The sound of lawnmowers, the smell of freshly baked cookies, and the sight of well-kept homes—all of these lovely features might entice you to live in an HOA community. However, many upsides and drawbacks make one consider if it’s worth living in an HOA community. Fortunately, we have a brief overview of whether or not it’s worth all the paperwork to live in this type of community.
The Allure of the Perfect Neighborhood
Living in a place where you can boast perfectly trimmed lawns and gorgeous flower beds 24/7 is a dream. Living in an HOA community offers this level of perfection. With everyone adhering to strict rules and regulations, you’ll likely have an attractive and orderly neighborhood—a suitable environment to raise kids and create memorable friendships with your fellow suburbanites.
Amenities Fit for a Queen
Living in an HOA community often comes with exclusive access to top-tier amenities, like swimming pools, parks, fitness centers, and clubhouses. You or your family may host fabulous soirées or unwind after a stressful day in style. You may look forward to lawn services to keep your yard beautiful, such as mowing and weed control by professionals hired by the board.
However, these luxurious amenities come with monthly or annual fees, so you may need to swipe that card often to enjoy the royal treatment.
Say Goodbye to the Neighborly Feuds
Home doesn’t feel like home when you have an arch-rival living next door. Wave goodbye to such feuds because an HOA board will handle disputes between neighbors. They’ll step in with authority to resolve conflicts and ensure the conversation remains calm and civil.
Guidelines That Become Your Overbearing Mother-in-Law
Unfortunately, living in an HOA community isn’t all sunshine and rainbows. The strict guidelines, which we admired earlier, may turn into an overbearing mother-in-law who doesn’t ever leave. If you want to paint your front door a vibrant shade of purple, think again because the HOA might have color restrictions.
When you plan to change the shingles on your home, the HOA may impact your roofing project since you’ll need approval before starting. The authority of HOAs could become an occasional nuisance, infringing on your creative freedom.
Fees, Fees, and More Fees
We mentioned earlier the added costs of enjoying the luxurious amenities in an HOA community. These fees add up in surprising ways. From unforeseen special assessments to possible escalating monthly dues, you’ll need to prepare for unexpected or changing costs that living under an HOA umbrella can entail. A strong budget and the willingness to part with your hard-earned cash are essential.
Whether living in an HOA community is worth it depends on your values, lifestyle preferences, and openness to being part of a managed community. While many benefits offer an attractive package, the strict guidelines and additional fees can be dealbreakers for some. Regardless, it’s up to you to decide if living in an HOA community is worth it.
