article: why HOAs continue to be popular

[GON]

HOAs exist because, like many laws and rules, there are people who don’t know how to behave and so regulation is the result.

Like any other body of rules, the details matter but the reality is most people don’t want certain behaviors in a neighborhood, particularly a higher end neighborhood, and analogous to the broken windows theory of policing, all you need are a few slobs who buy a house with no intention of maintaining a house, or think it is ok to leave cars on jackstands in the driveway or on the street, and pretty soon that sends a subtle signal that this kind of behavior is OK. HOAs can be obnoxious as well, but the reality is that for most people, the majority of the person’s net worth is tied up in the house that is the primary residence, so they simply don’t want that kind of thing in the neighborhood and they create these organizations (many of who do in fact attract the control personality types).

If people want to avoid HOAs, then they should learn some basic consideration for the sensibilities of the neighbors - yeah, I am looking at the dude with the boat under “repair” on a dirty trailer, sitting under a dirty tarp, or the other person who has old crappy cars spotted around because he thinks they are “collectible”, or the jerk who thought the above ground pool was a terrific idea during COVID but it now sits partially collapsed and rotting.

Or move to a neighborhood whew such things are acceptable, but then realize that crappy schools and some level of at least petty crime and theft are now part of your life experience.

Final thought is that a lot of the experience referenced in the original post - a time gone by- referred to as social trust - has to do, in my opinion, with a plunging birth rate. The single family home community that became popular in the postwar period was accompanied by a much higher birth rate - large families were common. Now our birth rate is barely above replacement rate. The salience of this to HOAs is that when parents had to raise kids, and kids were more of part of the fabric of society, instead of a nuisance or financial burden as they are commonly seen today, parents had to be more selfless and raise the kids, and they didn’t have the time or additional income for multiple hobby cars, a boat, a motorhome - in other words many of the perceived “problems” prohibited in the typical HOA. So summertime evenings would have the kids playing at a local ball field, traveling by bike, and then coming home. The houses were well kept because the parents weren’t shipping the kids around all weekend trying to recreate the next Olympian, dad was at home and could mow the lawn. Mom could tend the flowers. HOAs are to some degree, and again this is just my opinion, trying to capture the fact that the neighborhoods were more uniform at that time because there were less available distractions, but like anything else in life, you can’t go back, as they say. And so people seek to capture the look of a beautiful neighborhood but in many respects some of these neighborhoods are creepy because there aren’t enough kids around. Anyone want to have a better sense of to what I am referring will understand better, because it is hard to express, if you compare what you see in Israel to what you see in most of Western Europe.

 

[srfdude]

Like other quasi gov't agencies in CA, HOAs tend to be run by Karens who have power addictions.

I have lived in two neighborhoods run by one, and won't ever again. The rules are draconian, and somewhat nebulous. If, for example, I was away for a day and it was trash day, the fact that the cans were on the curb overnight would result in a warning, the next time would result in a fine. I have bought several homes in So'Cal, and specifically ignore homes in a HOA. My realtor friends say it is not uncommon.

 

[Dave Hess]

I would not last a month in any HOA.

Why pay to feel like I’m in jail ?

 

[alarmguy]

… In the many HOA threads on this board the same thing has been said by people who live in HOA's. I guess it gets drowned out by all the "I will never live in an HOA" people, who unsurprisingly have never lived in a HOA so can't possibly know what its like.

This is so correct

Let me expand on this, most people don’t understand many HOA‘s offer a lifestyle unmatched in a regular non-HOA community
We have private roads, gates at all entrances, security cameras, multiple pools and amenity centers, including indoor, manned gatehouse, security patrol, ballroom, gymnasium, tennis courts, Pickleball courts all closed to the public

Our previous community was a more simple small HOA with a swimming pool and typical nice landscaping
You never had to worry about broken down cars, campers, boats sitting in driveways, cars parked up on grass, sloppy unkept properties, gardens, and houses

But the bottom line choice is good and builders know HOA’s are desirable
If the above isn’t your thing that brings us back to choice is good!

 

[zzyzzx]

The rules are draconian, and somewhat nebulous.

Like the one dictating he roof slope on houses...

 

[Owen Lucas]

Some parts of towns or states are dominated by HOA communities. There are very few options when shopping sometimes. For many, I don't think having an HOA is an upsell. It's a compromise.

We've all heard the stories about abusive HOA's:

"you can't park your car in the driveway"
"you can't leave the garage door open"
"your potted plant is the wrong color and you didn't apply for a potted plant permit"

 

[SEMI_287]

I've heard horror stories. I have friends that live in HOA's and that's not for me. Now that I'm in my 40s, my kid has a handful of years left in public school I'm planning my move home (Florida) and out of NYS. I can NOT wait. Finding homes NOT in HOA in the places I want proves to be challenging.

 

[alarmguy]

I've heard horror stories. I have friends that live in HOA's and that's not for me. Now that I'm in my 40s, my kid has a handful of years left in public school I'm planning my move home (Florida) and out of NYS. I can NOT wait. Finding homes NOT in HOA in the places I want proves to be challenging.

