The only reason I am writing this is because the nay sayers seem to be the only people who are happy to share their opinion.
First of all the HOA dues are very reasonable for what we get in here, just the basics like snow removal, the lake which needs to be maintained, racket ball, tennis courts, an indoor pool and a gym, a playground that was updated with new equipment, the restaurant and bar (which is another topic all together). We have a guard shack and patrol that limit the number of people who might wander into the development un-announced and without permission. Frankly, I am happy to know that questionable characters are checked into. Guests are welcome, but they need to be announced by the owner they are visiting. If they are coming to use the facilities unannounced they will be turned away.
There are no cliques! There are people who know others well and then there are people who are strangers. People who own vacation properties don't spend enough time here to become friendly. The Volunteer Committee is constantly trying to create free events that very few people attend. Try joining in before you complain.
We do have rules in to follow. They are simple, keep you property maintained, keep your swales clear, manager your trash properly, no dumping, no hunting or weapons fire in the development and pick up after your dog.
Finally, we live in the woods. That means we have leaves to contend with and yes a certain amount of dirt. We have robins, cardinals, juncos, blue jays, wood peckers, hawks, deer, woodchucks, groundhogs, chipmunks and squirrels and the occasional bear.
My thought if you don't like living in the woods then you should not live here, if you love nature then enjoy. read more