Cities With the Worst HOA Fees – ISN (2024)

Cities With the Worst HOA Fees – ISN (1)

HOAs: some people love them, some people hate them. While these organizations have their pros and cons, costs are one of the most important deciding factors for most homeowners. Cities with the highest HOA fees tend to fall in states with higher costs of living. However, our research found that many of the top 15 cities are in the state of Florida.

Here are the top three cities with the highest HOA fees. Read on to see which cities made it into the top 15.

  1. Urban Honolulu, HI. Median monthly HOA fee: $520
  2. New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA. Median monthly HOA fee: $410
  3. San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley, CA. Median monthly HOA fee: $400

When considering whether to buy a home, homeowner association (HOA) fees need to be factored into the decision. In some cities, HOA fees can cost hundreds of dollars per month, making up a significant portion of monthly housing costs. According to data from the U.S. Census Bureau, among homeowners with a mortgage who pay HOA fees, the median HOA fee is $290 per month and about 6% of homeowners pay them, but both the dollar amount and the proportion who pay vary widely across the country.

HOA or condominium fees usually go towards maintenance of common areas, landscaping, and upkeep of community amenities. For homeowners with a mortgage and who are part of some form of community association, these fees often exceed monthly utility payments, accounting for nearly 17% of total housing costs. In 2019, while the median monthly HOA fee was $290, the median monthly cost of utilities (including electric, gas, water, and home heating fuel) was just $250.

Cities With the Worst HOA Fees – ISN (2)

HOA fees vary significantly from state to state and even from city to city within a state. Locations with more expensive housing tend to have higher HOA fees. At the state level, New York and Hawaii have the most expensive HOA fees in the country with median monthly fees of $570 and $520 respectively—meaning 50% of residents pay more. A state with relatively affordable housing, Wyoming, has the lowest median HOA fee, coming in at $100 per month.

Cities With the Worst HOA Fees – ISN (3)

To find the metropolitan areas with the most expensive HOA fees, researchers at ISN analyzed the latest homeownership and home price data from the U.S. Census Bureau and Zillow. The researchers ranked metros according to the median monthly HOA fee among households with an HOA fee. In the event of a tie, the metro with the larger share of homeowners with an HOA fee was ranked higher. Researchers also calculated the median HOA fee as a share of total monthly housing costs and median home prices.

Only households with a mortgage were factored into the analysis. Additionally, only the top 100 most populous metros where at least 1% of homeowners pay an HOA fee were included.

Metros With the Most Expensive HOA Fees

Cities With the Worst HOA Fees – ISN (4)

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15. Deltona-Daytona Beach-Ormond Beach, FL

  • Median monthly HOA fee: $330
  • Median HOA fee as a share of total monthly housing costs: 26.9%
  • Percentage of homeowners with an HOA fee: 5.6%
  • Median home price: $243,499

Cities With the Worst HOA Fees – ISN (5)

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14. San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA

  • Median monthly HOA fee: $330
  • Median HOA fee as a share of total monthly housing costs: 14.1%
  • Percentage of homeowners with an HOA fee: 15.1%
  • Median home price: $702,933

Cities With the Worst HOA Fees – ISN (6)

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13. Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA

  • Median monthly HOA fee: $340
  • Median HOA fee as a share of total monthly housing costs: 14.0%
  • Percentage of homeowners with an HOA fee: 14.0%
  • Median home price: $761,635

Cities With the Worst HOA Fees – ISN (7)

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12. Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL

  • Median monthly HOA fee: $340
  • Median HOA fee as a share of total monthly housing costs: 23.8%
  • Percentage of homeowners with an HOA fee: 9.9%
  • Median home price: $261,314

Cities With the Worst HOA Fees – ISN (8)

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11. Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT

  • Median monthly HOA fee: $340
  • Median HOA fee as a share of total monthly housing costs: 17.9%
  • Percentage of homeowners with an HOA fee: 14.4%
  • Median home price: $467,478

Cities With the Worst HOA Fees – ISN (9)

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10. Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV

  • Median monthly HOA fee: $350
  • Median HOA fee as a share of total monthly housing costs: 17.5%
  • Percentage of homeowners with an HOA fee: 12.9%
  • Median home price: $483,254

Cities With the Worst HOA Fees – ISN (10)