Yes if you want to be inside a community with landscaping and amenities then you will be paying for an HOA

If you don’t want those things then your choice of homes will be reduced 50% in Florida which is one of the highest HOA areas in the USA besides other places like Vermont. Choice is good, no free lunch

No coincidence I would think two of the most desirable places in the USA have among the highest percentage of people living in HOA communities

If you don’t want amenities and standards in a community live outside a community HOA
No free lunch

Smart move leaving NYS, we did almost 20 years ago. Took the kids with us right before they started middle school. Best move EVER for them.
Both have families, great jobs and their own homes that they proudly bought on their own.
Actually one of them just sold their first 3Br home on 1+ acre of property and bought a much larger 5BR home in a community with amenities (pool etc) now that they have two young kids

Ps. (My feelings, I think true)
You can find horror on any product, service or thing by looking for it on the internet.

 

[BMWTurboDzl]

Like other quasi gov't agencies in CA, HOAs tend to be run by Karens who have power addictions.

I have lived in two neighborhoods run by one, and won't ever again. The rules are draconian, and somewhat nebulous. If, for example, I was away for a day and it was trash day, the fact that the cans were on the curb overnight would result in a warning, the next time would result in a fine. I have bought several homes in So'Cal, and specifically ignore homes in a HOA. My realtor friends say it is not uncommon.

And the HOA is supposed to know you were out of town? My HOA sends warnings but a response saying you were out of town doesn't mean you'll get a fine the second time it happens.

 

[SC Maintenance]

Like other quasi gov't agencies in CA, HOAs tend to be run by Karens who have power addictions.

I have lived in two neighborhoods run by one, and won't ever again. The rules are draconian, and somewhat nebulous. If, for example, I was away for a day and it was trash day, the fact that the cans were on the curb overnight would result in a warning, the next time would result in a fine. I have bought several homes in So'Cal, and specifically ignore homes in a HOA. My realtor friends say it is not uncommon.

So was this Draconian, or nebulous? Was it in the rules you read before purchase?

Most people get their neighbor to do it while there gone. I just did so for my neighbor. Most neighbors would just do it if it sat there a while.

 

[el Nuke]

My previous residence had no HOA. My new residence has no HOA.
Previous residence was urban. New residence is very rural.

The rural setting is phenomenal (or was until recently). No other houses in sight, just beautiful nature and quiet....
EXCEPT....

Some (I would use many banned words here) moved into a house about 1/4 mile away and now every freaking Friday night and Saturday night the (use imagination) low lifes have parties and have an amplifier (must be at least 1000watts) with obvious drinking and insane loud Spanish talk through the weekend. It is unbelievable how loud they can talk. I guess they've been deafened by the music.

My home is so well insulated with concrete block and double pane storm windows that we barely hear thunder in the summer.. but when these fools 1/4 mile away start their crap, I can hear and FEEL it inside my home.
We moved here in retirement SPECIFICALLY to get away from this in the urban setting.

When I call the Sheriffs department they usually reply that "Florida has no noise laws for residential properties, so call us back if they are still loud after midnight. " So I call after midnight (crap still going) and drive to the end of the road...no deputies ever come out.
What the heck? No noise laws for residential properties? That's insane. So if I'm criminal and I want your home I can just set up 24/7 125db noise next door until you give up and move?

So in this respect, I wish there WAS an HOA.
Now, I am going have to retain a lawyer and file a lawsuit since this has diminished my quality of life, property value and ability to sleep.

I cannot believe our brain dead corporate bought Florida legislators actually just passed a law making a frame around your tag a CRIMINAL offense.....but do nothing to protect your quality of life from imbeciles and refuse to pass noise laws to protect people from such disrespectful morons.

But laws to empower surveillance and government power....PASSED FIRST TIME!

The NET result of this will not be to stop criminals. Instead this will cost many more innocent lives. Here's why. Criminals do not care about your laws. Since they might not get away with obscuring a plate, now they will have to either steal more license plates and risk the owner reporting it before they can commit their crime, or.....murder the driver ( and possibly the entire family) so they cannot call and report the vehicle stolen, just to get a vehicle they can use to commit their crimes. This will not slow criminals down one bit. But it puts thousands of innocent Floridians lives in jeopardy. The lack of common sense in politicians is appalling.

Key provisions of Florida HB 253 include: (Went into effect October 1st, 2025)

• License Plate Obscuring: It is now a second-degree misdemeanor to knowingly alter, cover, or obscure a license plate, which includes using decorative frames, tinted covers, or reflective sprays. This offense was previously a non-criminal traffic infraction.
• License Plate Obscuring Devices:
  • Purchasing or possessing a device specifically designed to hide or flip a license plate is a second-degree misdemeanor.
  • Manufacturing, selling, or distributing such a device is a first-degree misdemeanor.
  • Using one of these devices to commit a crime or evade law enforcement is a third-degree felony.

What did your neighbors say when you went up to them and introduced yourself as their neighbor and asked them if you could sit down and have a civilized discussion about the excessive noise they were making on weekends?

 

[alarmguy]

Like other quasi gov't agencies in CA, HOAs tend to be run by Karens who have power addictions.

