Homeowners associations (HOAs) are private organizations that set rules, collect dues, and manage common areas or amenities for a neighborhood or community. They are common in many Plano and Richardson subdivisions, especially newer ones. In North Texas, HOAs are a major part of suburban living, so buyers moving into Plano or Richardson will frequently face a decision between “with HOA vs no HOA.”
What an HOA Is and How It Works
A homeowners’ association is typically created by the developer when a subdivision, townhome community, or condominium community is platted and sold.
- The HOA is funded by owner dues (assessments), which are typically paid monthly, quarterly, or annually. These dues are used to maintain landscaping, entry monuments, walls, community pools, and other shared assets.
- The HOA enforces community rules (CC&Rs, bylaws, and policies) that cover aspects such as exterior changes, fences, paint colors, parking, and yard upkeep to maintain a consistent appearance.
- In Texas, HOAs are required to file a management certificate with the state, which identifies who manages the community and how owners can contact them.
Data Snapshot: HOAs in Texas and North Texas
While there are no public statistics specifically for Plano or Richardson HOAs, statewide and regional data provide a good picture of their prevalence.
- Approximately 20.79% of all homes in Texas are part of an HOA, representing roughly 2.8 million houses and over 6 million residents as of 2021.
- In the South region of the U.S., around 70% of new single‑family construction is now built within HOA communities, and Texas is among the top three states for the total number of HOAs.
- In Dallas-area HOAs, the average monthly dues are around $154, although townhome/condo communities or amenity-heavy subdivisions can run higher.
- North Texas has more than 15,000 HOAs, reflecting how common association‑governed neighborhoods are in suburbs like Plano and Richardson.
For buyers searching for Plano or Richardson on major portals, you will now see specific filters for “No HOA” because a noticeable share of the inventory is outside of associations, while most newer subdivisions are within them.
Plano and Richardson: How HOAs Show Up Locally
Both Plano and Richardson have a mix of older, no‑HOA neighborhoods and newer master‑planned or infill communities with mandatory HOAs.
- Older Plano neighborhoods often have either no HOA or voluntary neighborhood associations, while many newer East and West Plano communities use an HOA to maintain brick walls, entry features, and shared landscaping.
- In Richardson, the city’s open data shows mapped HOA and neighborhood association boundaries, confirming that many pockets—especially around newer single‑family communities—operate with active associations.
- Local residents describe Plano’s city code enforcement as strong, which means some older non‑HOA neighborhoods still look well‑maintained even without formal HOA rules.
For buyers comparing specific Plano or Richardson subdivisions, the key questions are usually: How much are dues, what do they cover, and how strict is the rule enforcement?
Pros of Living in an HOA (Plano & Richardson Context)
Many North Texas buyers opt for HOA communities due to their convenience, appearance, and amenities.
- Curb appeal and property values: HOAs enforce basic upkeep standards (lawn care, trash can storage, exterior condition), which helps keep streets looking clean and can support home values; nationwide, most surveyed residents (about 73%) believe HOAs positively impact property value.
- Amenities and lifestyle: Community pools, playgrounds, trails, clubhouses, and sometimes tennis or pickleball courts are funded and maintained through HOA dues, creating a built-in lifestyle that many Plano and Richardson families desire.
- Reduced exterior maintenance: In some townhome or condo HOAs, the association covers roof, exterior paint, common landscaping, and even fence or sidewalk repairs, which is helpful for busy professionals or frequent travelers.
- Consistent look and feel: Rules that limit extreme paint colors, abandoned vehicles, or front‑yard projects help keep the neighborhood cohesive; owners who value a uniform, tidy environment often see this as a benefit.
- Organized community voice: HOAs can coordinate neighborhood security, water‑conservation efforts, and city interaction; North Texas water agencies, for example, work directly with HOAs on conservation programs.
In Plano and Richardson, these pros show up strongly in master‑planned communities where the HOA maintains entry monuments, perimeter walls, and greenbelts that give the neighborhood a polished feel buyers notice immediately when they drive in.
