I never lived in a HOA until I moved out here. I was a little apprehensive from all I heard about them...but I gotta tell you. Ours is pretty good.

For $62 a month, we get pool, trash and common areas taken care of. a couple of my neighbors are on the board, they're good people and very realistic on what they "expect/inspect". And none of our neighbors seem to "neglect their property, so I would think the board has it pretty easy.

The next subdivision over is managed by the same HOA...Their fees were almost double ours and the neighborhood is more run down (it is 5 years older). I drive through to get my kids too and from school, and have said a few times, "I'm glad I'm not their neighbor" .

I think they have their merits ....and it really is about who's involved on the board. If I'm going to live in suburbia with 1/4 acre lots(or smaller), I'll live in another HOA. but ideally I'd like acreage without neighbors too