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9. Lakeland-Winter Haven, FL

  • Median monthly HOA fee: $350
  • Median HOA fee as a share of total monthly housing costs: 24.9%
  • Percentage of homeowners with an HOA fee: 2.1%
  • Median home price: $212,641

Cities With the Worst HOA Fees – ISN (11)

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8. Cape Coral-Fort Myers, FL

  • Median monthly HOA fee: $350
  • Median HOA fee as a share of total monthly housing costs: 25.9%
  • Percentage of homeowners with an HOA fee: 13.7%
  • Median home price: $259,893

Cities With the Worst HOA Fees – ISN (12)

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7. Palm Bay-Melbourne-Titusville, FL

  • Median monthly HOA fee: $350
  • Median HOA fee as a share of total monthly housing costs: 25.1%
  • Percentage of homeowners with an HOA fee: 8.3%
  • Median home price: $251,335

Cities With the Worst HOA Fees – ISN (13)

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6. North Port-Sarasota-Bradenton, FL

  • Median monthly HOA fee: $350
  • Median HOA fee as a share of total monthly housing costs: 25.7%
  • Percentage of homeowners with an HOA fee: 11.8%
  • Median home price: $306,766

Cities With the Worst HOA Fees – ISN (14)

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5. Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA

  • Median monthly HOA fee: $360
  • Median HOA fee as a share of total monthly housing costs: 18.7%
  • Percentage of homeowners with an HOA fee: 10.6%
  • Median home price: $601,735

Cities With the Worst HOA Fees – ISN (15)

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4. San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA

  • Median monthly HOA fee: $370
  • Median HOA fee as a share of total monthly housing costs: 10.9%
  • Percentage of homeowners with an HOA fee: 14.5%
  • Median home price: $1,325,899

Cities With the Worst HOA Fees – ISN (16)

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3. San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley, CA

  • Median monthly HOA fee: $400
  • Median HOA fee as a share of total monthly housing costs: 14.1%
  • Percentage of homeowners with an HOA fee: 14.3%
  • Median home price: $1,192,921

Cities With the Worst HOA Fees – ISN (17)

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2. New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA

  • Median monthly HOA fee: $410
  • Median HOA fee as a share of total monthly housing costs: 17.1%
  • Percentage of homeowners with an HOA fee: 10.2%
  • Median home price: $520,587

Cities With the Worst HOA Fees – ISN (18)

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1. Urban Honolulu, HI

  • Median monthly HOA fee: $520
  • Median HOA fee as a share of total monthly housing costs: 21.6%
  • Percentage of homeowners with an HOA fee: 29.9%
  • Median home price: $753,653

FAQs

How do HOAs work?

HOAs are organizations that create and enforce rules for specific communities that choose this type of structure. Any HOA or CC&R requirements will be included in closing paperwork, so homebuyers will know if they are entering into one. Residents will typically pay regular HOA dues that are used to cover maintenance and/or shared spaces like parks, swimming pools, and community structures.

Cities With the Worst HOA Fees – ISN (2024)

FAQs

Cities With the Worst HOA Fees – ISN? ›

HOA Popularity by State

HOAs are also common in California, New Hampshire, Washington, Arizona, and Illinois, with each of these states having over 30% of its population living in a community association. The state where HOAs are the least common is Mississippi, where only 3% of the population resides within an HOA.

What state has the least amount of HOAs? ›

HOA Popularity by State

HOAs are also common in California, New Hampshire, Washington, Arizona, and Illinois, with each of these states having over 30% of its population living in a community association. The state where HOAs are the least common is Mississippi, where only 3% of the population resides within an HOA.

What is the highest HOA fees in Florida? ›

Homeowner's association (HOA) fees differ from community to community. In the state of Florida, the average HOA fees tend to range from $100 to $500. HOA fees typically include building or property amenities that everyone living on the property uses and maintains.

What is the average HOA fee in Minnesota? ›

Homeowners Association Fees in Minnesota

Every member of an HOA pays fees that can range anywhere from $200-$400 a month (or higher) depending on the kind of building/community it is, the types of amenities available, etc.

What is the average HOA fee in New Jersey? ›

HOA fees tend to vary drastically, depending on the property or community. The fees range anywhere from $100 to $1,000 per month. The average, though, tends to be from $200 to $300 per month. The general rule that applies is the more services and amenities, the higher the fees.

