Andrea, there is something extremely satisfying about your giving zero fcks about nonsense. I aspire to be you. :) Seriously, I take so much to heart, thinking most of my anxiety would disappear if I had your way of thinking inside of me.
Amen Sister! Changing a life-style is well stated and the short-comings are very real. A list of what to consider would itemize issues rarely considered or not evident on the surface, e.g., board policies, rules and regulations, itemized association budget projections, types of restrictions and limitations. More relevant for some would be the social and community access to amenities. We chose to remain in an urban setting at the edge of the highrises yet within walking distance of 1 mile to parks, stores, shops, library, and gathering places. Still a trade off from quaint neighborhood life for the home maintenance and security. Hope you can find an alternate location to enjoy the life=style you prefer, retirement life is for enjoyment and reduced stressors.
Oh gosh, you sound like you have the best of both worlds. Where do you live, what city (or if uncomfortable sharing, what state), if I may be so nosy to inquire? I mentioned in previous articles I'm campaigning to move out of the country into a place that has mountains, ocean (or large body water) and the amenities of a large city. They do exist.
There are a few here in the US that's close to what I'm seeking (Reno/Tahoe, Oxnard/Ventura) and honestly there are a couple cities in Maine that would be wonderful. Cost of living is into the mix, hence, my desire to live in another country.
Market-priced housing in the locations I'm seeking isn't available, at least not now, and likely not in my lifetime.
My husband isn't retired yet. This will be a big factor in our decision making moving forward.
Part of the fun will be exploring and finding the right place for both of us. I'm excited to start soon.
Sadly, no matter how well informed we are, it won't cover keeping the personalities from interpreting what suits them, especially when it comes to aesthetics.
We've pondered this question for a long time. My parents lived in a single-family gated community in Florida (hmm, does everyone do that down there?) happily, happily. We've looked at some because I'm tired of maintaining our home and property. But my husband said last month that his vote is a resounding "NO!" for the reasons you quote. My dad, a very different personality from Dan and me, was HO Pres...he would drive his golfcart around weekly and note infractions like someone hanging a beach towel on the lanai. Three strikes and you get your golf clubs taken away for a few days. Nah, not for us.
The entire reason I agreed to move into a condo with an HOA was because of my parents' experience with condo living in Florida... and it was the only property available in this particular area.
My parents lived in a luxurious high-rise that had two year-round heated swimming pools, shuffleboard courts, book clubs, Jimmy Buffett happy hours, and days spent playing bridge and mahjong. And it was located on beautiful Clearwater Bay. The only thing missing was a golf course. After moving to the West Coast, I spent my long vacations with my parents every year until my dad passed away and my mother moved. Years...
It was the Florida lifestyle I was addicted to. Everyone was happy, the sun was (mostly always) shining, everyone said hello, and over the years, even I made friends with the old folks.
It was an anomaly. Or maybe it wasn’t for Florida.
Things changed dramatically over the years. I haven’t been down there in a long time, but I hear rumblings of bigger personality conflicts, high dues, rebar faltering, and hurricane damages, causing assessments to skyrocket."
I will never live in another HOA again. But as my mother always used to say, "Never say never. Darn it.
My husband still yearns for Florida every day...we've been back in the MIdwest for 15 years. I didn't cotton to the place (Florida) for a dozen reasons. Happy here.
We're 55 miles NW of Chicago in a lake community. After being scattered all over the world, my kids and I all came back here. (Except my son in Iowa, but that's close enough, Iguess.) It just works for us.
I live in Canada. We pay EVERY MONTH about $100 less in HOA fees than you pay quarterly, and it's worth every penny. Our HOA also includes all our utilities except phone, cable and internet. We've just had the winter of the century, and our parking area was kept snow-free for the last 2 months under incredibly bad conditions. We have great communal recycling and trash services. We have lived here since 1993 and would not live anywhere else in our city. Three grocery stores are within a 1 km (0.6 mile) drive, fast food and good restaurants are close by as are a library, three pharmacies and a really good hardware store at 2 km (1.2 miles) away. The big hospital for the region is 3 km (1.8 miles) away with a state of the art cancer centre. (I've been its customer since November of 2023. My mom says she'd have to be blasted out of here with dynamite and the same goes for me. Your takeaways are right: have a good look around the neighborhood and learn from your potential new neighbors before you sign up for HOA living.
My takeaway from your response? It's absolutely possible to find that special place (including HOA living) with the amenities within a short walking or public transportation distance.
