Tell me about living at Sumner Village / Sentinel Drive, Bethesda

[Anonymous]

Just noticed several condos for sale at this older (1975) condo complex. Does anyone know what’s up? Are they bailing due to a condo fee reassessment? Are most of the residents elderly? Will it be negatively impacted by nearby construction? What is it like to live there? Appreciate any input!

[Anonymous]

Some of the units have been really nicely updated and they are big but the $1200 condo fee seems really high (and probably stops a lot of people). it is a great location and while it skews older- it is turning over.

[Anonymous]

I’ve looked at a lot of units there with my mother. Some are quite nice, others are dated. That’s why you will see price variation. Most are the same size (2 bed, 2 bath) but there seem to be a few larger ones).

It’s definitely an older community. The reason units turn over is that residents die or move on to assisted living. It’s a very large complex and there are always several units on the market.

I think the condo fee is high because they’ve got a lot of space and roads to maintain, aging buildings, and full time staff including a gated entrance.

[Anonymous]

It's a very nice, leafy community. I think it was built in the early 70s and most residents seem to have aged in place. If you are under 60, you'll be one of the young'ins.

Per their website:
"The dues cover such operating costs as the maintenance of the common areas (e.g. lobbies, hallways and roofs) of the residential buildings; water and sewer; grounds, roadway and parking area upkeep; managing agent's services; maintenance of the pool, two tennis courts and clubhouse with catering kitchen, exercise room, party/meeting rooms, library and management office. The dues also cover contributions to the replacement reserves."

For a garden style community with no elevators, underground boilers, staff of porters, etc, the $1200/mo. condo fee seems high. I bet just the grass mowing and plantings cost a fortune.

[Anonymous]

There are elevators in all 16 buildings.

[Anonymous]

OP here. Thank you! I read that the two villages are under different conditions bylaws. Does anyone know the details about the differences between the two? Thanks!