Most likely a combination of things, as another poster pointed out. At the peak these townhouses were going for up to $240,000! Anyone who bought during the peak and had an ARM probably got caught way upside down. There have been some foreclosures so that's probably part of it. Also, the older people who live here do die off, so those units become available. Lots of old people, so more vacancies to come in the future.

Young couples outgrow them pretty quickly and move up.

The community is aesthetically lovely. It's a nice place to just walk around. It's kept up very well, looks much nicer than Emerald Lakes up the road. It's mostly very quiet. To me it doesn't seem really "neighborly". You can walk around the whole mile of Riverboat Drive and not see a single living person sometimes. Other times you may see some folks walking, running or cycling. It seems people pretty much keep to themselves.
There are rules, and mostly I like the rules. No pickup trucks or commercial vehicles or motorcycles are allowed. No unregistered vehicles or broken down vehicles are allowed. No big dogs--a good thing because big dogs make big messes and people don't always clean up. There are limits to how many people can live in a unit but I don't think that's enforced.

Over the years I've lived here (about nine) I've seen a general relaxing of the rules to the detriment of the complex. I don't believe they check out renters as much as they should. To that effect we have had (and still have) some unsavory people living in some of the courts, including people on the sex offenders registry and just some druggie, lowlife types. Some owners will rent to anyone. The HOA doesn't monitor this as they should and if you complain you get absolutely nowhere. It's really too bad. These people are the minority but they are still here and affect the quality of life here. Pool rules are frequently not enforced.

On the other hand, the HOA gets on people for the strangest reasons! The group who make up the HOA are just what you would expect here in south Florida. Very senior citizens who have become curmudgeonly and cranky. The younger residents (and I mean anyone under 65) laugh about it. The property manager is rude and obnoxious. I don't think he actually realizes this. He works for the HOA and does their bidding I guess. I think this is about the same no matter where you live. It just seems that the type of people who want to be on the HOA board are similar everywhere. However, they do serve for no pay (though I would guess there are many non-monetary perks) . The place looks beautiful so no complaints there! You have to give them credit for that!

Eventually they will also be gone, and others will take their place.

It's hard to get information about anything that goes on here. Almost all the meetings are held during working hours--therefore only the retired folk can go, and I think it's set up that way on purpose. The property manager's hours are quite limited, and again, if you work during the day you'll never see him, because there are no evening or weekend hours.

A couple of years ago someone started a website, but it disappeared, and there has been nothing to replace it. You can't contact the HOA board via email, or even the property manager. Very frustrating. Again, I attribute this to the advanced age and lack of internet savvy of the people on the board, and of a great many of the residents. Someday this will change, as another generation steps in.

The units themselves vary from vintage 1981 interiors with all original fixtures, to totally remodeled. Some have screened patios, some don't. You don't have much leeway to change anything outside--you can't even plant a shrub without permission from the HOA. You can grow whatever you want inside your fence.
The one flaw in the layout of the units is that there is a bathroom right off the little dining area. I mean RIGHT THERE. If you're working at the counter in the kitchen, or eating at your table, you get a nice view of the toilet. I don't know about anyone else but this was a terrible idea! I have to keep the door closed when I cook and eat. I just can't enjoy a nice meal while gazing at a toilet!

Overall this is a really nice place to live. Just remember if you have any kind of problem, you're mostly going to be on your own. Luckily there aren't too many problems.

It's not a good place for young kids. There is nowhere to play. In fact other than the two pools, there is no clubhouse or anywhere else to gather, no playground, nothing. This community was really not designed for families with children, and the townhouses are really too small for more than two people, in my opinion.
One very important thing!! The cell phone service is practically non-existent! All carriers! You'll need a landline!

One of the most charming aspects of River Pines is the lush tropical feel. River Pines is located east of A1A (Dixie Highway).
Adjacent to River Pines to the south is a state park that stretches for a few miles . To the east , the complex is adjacent to the Inlet and the ocean beyond. At night you can hear the ocean waves.
To the north, directly across the road is the Miles Grant Country Club with a golf course that stretches the length the River Pines complex.
River Pines is simply a great place to live year round or if you are a snowbird.
The townhouse interior layouts are classics.
Two bedrooms, two full baths upstairs.
Livingroom, dining area and kitchen with 1/2 baths and washer/dryer area downstairs.
Each room has a large sliding glass door. Upstairs have two small balconies.
All enclosed in a private 20x24 ft private patio.
Each resident gets two parking spaces as well as plenty of room for guest parking.