What is the highest HOA fee in the US? ›

The Urban Honolulu metro area has the highest median monthly HOA fee at $520 monthly, accounting for almost 22% of total monthly housing costs for households with a mortgage.

What is the largest HOA in the US? ›

The Association of Poinciana Villages, the largest Homeowner Association in the United States, is launching its newest amenity: Poinciana Digital Village.

How do I avoid HOA fees in Florida? ›

The only way to get out of HOA fees in Florida is to purchase a home that's not in a homeowners' association community. Otherwise, you're stuck paying HOA fees if you intend to continue owning a home within an HOA community.

How do I get rid of an HOA in Florida? ›

You can start by calling an association meeting and ask for a vote on dissolving the HOA. If approved, have the agreeing members sign the termination agreement. Settle any debts, dispose of assets belonging to the HOA, and file the necessary documentation with the SOS to complete the dissolution.

Is there a cap on HOA fees in Florida? ›

Technically there is no limit to how much an HOA can raise dues each year in Florida. That said, within each HOA's CC&Rs there could be specific rules on raising dues. For example, some declarations may state that there can only be a 5% increase each year, however, this is on a case by case basis.

Is there a way to get around HOA fees? ›

Reduce reserves

Although it is not always possible to reduce or not pay HOA dues, there is a chance you can claim financial distress. In this case, you should explain your situation, maybe that you are in debt or another situation, and you should be able to have a delay on these dues. It never hurts to ask.

What is the average HOA fee in NC? ›

Data from the Foundation for Community Association Research shows that the average monthly HOA fee in the U.S. is $390, or about $4,700 annually. That's on top of any mortgage payment. North Carolinians pay an average of $385 each month on their HOA fees, $5 below the national average.

What is the average HOA fee in Chicago? ›

A Chicago condo owner can expect to pay an average of $342 in HOA fees monthly. This number is on the higher end of the national averages, but not the highest.

What is the average HOA fee in Tampa? ›

On average, Tampa homeowners in an HOA have an HOA fee that's 48% of their total monthly housing cost! HOAs are also common in Tampa Bay. Older buildings usually have higher HOA fees. To reduce HOA fees, look for newer properties with fewer units.

What is the average HOA fee in Utah? ›

Depending on the homeowner association, the HOA assessment may be due monthly, quarterly, or even yearly. On average the monthly fee for a homeowner's association in the United States is $200 a month. In Daybreak, the master association monthly assessment is $131.50 for 2021, find out what is included.

How much is HOA in Texas? ›

The HOA fees can vary anywhere from $10 to $600 a month, depending on where and what type of property you are buying. If you are purchasing a single-family home, the fees are not going to be as high as for you purchasing a condominium or a townhome.

Which state has the most HOAs? ›

HOAs have grown in number by about 13% over the last decade, the study found. The states with the highest percentage of HOA homes are: Florida (45%), Colorado (38.6%), California (36.8%), Washington (31.2%) and Arizona (31.1%).

Why is HOA in NY so expensive? ›

HOA fees cover a lot of ground: they go toward amenities like building pools and fitness centers and general maintenance and repair costs, as well as the salaries of building staff, like the superintendent or doorperson.

What is the average HOA fee in New York City? ›

According to real-estate website Trulia, which examined HOA fees for the priciest 10% of homes on the market, the median fee in the New York City area is $1,566 a month, or almost 2½ times the national median.

What percentage of Americans live in an HOA? ›

27.5 million occupied homes nationwide are part of HOA communities, or about 25% to 27% of the U.S. population lives in an HOA community.

Why are HOAs so popular? ›

Stabilized Property Values

One of the biggest reasons why residents prefer homes in an HOA is because homeowners' associations are proven to stabilize home values and prevent domino foreclosures. Having well-kept common areas as well as strict home appearance rules means that property values will be more consistent.

What is the average HOA in California? ›

What are the average HOA fees in California? The HOA fees in California will range between $100 to $1,000 per month. However, the average can be around $300.

Can I opt out of an HOA in Florida? ›

Assessments will be payable starting when your sale closes; you do not have the option to opt out of joining the HOA. Bottom line: if you do not want to be a member of the association, you should purchase a home in a different area.

