The Pros and Cons of Living in an HOA Community

Homeowners associations (HOAs) are a common fixture in many communities across the United States. According to the Community Associations Institute, there are more than 350,000 HOAs in the U.S. that manage and maintain over five million residential properties. HOAs are tasked with many responsibilities, including but not limited to, enforcing community rules and regulations, maintaining common areas, and managing finances.

Living in an HOA community has its pros and cons. In this blog post, we will explore the 10 biggest likes and dislikes of living in an HOA community.

The Likes of Living in an HOA Community:

1. You have a say in how your community looks and feels.

2. There are usually amenities that you would not have access to otherwise, like a swimming pool or gym.

3. Common areas are well-maintained by the HOA so you don’t have to worry about them yourself.

4. It can create a sense of community and camaraderie among neighbors.

5. In many cases it can be more affordable than living in a non-HOA community because the cost of maintenance is spread out among all homeowners in the association.

6. It can offer peace of mind knowing that there is someone looking out for the interests of all homeowners in the community.

7. There are usually events organized by the HOA that bring neighbors together, like block parties or holiday parties.

8. HOAs typically have strict rules and regulations about things like noise levels, so it can be quieter than living in a non-HOA community.

9. Your property value is typically higher in an HOA community because of the well-maintained common areas and amenities.

10. You may have access to 24/7 security if your HOA provides it as a benefit to homeowners.

The Non-Likes of Living in an HOA Community:

1. Monthly fees – This is probably the number one complaint people have about living in an HOA community – having to pay monthly fees on top of their mortgage payment can be tough for some people to swing financially

2. How the money is spent – Another complaint people have is not feeling like their voice is heard when it comes to how their monthly fees are being spent by the HOA

3. More rules and regulations – This goes hand-in-hand with number two – some people feel like they’re being micromanaged by their HOA and there are just too many rules to keep track of

4. Lack of transparency – Some HOAs lack transparency when it comes to how they’re run and how decisions are made, leaving homeowners feeling left out of the loop

5. Noisy neighbors – Even though HOAs typically have strict rules about noise levels, there will always be those neighbors who think they’re exempt from following them

6. Power struggles – Since HOAs are run by volunteer boards made up of homeowners, there can sometimes be power struggles between board members which trickle down to affecting everyone else in the community

7. Slow response time – Depending on the size of your HOA community, getting things done can sometimes take longer because there’s usually a process that has to be followed

8. Special assessments – No one likes paying special assessments, but sometimes they’re necessary in order for repairs or improvements to be made

9. Poorly maintained common areas – This goes against one of the Likes listed above, but if your HOA isn’t properly maintained, it can reflect poorly on your property value

10. Same old faces – If you’ve lived in your HOA community for a long time, you may get tired of seeing the same people at every event which can make socializing feel more like a chore than something you actually enjoy doing

Living in an HOA community has its pros and cons like any other type of living situation does . It’s important to weigh both the good and bad before making a decision about whether or not living in an HOA is right for you . What do you think? Are the pros or cons of living in an HOA community more appealing to you?

If you’re thinking about starting an HOA or need help improving your existing one, contact us today! Our team would be happy to answer any questions you have or get started on a project with you right away,