Hi
I see that Ridge has replied - I don't fully agree with all that he has written but then I think Ridge has another agenda anyway.
Chatham Park is 15 yrs old, yes there are Security Guards and they do their job, I have no idea why Ridge thinks they aren't effective as Chatham Park is a secure community :S I haven't seen "plenty of permanent residents" that don't keep up their homes, there are an odd few but you get this in EVERY community. There is only one home still awaiting hurricane damage repairs and this home took a massive battering, the roof was destroyed, the ceilings came down from all the rain then the house was struck by lightening and was consequently gutted by fire! I don't believe there are "plenty of signs that hurricane damage has not been taken care of" the houses all look very smart with their new roof's. I agree that if you book you should check the home has new furnishings etc as there are a few (and I mean very few) homes that are being rented and have not had much refubishment in their life time however, there are LOTS and LOTS of beautiful homes that have been very well taken care of. The location is great, the traffic to Disney really isn't a problem unless you go along the 192, by travelling Poinciana Boulevard and then down the 535 you avoid all that traffic and can be in Disney property in 6 mins - that is the time stated on Yahoo Maps for that journey.
Chatham Park isn't MORE popular with Long Term rentals than vacationing families, yes there are long term residents but there are more vacationing families.
Pippa