Can an HOA in Florida sue a homeowner? ›

While the HOA can file suit against a homeowner who breaches the CC&Rs, there are certain situations in which homeowners are able to sue the HOA. Some may amount to nothing, but some homeowner issues can cause real problems for the association if they do not defend against them appropriately.

Can an HOA evict a homeowner in Florida? ›

A homeowners association cannot evict a homeowner the same way that a landlord can evict a tenant. A landlord typically has a lease that allows the landlord to give the tenant a certain amount of time to correct a problem, move out, or face eviction.

Can you be forced to join an HOA in Florida? ›

Membership within the HOA of a community subject to an association is mandatory in Florida. Fla. Stat.

How many years can you be on an HOA board in Florida? ›

The least complicated answer is that per legislation passed in 2021, condo boards in Florida have a term limit of 8 years.

Can Florida HOA deny a buyer? ›

In Florida, HOAs have a legal right to approve or deny potential buyers and tenants if they do not meet specific criteria outlined in the association's governing documents. HOA/Condo laws in Florida allow HOAs considerable discretion in approving or denying potential buyers and renters.

Do HOAs pay property taxes in Florida? ›

Under the eyes of federal tax laws, homeowners associations fall under the category of corporations. So, even though your HOA is not-for-profit, it must still follow corporate rules when it comes to taxes. Following this logic, the short answer to the question, “Does an HOA pay taxes?” is yes.

Do HOA fees include property taxes in Florida? ›

Owners in HOAs pay dues in addition to the property taxes and homeowner's insurance for your own property. Your HOA dues will pay for common services such as trash and recycling removal, landscaping, pest control and maintenance of certain common areas (learn more in our post on why HOAs exist).

Can a Florida HOA borrow money? ›

Chapter 718 of the Florida Statutes, the Florida Condominium Act, does not specifically require membership approval to authorize borrowing, not does it generally grant that authority to the board. The only instance where borrowing is addressed is in Section 718.1265, dealing with the emergency powers of an association.

What happens if you don't pay HOA fees in Florida? ›

What happens if I don't pay the HOA? The HOA will likely record a lien on the property for the amount due. If the lien remains unpaid, the HOA may begin a foreclosure case and force a sale of the property.

What is included in most HOA fees? ›

What do HOA fees cover?
  • Grounds maintenance and landscaping.
  • Pool maintenance.
  • Snow removal.
  • Trash removal.
  • Electricity and other utilities for common areas.
  • Fire alarm systems.
  • Gate security guard.
  • Pest control for common areas.
Oct 3, 2022

What is the disadvantages of HOA fees? ›

Within an HOA community, there is a potential threat of losing property due to unpaid taxes, HOA fees, liens, or foreclosures. Many HOAs have the power to attach a lien to properties in the community and subsequently foreclose on them. This typically only happens when owners fail to pay property taxes or HOA dues.

What is the average HOA fee in Oregon? ›

The average monthly HOA cost was $384. Typically the HOA charges by the sq. ft., where their larger units are charged more than their smaller ones.

Do HOAs pay taxes in NC? ›

Do North Carolina HOAs File Tax Returns? North Carolina homeowners associations must file Articles of Incorporation with the Secretary of State, and therefore, are considered corporations and must file taxes just like any other corporations across the country.

What is the average HOA fee in Orange County? ›

The average annual HOA fee charge among all 2021 sales in southern Orange County was $1,765 per year. Within this average, there is a notable range of annual charges. The lowest is $15 per year for a detached property in the Stoney Creek neighborhood, and the highest is $14,231 per year for a condo in Meadowmont.

What is the average HOA fee in San Francisco? ›

The average HOA fee sits somewhere between $200 to $300, though that median cost in California wildly eclipses that average, in many cases by over 150%.

How much can HOA fees increase in Illinois? ›

However, as per Section 18(a)(8) of the Illinois Condominium Property Act, if the increase exceeds 15 percent, 20 percent of the membership can submit a written petition within 21 days to vote on the expense that would require the increase.

How much does the average condo cost in Chicago? ›

The average condo in Chicago costs around $438,000 compared to the average free-standing home price of $466,000. This noticeable difference makes condos a great option for first time buyers. The money you can save in your initial purchase is great for first time buyers with less disposable income.