There are HOA properties I know of here in the US that it would take a bomb to move me away from, like your mother mentioned... the difference is here (for us), they aren't affordable. There is a place in Florida where the dues are close to $1,000 a month, it's close to the salt water, includes everything except electric, and there are few complaints lodged against the property management who was hired (years ago) to do the job required to run a place smoothly. Turnover is low. Residents pass and leave to their kids or close friends.
It puts a smile on my face to read responses like your because it means the possibility is still available we will find our special place. Thank you for reconfirming it for me.
I’ve heard HOA horror stories before. I could feel my pulse rising and my breathing getting ragged as I read this. It sounds like there might be grounds for a lawsuit if enough residents feel discriminated against.
Don't get too upset. Here’s the kicker: the ones who felt they weren’t getting a fair shake have moved out, or their units are up for sale.
The bad part is once you're on the hit list they can come after you like a lightening rod. The person in charge can't last forever... that's what most of us say, the rest are pets and tattlers, just like we once faced in little school. :) (yes I meant "little school")
Patti, My heart goes out to you. Right after I moved in to an old house in mpls the neighbor (who was suffering emotionally) went into foreclosure and her house was bought by a “flipper” who immediately razed her entire garden. Tragically removing a large, flowering hedge that divided our property and had provided nests for cardinals. So, this happens in single family homes too. Good luck to you! I know friends who have moved to Northfield Minnesota for small town atmosphere. There are many places in the United States. And I know of an ex-pat community in Mexico as well.
Thanks for sharing this as a reminder to me that this happens can happen anywhere. Home ownership isn't exempt from the rumination of property aesthetics pretty much anywhere except in extreme rural areas.
More people need to know what they're really giving up when they buy a condo (condo association) or live in a neighborhood with an HOA. Your story is the norm not the exception. I represented some of these associations as an attorney-think major dysfunctional family where everyone is on a power trip. The snow removal company is probably someone's relative. It's unfortunate you are going through this. Hopefully your post will help someone else avoid the same fate.
Ah, yes the good old boy network. I think it would tickle you to learn the "rest of the story" that goes on behind closed doors. Since you've dealt with it as an attorney, I'm certain there are wilder stories than I have to share.
I hope it gives people a reason to delve a bit further into the machinations of their particular HOA before signing on the dotted line.
Thanks for sharing this eye-opening information. I've wondered whether to remain in my present home if my partner predeceases me. I don't need the excess space, and a two-bedroom, two-bath condo seemed a great option for an older woman (who would need to hire for many services).
Now I'm rethinking that idea. Our trusted (old-school) contractor tells us that new construction condo communities aren't well-built and restrict you in many ways (which you defined here). It may be a moot point, but I think more and more about how to prepare for the future as an oldie (but still a goodie!) 🤣
Haha, yes, 'oldies but goodies' is certainly apropos in our case. I'd never buy a new condo, but from what I'm hearing from my Florida connections many are having issues with the rebar, environmental, and a host of other issues... not to mention the dues are astronomical these days.
We had an HOA resident committee. They’d walk around the neighborhood with their clipboards, handing out warnings to other residents for ridiculous things while my husband and I watched and laughed from our balcony (what can I say, we’re easily amused). We just thought it was funny how seriously they were taking their ‘jobs’
Shlee, I was the exact same way until that chopper came through the side yard and cut my tree in one fell swoop. Then things started piling up and they started getting to me. I'm trying to let things go because there is light at the end of this tunnel. Nothing is forever... maybe the President will find another place to fluff her feathers.
I can’t believe they cut down those healthy, beautiful trees while leaving the dead ones! That’d get to me, too. But you’re right, nothing lasts forever and I hope things change in your favor very soon 💜🤞
Very very good! I read some of this outloud to my husband as we continue to discuss and process aspects of our next home purchase. We prefer to live in walking distance to stores and to have parks nearby. However, in reality this is then high dollar real estate. We want small town living and do not need all the shopping centers. I like libraries and churches nearby. Coffee shops, bookstores, and friendly folks.
This. Right here, Linda. I do need one added component. It must be geographically alive, with these trails or ocean, or national park within a 45-minute driving distance.
I'm a weirdo. I love big cities. And wilderness. Not many places the two are found within a driving distance, except (from my own experience) in California and Northern or Southern Nevada. I haven't visited the extreme Northwest, yet. So still places to explore in the US, before taking on another part of the world!
This continues to be a conversation between my husband and me. I don’t think I can abide an HOA. Especially now when I give zero fks about nonsense.
Andrea, there is something extremely satisfying about your giving zero fcks about nonsense. I aspire to be you. :) Seriously, I take so much to heart, thinking most of my anxiety would disappear if I had your way of thinking inside of me.
