How good is your Homeowners' Association?

Property maintenance and security are important issues for home owners and residents. In many areas Homeowners' Associations have an important role to play in managing properties in neighborhoods and communities.

People have very different attitudes about their Homeowners' Associations based on comments made by StreetAdvisor community members. Some people appreciate them while some people hate their Homeowners' Association, and some people don't find out things they need to know until it's too late.

At  Ash Creek, Mesquite, Dallas, Texas, United States (StreetScore 40.37), resident kellydav says

"I have lived here for 40 years and have seen the area go down hill. It's been declining slowly but the homeowners association wants to pretend that they are doing a good job. That's another story. I live in one of the last actual homes in the short area. Most have been bought out over the years and have been made into Duplex's. You never know what, who, where, how your neighbors are and that can be frightening."

Most residents have more positive stories to tell. At Lakeside Drive, McKinney, Collin, Texas, United States (StreetScore 78.44), resident McKinneyMomma says:

"this street is a great place to live, very peaceful, and maintained with an iron fist (!) by the homeowners association. This is not a place that you will see weed-y yards or homes in need of painting/upkeep - there are always a lot of activity by yard services or contractors adding to or updating homes on this street - in fact, 2 custom home builders live on this street!"

At Cornerstone Lane, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, United States (StreetScore 72.79), resident SCGiants says:

"We have a voluntary HOA which is good. Nobody likes old pesky neighbors with nothing better to do than to get into your business. It's a clean area other than the few pieces of litter that the "cut throughs" mindlessly toss but all of us are pretty good about keeping up with it. It's not Beverly Hills but it was never meant to be either. Its a good middle of the road middle class neighborhood."

At Kevin Kelly Place, Austin, Texas, United States (StreetScore 72.16), resident Helena says:

"Gardens of Milwood is a perfect neighborhood for singles, couples, retirees or those with very young children. Homes are approx. 800-1200 sq ft with very small yards. If you want to be in the Austin city limits, this is one of the most affordable, but nice and "safe" places to buy. (Some crime has occurred, but we have been here for 3 years with no issues or fears whatsoever.) HOA is active so most homes and streets are well cared for."

At  Salamonie Drive, Indianapolis, Indiana, United States (StreetScore 77.32), resident webonics says:

"This neighborhood is about five years old in the oldest section but many homes are as new as two years. The Homeowners Association is active and there is a community spirit with some block parties and kids events a couple of times per year. Property taxes are VERY HIGH particularly in Franklin Township but hopefully pending legislation will alleviate the disparity. Additionally, the township has begun to allow more commercial development to subsidize residential property taxes."

How good is your HOA?

Log into StreetAdvisor.com, where you can tell all your neighbors about your local Homeowners' Association.