Photo by Fermin Rodriguez Penelas on Unsplash
Many neighborhoods and apartment complexes have resident associations, a group o people who live in the neighborhood who make sure that certain things are taken care of within the area. . These often get a bad rep when some of the more ‘eccentric’ ones are reported in the press for having strange or restrictive rules.
In general, though, resident associations can be great for the neighborhood and your quality of life. Some of the main benefits include:
Better quality facilities
A well-managed association will make it a priority to keep the neighborhood or building amenities in good condition. The fees paid to the association will be used for repairs, asphalt paving services, landscaping, sports facilities, and play areas.
The association will base its decisions on the preferences of the residents. For example, if the area is full of young families, then more resources might go to playgrounds. If the demographic is much older, then this may not be a priority.
Lower overall costs
Association fees tend to cover such aspects of the community management including garbrage removal, verge and lawn cutting, maintenance of communal pools and garden areas, and structural repairs.
While these costs need to be paid on a regular basis, they will be far cheaper than having to pay outright for repairs yourself, or waiting until urgent repairs are needed, which could ultimately cost more money in the long run. Associations representing multiple residents can also leverage better pricing from suppliers and contractors.
The financial records of the committee are usually freely available to any resident who requests them.
Safety
Everyone wants to live in a safe neighborhood. Having a good security system installed in your home is a good start, but the benefits of having a neighborhood association can make the area even safer. Some associations set up neighborhood watch schemes which have been shown to significantly reduce levels of burglary and antisocial behavior.
Increased property values
On average, properties in an area with a neighborhood association are valued higher than those that don’t. This can be a great selling point should you ever decide to sell your property. A good association is on the wish list of many home buyers.
Community spirit
It’s often said that modern life is so busy or focused around screens, that we’re not building the communities we once were. If you think of it, how well do you know the people that live around you? Neighborhood associations are often the hub of social activity in the area. This type of interaction with other people is great for building community spirit and helping people feel less isolated. If you choose to get more involved, then you’ll also be building up a range of skills.
Key points
A well-run community association can be a fantastic addition to a community. Not only does it make sure that the safety and security of the area are the best they can be, but it also does a lot to improve the overall quality of the area. Living in a well-maintained neighborhood within a great community is what everyone wants.
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