I think it has come with age. Turning 50 flipped a switch.
Amen Sister! Changing a life-style is well stated and the short-comings are very real. A list of what to consider would itemize issues rarely considered or not evident on the surface, e.g., board policies, rules and regulations, itemized association budget projections, types of restrictions and limitations. More relevant for some would be the social and community access to amenities. We chose to remain in an urban setting at the edge of the highrises yet within walking distance of 1 mile to parks, stores, shops, library, and gathering places. Still a trade off from quaint neighborhood life for the home maintenance and security. Hope you can find an alternate location to enjoy the life=style you prefer, retirement life is for enjoyment and reduced stressors.
Oh gosh, you sound like you have the best of both worlds. Where do you live, what city (or if uncomfortable sharing, what state), if I may be so nosy to inquire? I mentioned in previous articles I'm campaigning to move out of the country into a place that has mountains, ocean (or large body water) and the amenities of a large city. They do exist.
There are a few here in the US that's close to what I'm seeking (Reno/Tahoe, Oxnard/Ventura) and honestly there are a couple cities in Maine that would be wonderful. Cost of living is into the mix, hence, my desire to live in another country.
Market-priced housing in the locations I'm seeking isn't available, at least not now, and likely not in my lifetime.
My husband isn't retired yet. This will be a big factor in our decision making moving forward.
Part of the fun will be exploring and finding the right place for both of us. I'm excited to start soon.
Reminder to always be Totally informed before signing on the dotted line.
Sadly, no matter how well informed we are, it won't cover keeping the personalities from interpreting what suits them, especially when it comes to aesthetics.
We've pondered this question for a long time. My parents lived in a single-family gated community in Florida (hmm, does everyone do that down there?) happily, happily. We've looked at some because I'm tired of maintaining our home and property. But my husband said last month that his vote is a resounding "NO!" for the reasons you quote. My dad, a very different personality from Dan and me, was HO Pres...he would drive his golfcart around weekly and note infractions like someone hanging a beach towel on the lanai. Three strikes and you get your golf clubs taken away for a few days. Nah, not for us.
The entire reason I agreed to move into a condo with an HOA was because of my parents' experience with condo living in Florida... and it was the only property available in this particular area.
My parents lived in a luxurious high-rise that had two year-round heated swimming pools, shuffleboard courts, book clubs, Jimmy Buffett happy hours, and days spent playing bridge and mahjong. And it was located on beautiful Clearwater Bay. The only thing missing was a golf course. After moving to the West Coast, I spent my long vacations with my parents every year until my dad passed away and my mother moved. Years...
It was the Florida lifestyle I was addicted to. Everyone was happy, the sun was (mostly always) shining, everyone said hello, and over the years, even I made friends with the old folks.
It was an anomaly. Or maybe it wasn’t for Florida.
Things changed dramatically over the years. I haven’t been down there in a long time, but I hear rumblings of bigger personality conflicts, high dues, rebar faltering, and hurricane damages, causing assessments to skyrocket."
I will never live in another HOA again. But as my mother always used to say, "Never say never. Darn it.
My husband still yearns for Florida every day...we've been back in the MIdwest for 15 years. I didn't cotton to the place (Florida) for a dozen reasons. Happy here.
Where in the Midwest? Haha, I keep trying to like it. Really, I do.
We're 55 miles NW of Chicago in a lake community. After being scattered all over the world, my kids and I all came back here. (Except my son in Iowa, but that's close enough, Iguess.) It just works for us.
Yay! I'm always happy when the person finds that place called "home."
I live in Canada. We pay EVERY MONTH about $100 less in HOA fees than you pay quarterly, and it's worth every penny. Our HOA also includes all our utilities except phone, cable and internet. We've just had the winter of the century, and our parking area was kept snow-free for the last 2 months under incredibly bad conditions. We have great communal recycling and trash services. We have lived here since 1993 and would not live anywhere else in our city. Three grocery stores are within a 1 km (0.6 mile) drive, fast food and good restaurants are close by as are a library, three pharmacies and a really good hardware store at 2 km (1.2 miles) away. The big hospital for the region is 3 km (1.8 miles) away with a state of the art cancer centre. (I've been its customer since November of 2023. My mom says she'd have to be blasted out of here with dynamite and the same goes for me. Your takeaways are right: have a good look around the neighborhood and learn from your potential new neighbors before you sign up for HOA living.
My takeaway from your response? It's absolutely possible to find that special place (including HOA living) with the amenities within a short walking or public transportation distance.
