Homeowners Associations, or HOAs, are common throughout the Triangle area—especially in Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, Cary, and Wake Forest. Whether you're buying a home in a new development or an established neighborhood, there's a good chance an HOA will be part of the equation.

Homeowners Associations, or HOAs, are common throughout the Triangle area—especially in Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, Cary, and Wake Forest. Whether you're buying a home in a new development or an established neighborhood, there's a good chance an HOA will be part of the equation.

In this post, we’ll break down:

• What HOAs are

• How much they cost

• What they typically cover (and don’t)

🔍 What Is an HOA?

An HOA is an organization created by a neighborhood’s developer to enforce community rules and maintain shared amenities. Once the neighborhood is built out, the HOA is usually turned over to a board of homeowners who manage it on behalf of the community.

In the Triangle, HOAs are especially common in:

• New construction neighborhoods

• Townhome communities

• Master-planned developments

💸 What Do HOA Fees Typically Cover?

OA dues vary depending on the type of neighborhood, amenities, and level of management. Most commonly, HOA fees cover:

• Maintenance of common areas (entrances, green spaces, sidewalks)

• Landscaping and lawn care (especially in townhome communities)

• Access to amenities like pools, clubhouses, playgrounds, and walking trails

• Trash and recycling services (in some communities)

• Insurance on shared structures (such as townhome exteriors or roofs)

• Management fees for bookkeeping, legal, and administrative costs

• Reserve fund contributions for large future repairs or replacements

🚫 What HOA Fees Don’t Cover

It’s important to note that HOA fees typically do not cover:

• Your mortgage or homeowners insurance

• Individual home maintenance or repairs

• Utilities inside your home (except in some condos)

• Property taxes

• Major improvements or damages beyond budget—this may lead to special assessments

📊 How Much Are HOA Fees in the Triangle?

HOA fees in the Raleigh–Durham–Chapel Hill area typically range between $50 and $300 per month, depending on the type of community and its amenities.

Luxury neighborhoods and golf course communities may charge $1,000 or more annually.

Townhome communities with shared exterior maintenance and landscaping will often have higher monthly dues than single-family home communities.

✅ Pros of Living in an HOA Community

• Well-maintained appearance: Uniform landscaping, clean streets, and tidy entrances help protect home values.

• Amenities: Pools, playgrounds, tennis courts, fitness centers, and walking trails add lifestyle perks.

• Shared responsibility: You don’t have to worry about managing common space upkeep or hiring your own contractors.

• Property value support: Homes often maintain or increase value thanks to appearance standards.

• Community governance: Residents can vote on rules, improvements, and budgets through elected HOA boards.

❌ Cons of HOA Communities

• Added cost: HOA dues are in addition to your mortgage, taxes, and insurance.

• Restrictions: Rules may limit paint colors, fence types, exterior décor, parking, and even holiday decorations.

• Enforcement issues: Fines can be imposed for non-compliance, and unpaid dues may lead to liens or foreclosure.

• Risk of poor management: Mismanaged funds, under-funded reserves, or board disputes can negatively affect the community.

❓ Questions to Ask Before Buying in an HOA

• How much are the dues and how often do they increase?

• What exactly do the fees cover?

• Is there a history of special assessments?

• What restrictions or rules exist?

• Is the HOA professionally managed or run by volunteers?

• Are meetings and finances transparent?

🏡 Example HOA Communities in the Triangle

Community	Location	HOA Fees (Est.)	Includes	Type
Heritage Wake Forest	Wake Forest	$135/mo	Pool, tennis, trails, clubhouse, landscaping	Master-planned
12 Oaks	Holly Springs	$600–$1,200/yr	Golf, tennis, pools, landscaping, security	Luxury golf
Brier Creek	Raleigh	$150–$300/mo	Landscaping, pool, fitness, security	Luxury townhome/single
Southern Village	Chapel Hill	$60–$100/mo	Trails, landscaping, community park	Traditional neighborhood
Brightleaf at the Park	Durham	$50–$85/mo	Pool, clubhouse, common area upkeep	New suburban
Bedford at Falls River	Raleigh	$75–$125/mo	Trails, pool, clubhouse, landscaping	Established community
Chancellors Ridge	Durham	$40–$60/mo	Pool, clubhouse, common areas	Affordable suburban
West Cary	Cary	$50–$150/mo	Varies by subdivision	Mixed development
Downtown Raleigh	Raleigh	$0–$100/mo	Minimal or none	Urban/loft
Fearrington Village	Pittsboro	$120–$180/mo	Clubhouse, events, trails, private roads	Planned village

📝 Final Thoughts

Homeowners associations can be a great fit for buyers looking for convenience, shared amenities, and neighborhood consistency—but they’re not for everyone.

Before buying in an HOA community, be sure to:

• Review the rules and budget

• Talk to current residents

• Understand exactly what you're agreeing to

Need help finding the right neighborhood—HOA or no HOA—in the Triangle?
Reach out to Jim and Lori Hill for expert guidance on homes in Wake Forest, Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, and beyond.