What do HOA fees cover in Miami? ›

HOAs free condo owners from mundane upkeep such as trash removal and pool cleaning, but enjoying these perks comes at a price. Condo owners will have to pay an HOA fee every month to cover the costs of maintaining the building or townhouse. The fee amount varies from building to building.

Is rent cheaper in Tampa or Orlando? ›

Here's how it breaks down: Rent is 2% lower in Tampa versus Orlando. Restaurant prices are 11% lower in Tampa vs. Orlando.

What is a good salary to live in Tampa? ›

The Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater ranked within the top 25 cities requiring the highest salaries to live comfortably. The study said a single person in Tampa Bay without a child must make $67,740 post-tax annually.

How much is HOA in Colorado? ›

HOA Basics

HOA fees often range from $200 to $400 per month.

What is HOA in Utah? ›

HOAs in UT are responsible for the maintenance of common elements and the protection of property values within the common interest community. To maintain a budget for the cost of management and maintenance, the homeowners' association may impose regular assessments upon homeowners.

How much are HOA transfer fees in Utah? ›

In the State of Utah, unless an HOA is very large (at least 500 acres or 500 units and other stipulations), a Reinvestment Fee must be . 5% of the sales price or less and is normally charged to the buyer at closing. It is to be used as additional reserve account funding and/or to cover unexpected Association expenses.

How much is HOA in Atlanta? ›

Let's look at regional differences among some of the top cities in the United States. Here are the mean monthly HOA fees for the metro areas: Atlanta: $117.

How much is HOA in Florida? ›

In the state of Florida, the average HOA fees tend to range from $100 to $500. HOA fees typically include building or property amenities that everyone living on the property uses and maintains. This can be a gym, pool, tennis courts, or any other community center-based activity.

What is the average HOA fee in San Diego? ›

Fees differ among residential buildings because of varying amenities and services, and range from $175 – $1700 per month.

How many HOA are in California? ›

There are an estimated 50,000+ HOA's in California.

Are HOAs common in Texas? ›

More than 21,000 homeowners associations exist in Texas, with residents paying $9.5 billion a year to maintain their communities, according to the Community Associations Institute. Those 2,093,000 homes are generally valued at least 4% more than other homes.

Why are HOAs still around? ›

What Is the Primary Purpose of a Homeowner Association? An HOA exists to provide services for the residents of a community and ensure it maintains the vision of a well-kept, organized community that all members can enjoy living in.

Are HOAs common in Florida? ›

Percentage of Florida's population that lives in HOA communities:5% Number of homeowners' associations in Florida: 48,500. Number of people in Florida who live in HOA communities: 57 million. Number of homes in Florida that are part of HOA communities: 52 million.

Can you get rid of an HOA in California? ›

Dissolving an HOA requires the approval of numerous interested parties. This is one of the reasons dissolving an HOA is so difficult. If homeowners wish to dissolve their HOA but one or more interested parties do not approve of the dissolution, the HOA will stay in place.

Can HOA evict in California? ›

An HOA does not have the power to evict a resident in the same way that a landlord would. If a homeowner is failing to follow the HOA rules, the association could enforce its rules by assessing fines. If the homeowner does not pay the fines, the HOA could foreclose on the property.

Can you refuse to join an HOA in Texas? ›

Generally speaking, there is no way around it. Membership must be taken seriously, rules must be followed, and dues must be paid. If you buy a home in a neighborhood that already has an established HOA, you must join as a condition of purchasing the new home.

Can you get rid of an HOA in Texas? ›

The answer is yes! However, be warned that it is going to be a long and costly process. An HOA is a legal entity. In order to dissolve a homeowners association, community members must comply with all laws regarding the formation and dissolution of a legal entity.

Can husband and wife serve on HOA board in Texas? ›

Broadly speaking, it is permissible for spouses to simultaneously serve on an HOA board if they are eligible.

Why were HOAs originally created? ›

HOAs were formed in the United States during the mid-19th century as a way for land developers to market and sell their homes.

Why are there so many HOAs in Arizona? ›

Why are there so many HOAs? There are at least 9,000 HOAs in Arizona, and about half of all Valley homeowners live in one. Why? Because HOAs save cities money.

How many Americans live in HOAs? ›

Roughly 14.16 million people in California live in HOA communities. Each HOA in California has an average of 286 residents. 35.8% of California's population lives in HOA communities.

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