There are HOA properties I know of here in the US that it would take a bomb to move me away from, like your mother mentioned... the difference is here (for us), they aren't affordable. There is a place in Florida where the dues are close to $1,000 a month, it's close to the salt water, includes everything except electric, and there are few complaints lodged against the property management who was hired (years ago) to do the job required to run a place smoothly. Turnover is low. Residents pass and leave to their kids or close friends.
It puts a smile on my face to read responses like your because it means the possibility is still available we will find our special place. Thank you for reconfirming it for me.
I’ve heard HOA horror stories before. I could feel my pulse rising and my breathing getting ragged as I read this. It sounds like there might be grounds for a lawsuit if enough residents feel discriminated against.
Don't get too upset. Here’s the kicker: the ones who felt they weren’t getting a fair shake have moved out, or their units are up for sale.
The bad part is once you're on the hit list they can come after you like a lightening rod. The person in charge can't last forever... that's what most of us say, the rest are pets and tattlers, just like we once faced in little school. :) (yes I meant "little school")
Wow, that’s so messed up. Whatever happened to The Golden Rule? I don’t understand people at all.
In the world we’re living in currently there is no point in trying to make sense. We do the best we can do and move forward from where we are.
Patti, My heart goes out to you. Right after I moved in to an old house in mpls the neighbor (who was suffering emotionally) went into foreclosure and her house was bought by a “flipper” who immediately razed her entire garden. Tragically removing a large, flowering hedge that divided our property and had provided nests for cardinals. So, this happens in single family homes too. Good luck to you! I know friends who have moved to Northfield Minnesota for small town atmosphere. There are many places in the United States. And I know of an ex-pat community in Mexico as well.
Thanks for sharing this as a reminder to me that this happens can happen anywhere. Home ownership isn't exempt from the rumination of property aesthetics pretty much anywhere except in extreme rural areas.
Where is expat community you mentioned in Mexico?
Great points my Love 💓
More people need to know what they're really giving up when they buy a condo (condo association) or live in a neighborhood with an HOA. Your story is the norm not the exception. I represented some of these associations as an attorney-think major dysfunctional family where everyone is on a power trip. The snow removal company is probably someone's relative. It's unfortunate you are going through this. Hopefully your post will help someone else avoid the same fate.
Ah, yes the good old boy network. I think it would tickle you to learn the "rest of the story" that goes on behind closed doors. Since you've dealt with it as an attorney, I'm certain there are wilder stories than I have to share.
I hope it gives people a reason to delve a bit further into the machinations of their particular HOA before signing on the dotted line.
Thanks for sharing this eye-opening information. I've wondered whether to remain in my present home if my partner predeceases me. I don't need the excess space, and a two-bedroom, two-bath condo seemed a great option for an older woman (who would need to hire for many services).
Now I'm rethinking that idea. Our trusted (old-school) contractor tells us that new construction condo communities aren't well-built and restrict you in many ways (which you defined here). It may be a moot point, but I think more and more about how to prepare for the future as an oldie (but still a goodie!) 🤣
Haha, yes, 'oldies but goodies' is certainly apropos in our case. I'd never buy a new condo, but from what I'm hearing from my Florida connections many are having issues with the rebar, environmental, and a host of other issues... not to mention the dues are astronomical these days.
We had an HOA resident committee. They’d walk around the neighborhood with their clipboards, handing out warnings to other residents for ridiculous things while my husband and I watched and laughed from our balcony (what can I say, we’re easily amused). We just thought it was funny how seriously they were taking their ‘jobs’
Shlee, I was the exact same way until that chopper came through the side yard and cut my tree in one fell swoop. Then things started piling up and they started getting to me. I'm trying to let things go because there is light at the end of this tunnel. Nothing is forever... maybe the President will find another place to fluff her feathers.
I can’t believe they cut down those healthy, beautiful trees while leaving the dead ones! That’d get to me, too. But you’re right, nothing lasts forever and I hope things change in your favor very soon 💜🤞
Me too, sister, me too.
Very very good! I read some of this outloud to my husband as we continue to discuss and process aspects of our next home purchase. We prefer to live in walking distance to stores and to have parks nearby. However, in reality this is then high dollar real estate. We want small town living and do not need all the shopping centers. I like libraries and churches nearby. Coffee shops, bookstores, and friendly folks.
This. Right here, Linda. I do need one added component. It must be geographically alive, with these trails or ocean, or national park within a 45-minute driving distance.
I'm a weirdo. I love big cities. And wilderness. Not many places the two are found within a driving distance, except (from my own experience) in California and Northern or Southern Nevada. I haven't visited the extreme Northwest, yet. So still places to explore in the US, before taking on another part of the world!