What is the difference between Neighborhood Associations (NAs) and Homeowners Associations (HOAs)?
Neighborhood Associations (NAs) are voluntary organizations in which neighbors organize to address issues particular to their area (such as unsafe intersections, problem neighbors, park beautification), and for social functions (picnics, compiling lists of neighborhood babysitters and lawn-mowers). NAs often work with city personnel (planners, police, parks dept. etc.) to address these issues. Membership is voluntary, and fees are minimal or nonexistent. Homeowners Associations (HOAs) are similar to Neighborhood Associations, but are principally concerned with maintaining community appearance and common facilities (such as landscaping, pools) through the collection of fees and enforcement of deed restrictions. HOAs are usually created by the developer as a means of paying for the maintenance of common facilities and assuring homebuyers of a certain community appearance. When all the homes in the community have been built, the developers role in the HOA is usually taken over by a proper
