re: What are the pros and cons of HOA?

I have lived in a HOA subdivision north of Houston for 28 years and we currently pay $525 a year. There are 3,306 homes. The population of our subdivision is about 12,000. We have pools, basketball and volleyball courts and a dog park. The current HOA has approximately $750,000 in emergency funds. It is well run. But many residents complain about letters and petty things on our subdivision FB page. Yet they do not want to be bothered about going to meetings.

The last election was set up to replace 2 board members. There were 3 candidates. Each house has 1 vote. We have 3,300 homes. The winning candidate had 44 votes. Second place got 20 votes and third place got 12.

About 6 years ago, we got 2 dogs. I felt the dog park needed improvements so I went to the montly meetings for 2 years. The largest attendance ever was the 5 board members and maybe 6 property owners. In 2 years, I was able to get them add benches, remove small trees, add underground drainage and top coat the surface with playground friendly wood mulch. The total tab was about $35,000. I was able to do that by not acting like a jerk. Ask questions, find a contractor to do what you want done. Get it set up to fit in the budget.

If you do not like what is happening or want changes, go to the meetings. Participate instead of whining about things. If you are still unsatisfied then become a candidate but stop bitching and do something about it.