Cons of Living in an HOA (and Common Buyer Concerns)
On the other hand, HOA living comes with costs, rules, and sometimes challenging board dynamics that may not suit every buyer.
- Extra monthly or annual cost: HOA dues are on top of your mortgage, taxes, and insurance; across Texas and nationally, it is common for single‑family HOA dues to run 200–300 dollars per month in more amenity‑rich communities, while basic subdivisions may be much lower but still noticeable in a buyer’s budget.
- Risk of special assessments: If reserves are underfunded and large repairs are required (e.g., perimeter walls, roofs, major pool work), owners may face one-time special assessments in addition to regular dues.
- Rule restrictions: CC&Rs can limit paint colors, fence styles, parking (including boats, RVs, and work vehicles), short-term rentals, and yard uses, which some owners experience as a loss of freedom and creativity.
- Enforcement and conflicts: Disputes can arise over violation letters, fines, or perceived selective enforcement. Poorly run boards or management companies can make day-to-day living stressful for certain homeowners.
- Fee increases over time: Boards have the power to raise dues as operating costs and insurance rise, and owners who bought at a comfortable fee level may feel squeezed when rates increase significantly years later.
In Plano and Richardson, buyers who prefer older, tree‑lined neighborhoods with fewer formal rules often choose non‑HOA areas, while buyers who want a “lock‑and‑leave” lifestyle or higher amenities accept the trade‑off of dues and restrictions.
Plano vs. Richardson: HOA and Non‑HOA Feel
Here is a simple view that buyers can understand when comparing these two cities:
| Aspect | Plano HOA Communities | Plano Non‑HOA Areas | Richardson HOA Communities | Richardson Non‑HOA Areas |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Common age of homes | More individual variation but still well‑kept, thanks to strong city code enforcement | Many 1970s–1990s established neighborhoods | Mix of newer subdivisions and townhomes | Classic mid‑century and 1970s–1980s neighborhoods |
| Typical dues range | From modest annual wall/landscape dues to higher dues in amenity‑rich areas | None, aside from any voluntary association contributions | Similar pattern: low for basic upkeep, higher for pools and full amenities | None, with some voluntary neighborhood associations |
| Look and maintenance | Strongly uniform; entry monuments, brick walls, and common areas maintained by HOA | Those wanting amenities, townhome/condo convenience, or a strong neighborhood organization | Uniform in newer pockets, especially near managed communities | More eclectic, with long‑time owners and varied home updates |
| Buyer fit | Those wanting amenities, consistent appearance, and structure | Those prioritizing flexibility, budget, and personal style choices | Those wanting amenities, townhome/condo convenience, or strong neighborhood organization | Those who like character, mature trees, and fewer formal rules |
(Details generalized from local descriptions and city HOA map data for Richardson, plus resident reports for Plano.)
How Buyers Should Evaluate an HOA in Plano or Richardson
For your readers, a simple checklist works well when they are under contract or touring HOA communities in either city.
- During the home purchase process in Texas, if the property is in a mandatory HOA, the buyer will receive a resale certificate and HOA documents (CC&Rs, bylaws, rules, and financial info) to review. After those are delivered under the HOA addendum, the buyer has a separate, short time window to decide whether to move forward, and can cancel the contract if they do not like the HOA
- Compare dues and coverage: Ask what the fee covers, such as just front entry and perimeter walls, or also a pool, park, trail, or exterior maintenance. Compare this to similar communities without HOAs or with lower dues.
- Check reserves and history of assessments: Review reserve levels and determine if the HOA has recently levied special assessments for major repairs.
- Understand enforcement culture: Online forums and local feedback can give a sense of whether the HOA is reasonable and responsive or aggressive and inflexible about minor issues.
- Think about your lifestyle: If you own an RV, plan to add solar panels or a unique paint color, or want to run certain home‑based businesses, confirm that these are allowed before finalizing your purchase.
If you are comparing HOA vs. non‑HOA neighborhoods in Plano or Richardson and want help matching the right community to your budget, school needs, and lifestyle plans, reach out for a custom neighborhood list and a side‑by‑side cost breakdown of dues, taxes, and long‑term ownership costs in your top areas.