I have lived in two neighborhoods run by one, and won't ever again. The rules are draconian, and somewhat nebulous. If, for example, I was away for a day and it was trash day, the fact that the cans were on the curb overnight would result in a warning, the next time would result in a fine. I have bought several homes in So'Cal, and specifically ignore homes in a HOA. My realtor friends say it is not uncommon.

Wait, isn’t it a Karen who wants to tell someone how they have to live or constantly complain about something?

That would almost fit the description of people who complain about HOA’s. After all, the people who live in HOA communities in which a majority do or wish they did, willfully create and enforce rules and standards by people elected who own homes in the community.

I’m just bringing up a point, no big deal people love to complain about HOA and why so many debates. Yet every day it’s desirable for people to move into HOA communities, knowing for well there are restrictions and for many communities many amenities.

Your realtor is pacifying you. You said she said it is uncommon that doesn’t mean the majority prefers all the amenities an HOA community has.
The trashcan is not a very good example

 

[srfdude]

Wait, isn’t it a Karen who wants to tell someone how they have to live or constantly complain about something?

That would almost fit the description of people who complain about HOA’s. After all, the people who live in HOA communities in which a majority do or wish they did, willfully create and enforce rules and standards by people elected who own homes in the community.

I’m just bringing up a point, no big deal people love to complain about HOA and why so many debates. Yet every day it’s desirable for people to move into HOA communities, knowing for well there are restrictions and for many communities many amenities.

Your realtor is pacifying you. You said she said it is uncommon that doesn’t mean the majority prefers all the amenities an HOA community has.
The trashcan is not a very good example

Other points notwithstanding, my realtor is a good friend. He doesn't BS. Perhaps where you live it is desireable, but generally not in SoCal.

 

[SC Maintenance]

Other points notwithstanding, my realtor is a good friend. He doesn't BS. Perhaps where you live it is desireable, but generally not in SoCal.

Over 1/3 of all homes in California have HOA's. Where do you think all the HOA homes are, in the hood? I sort of doubt it.

2/3 of all new construction in the USA is in HOA's.

I am not saying you should live there - everyone has there preference. But to say there not desirable is laughable. Companies who's goal in the world is to build and sell houses do so in HOA's, and clearly there goal is to target the biggest possible target customer set.

 

[Wylie6G72]

In Texas, especially in the burbs, they're necessary as far as I'm concerned. People here will do anything they please with no regard for how it reflects on the neighborhood, or themselves. I'm not talking about small stuff, I'm talking about Trans Ams up on blocks in the front yard. I think my HOA strikes the right balance between keeping everything looking nice, and micromanaging. I work on my cars in the garage and I wash them in the driveway, and this has never been an issue . I'm grateful they're here, along with a strong Code Compliance Department. There are some people living in this neighborhood who were clearly raised with no concept of consideration for anyone but themselves.

 

[alarmguy]

Other points notwithstanding, my realtor is a good friend. He doesn't BS. Perhaps where you live it is desireable, but generally not in SoCal.

You don’t think his lifestyle is the same as everybody else else’s do you?

That’s my only point. Believe it or not some people want to live in gated, secure, amenity Rich communities containing swimming pools, athletic activities, such as Pickleball tennis gyms sometimes restaurants on clean manicure grounds and willing to pay for it
Just because your friend doesn’t like them doesn’t mean the majority of Americans don’t want them

 

[nickaluch]

All I can say is what I noticed.. People who complain about HOA are the people you wouldn't want as a next door neighbor in a non HOA neighborhood

 

[Dave Hess]

Lots of HOAs have very bad reserves and missing money.

I can’t live in an HOA and not able to do what I want.

Example:
Washing my car on the grass and working on my vehicles in the driveway.

 

[SC Maintenance]

Lots of HOAs have very bad reserves and missing money.

I can’t live in an HOA and not able to do what I want.

Example:
Washing my car on the grass and working on my vehicles in the driveway.

Its definately not for everyone, but that doesn't make it bad.

I wash my car in the driveway and work on my car in the garage. I have no issues with this.

 

[alarmguy]

Its definately not for everyone, but that doesn't make it bad.

I wash my car in the driveway and work on my car in the garage. I have no issues with this.

I agree with this.
Many of these comments are people who never lived in an HOA and believe everything they see and read.
One thing for sure, and I am thrilled about you can’t park your car on the lawn!

Technically, you can’t work on your car in the driveway. Of course you can wash it.
However, I do my brakes in the driveway. I change my oil and we even park our boat in the driveway for a couple days to get it ready for spring. Of course you can’t keep it there, but it’s acknowledged recreational vehicles can be kept in your driveway for the purpose of loading unloading or getting ready for vacation use. So you have a leeway of maybe a week
We are in a resort community on top of it.

You don’t get bothered. However, if you think you’re going to leave your car up on jacks in the driveway overnight or work materials laying around for more than that one day you’re working on it well then your best off, not living here or like you say do it in your garage.
Nor can you leave your unregistered or on ummaintained car with a flat tire sitting in your driveway rotting away.

Bottom line I don’t want people like that to be my neighbors anyway. So it’s cool that the couple thousand people in this community live if the standards, we moved into here for