

Note: School boundaries and ratings are subject to change. Verify current zoning and school assignments directly with the Broward County School Board before making purchasing decisions.

WHO THIS IS ACTUALLY FOR

La Via makes sense for:

  • First time buyers seeking affordable condo living with resort amenities

  • Downsizers who want minimal maintenance and gated security

  • Buyers who want low maintenance living with a pool, gym, and social amenities

  • Investors looking for rental friendly communities with strong tenant demand

  • Empty nesters seeking a small, quiet community with neighbors they can know

  • Buyers prioritizing location and amenities over square footage

  • Anyone comfortable with HOA oversight and condo living

Who this is NOT for:

  • Buyers seeking single family home ownership with a yard

  • Those uncomfortable with shared walls and close neighbors

  • Buyers who want ultra modern or luxury finishes (these are functional, updated condos)

  • Anyone seeking a primary residence over 1,300 sq ft

  • Buyers uncomfortable with higher HOA fees (though value is exceptional)

THE NUMBERS: What it Costs to Live Here

Let's say you're buying a 2 bedroom, 2 bath unit in La Via for $285,000 (middle of the current market range):

Purchase Price: $285,000
Down Payment (10%): $28,500
Loan Amount: $256,500
Interest Rate: 6.22% (current 30-year average)

Monthly Payment Breakdown:

  • Principal & Interest: $1,574

  • HOA Fee: $535 (includes water, property insurance, trash, sewer, exterior maintenance, pool, gym, tennis, security)

  • Homeowners Insurance: $100–$150 (condo HO-6 policy, only covers interior, building covered by master policy)

  • Property Taxes: $237 (1% annually, $2,850/year before homestead exemption)

Total Monthly Cost: $2,446–$2,496

Income requirement (28% front-end ratio): $105,000–$107,000 annual household income
Income requirement (conservative 25% ratio): $117,000–$120,000 annual household income

Translation: You need a household income of around $105K–$120K to comfortably afford a 2 bedroom condo in La Via. Compare that to $170K–$225K needed for a single family home in Cinnamon Place ($525K) or $156K–$180K for a townhome in Tuscan Pines ($500K).

That income difference matters. It's the difference between qualifying or not qualifying in today's rate environment.

MARKET CONTEXT: Why La Via Holds Value

La Via isn't flashy. It doesn't have the curb appeal of newer master planned communities. But it delivers something those communities don't: resort style amenities in a small, intimate community at an attainable price.

Why it holds value:

  • Small community: Only 250 units creates intimate neighborhood feel, you can know your neighbors

  • Location: Central Pembroke Pines with easy access to I-75, Turnpike, shopping, schools

  • Resort amenities: Pool, spa, fitness center, tennis, basketball, pickleball, clubhouse, sauna, amenities typically found in luxury complexes

  • Affordability: $260K–$340K entry point makes it accessible to first time buyers

  • HOA value: $503–$570/month includes water, property insurance, trash, sewer, and all amenities

  • Gated security: Controlled access, safer environment

  • Rental-friendly: Investor friendly community with no rental restrictions

  • Lake views: Many units overlook community lakes, adding premium value

Market observation: La Via condos have taken an average of 77 days to sell, which is slower than larger condo complexes but reflects the limited inventory and specific buyer profile. Updated units with lake views, modern kitchens, and impact windows sell faster (45–60 days). Dated units (original finishes, shutters) may sit 90–120 days but still move if priced correctly.

The spread between dated and updated units can be $50K–$70K, even in the same building. That tells you condition and location within the community matter.

INSIDER TIP: What to Watch for When Buying

In Pembroke Pines, the smallest condo buildings often fly under the radar. But they're also the ones that can become local favorites because once people move in, they tend to stay.

And with only 250 units at La Via, opportunities to buy here are pretty rare.

What drives value in La Via:

  • Lakefront units: Premium views, more privacy, better resale, faster sales

  • Top floor units: No one above you, vaulted ceilings in select units, less noise

  • Corner units: More natural light, fewer shared walls, better cross ventilation

  • Updated interiors: Modern kitchens (granite, stainless), updated baths, all tile flooring

  • Impact windows: Lower insurance premiums, better resale

  • Units with garages: Select units include one car garages, a premium feature for condos

What to flag:

  • Original interiors: Dated kitchens, laminate counters, and old appliances can drop value by $40K–$60K

  • HOA fees: At $503–$570/month, fees are higher than some communities, but value is exceptional (includes water, property insurance, amenities)

  • Roof age: Verify when the building's roof was last replaced (HOA handles replacement)

  • Parking: Verify assigned parking location (covered vs. open, proximity to unit)

Translation: Because La Via is a small community, buyers compare units closely. The difference between a dated interior unit and a lakefront corner unit with updates can be $70K–$90K in resale value.

THE TAKEAWAY

La Via doesn't attract headlines. And most Pines residents drive right past it without realizing what's inside.

But that's exactly what makes it valuable.

For $260K–$340K, you're getting:

  • Gated condo living with resort style amenities (pool, spa, fitness, tennis, basketball, pickleball, clubhouse, sauna)

  • Central Pembroke Pines location with easy highway access

  • Small, intimate community (250 units, you can know your neighbors)

  • HOA fees that include water, property insurance, trash, sewer, and all amenities ($503–$570/month)

  • Lake views in select units

  • Investor friendly policies with no rental restrictions

If you're a first time buyer, downsizer, or investor looking for affordable condo value with exceptional amenities in a small, gated community, La Via deserves a serious look.

It's not flashy. It's not new. But it's one of the most amenity rich small communities in Pembroke Pines.

Sometimes the smart play isn't the community everyone's talking about. It's the one most people don't even know exists.

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