History
Lake Carol is a townhome community on the west side of Miami Lakes which was developed by The Graham Companies in 1989. There are 118 villa-style residences.
As with many lakes in town, this one and the neighborhood built around it is named after a woman in the Graham family: Carol Graham Wyllie, executive vice president of The
Graham Companies.
Amenities
The entrance is on Balgowan Road, where drivers are screened at a guardhouse that serves several communities.
The neighborhood completely surrounds the lake which has four fountains. A small pocket park just outside of the neighborhood is ideal for young children to play.
Most homes have two bedrooms, two bathrooms and a one-car garage. Some two-story townhomes have three bedrooms.
A low wall is inlaid with turquoise-colored tiles; awnings are in the same shade.
“These townhomes have a different and unique architectural style, compared to most of the other flat roof townhouses in Miami Lakes,” said Alex Ruiz, a Realtor at The Keyes Company.
The community is west of the Palmetto Expressway, south of Northwest 154th Street and in walking distance to Picnic Park West and the Park Centre Shops.
Bob Graham Education Center for students enrolled in Kindergarten through eighth grade is nearby.
Who lives there?
The Lake Carol community is a mix of elders, young families and middle-aged folks. The majority of residents own their homes; a small percentage rent.
Harold Korenstein, president of the homeowner’s association, says the community is very peaceful and quiet.
“In the evenings, weather permitting, people can sit on their patios and enjoy views of the lake and the sound of the fountains,” Korenstein said.
What does it cost?
A two-bedroom, two-bath home is listed for sale at $349,900, Ruiz said.
“It’s a very clean cut and well-maintained community, with a low turnover rate,” said Ruiz.
Each property owner pays between $146-$160 per month, according to The Capin Group, which serves the HOA. Fees cover lake maintenance, landscaping and upkeep of the community.
Photos by Megan Jacobo.