NOTE: Now that the Chinese drywall problem in Florida is becoming such a huge issue it is important to note that River Pines has NO problems relating to that issue. Many newer homes in the area are suffering major problems related to that.. River Pines is more desirable than ever in that regard.

As you can see, I love this area and the River Pines complex.

The folks who have taken responsibilty for overseeing the homeowners association are fair and firm. They do a great job of keeping River Pines a tremendous place to live. I have great regard for their dedication and am NOT related to any board members....lol
On the contrary, in the past the board has asked me to conform to certain minor complex rules. The issues were addressed by them in professional manner and I was only too happy to comply.

River Pines is the best value in Martin County.

Identical townhouses in over developed Jupiter are selling for 50-70% more.

The value in River pines is simply great.

We have a unit which has been totally remodeled in the past two years that we put on the market and after nothing but neighborhood lookers we pulled. Part of the problem is that the "association" will not allow any signage, even for open house days, indicating that a unit is for sale which practically eliminates exposure to buyers. Keep in mind that Florida is in general alot of winter residents in this type of intracoastal development with many of them older and not computer literate. Since realtors are doing primarily online marketing it really creates a bottleneck effect when trying to sell to those very people.

River Pines is one of the hidden gems in Martin County.
95 lush, beautiful acres adjoining miles of State Park and the Inter-coastal preserve .
Great for bikers, birders,kayaking or anyone who loves the outdoors.
To get the full effect you must take a look at the Google map shot of the area.
Peaceful, ultra quiet and safe yet with in a minutes of every amenity and major shopping.
River Pines is the best buy on the Treasure Coast.

The Homeowners Associations are a bunch of people who have nothing to do but harass residents and the manager is the worst ! I gave mine away just to get away from them, it would have been a nice place if not for them! I should have realized they were crazy when my wife and I had to be interviewed to see if We Fit!
BEWARE associations are the Worst and this one is probably close to the TOP!
Also check out ALL the other fees that you have to pay monthly !!

Dear Ian,

River Pines was built in 1981 and there are a number of factors why so many are on the market. Some investor activity, some a reflection of the economic time and an aging group of residents. They are not all identical as to some owners have made some customizations and updates inside and outside the units. But the basic floorplans are the same. They are called DiVosta Quads.

If you would like an update on currently available homes in River Pines or notifications of new listings, feel free to contact me from my web site and I'll set you up.

ccondos listings river pine

Not sure if you are still inquiring about the neighborhood but if you are I can offer you up a bit of info. We live in River Pines community having moved from Palm Beach County to Stuart in Martin County approximately two years ago. The tax base is significantly lower, the people are friendlier, and there is much much more control on the expansion of the community to builders. Due to that Stuart did not end up becoming the concrete jungle its neighbors to the north and south did. The neighborhood is convenient for walking, biking, swimming, and backs up to a state preserve that goes all the way to the intracoastal. To get a real sense you should Google it.

If you have an interest we do plan on relocating next year, around April to june, to Portland and will be selling our unit. We will be listing sometime in February so if interested email me. All of the units are two bedroom, two and 1/2 bath, with kitchen, living room and dining area on the first floor. My husband is a contractor so has redone most of our unit bringing into the current year. email is akauff1111@bellsouth.net

There is no specific reason for this, other than the market is a true buyers market here in Florida, we are seeing this all over our area. I have lived here my entire life, and been doing Real Estate for over a decade. We saw the same thing in the late 90's after a lot of FHA backed loans were going into foreclosure and some neighborhoods were saturated with homes for sale! I have viewed nearly every home in this community, and they are investors, "normal" people who lost jobs and are losing their homes, retirees who have lived there 20 years that area downsizing (do not want stairs), and younger couples who are moving up to larger single family homes now that they are affordable. It is not a bad area, or one that will not keep value, if that is what you are thinking. This neighborhood has many features that others like it do not (lower HOA fees, private boardwalk and canoe/kayak area to river, dock for fishing/picnics, etc...)!! Great neighbors and friendly people...lots of people jogging, walking dogs, biking, etc..through the community! Let me know if I can help....good luck!

Hi Ian,
This area had quite a few investors at the end of the boom in 2004 and 2005. Many were not able to turn them over to make a profit and; therefore, they are on the market. I know River Pines well. Can I assist you in your search? Katie Murphy, Keller Williams Realty 561-452-2160; ktmurphyrealtor@aol.com