A recent post by Shanna Altermann on the Laguna Woods Club Facebook Group has sparked a lively discussion among residents, revealing both concerns and insights regarding the cost of HOA dues. Shanna asked, “HOA dues! Why so high? Isn’t there a difference in property taxes and HOA fees between owning a stock coop and regular condo?” With over 75 comments, this question has resonated deeply within the community, highlighting diverse perspectives on the value and structure of HOA dues.
A Wealth of Amenities
Stuart Fried, a moderator and top contributor, succinctly outlined the extensive amenities that the dues support: “7 clubhouses, 5 pools, tennis, golf, pickleball, shuffleboard, bocce, billiards, table tennis, beautiful landscaping, security and gates, yoga and other workout facilities, arts and crafts center, subsidized restaurant, free cable, inexpensive internet, and on and on.” This comprehensive list of facilities underscores the richness of living in Laguna Woods, where residents can enjoy a wide range of activities and services without additional out-of-pocket expenses.
Kathy Gaskins echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the value of these amenities: “Yes we have so much free stuff. Add it up and see what it would cost to have these things on the outside. If you aren’t using the amenities you could live anywhere else!” Her comment reminds residents to consider the cost of these amenities if they were to live elsewhere.
Inclusivity and Transparency
Several residents highlighted that HOA dues also cover essential services such as property insurance and taxes. Lynnette Parsonage Siler pointed out, “Ours also includes property insurance and property taxes,” while Carol Croskery added, “It also includes maintenance on most items and landscaping.” These inclusions ensure that residents are protected and that the community remains well-maintained and beautiful.
Connie Barton suggested a proactive approach to understanding these costs, noting, “GRF and the Mutuals do a good job of explaining costs and how our assessments are determined. Attend some meetings or watch presentations. The program ‘This Day’ on TV 6 often has board members or the CEO speaking to this subject.” Engaging with these resources can help residents better understand the breakdown of their dues.
Historical Context and Comparisons
Long-time residents shared historical perspectives on the dues. Fran Conroy reminisced, “When I moved here in 1995 I had a co-op and the HOA was $268. But other gated communities were paying over $400 a month and it didn’t include taxes or water or cable… Over the years, things have to be replaced and/or fixed. This property is over 50 years old. Like us, things break down. The costs to repair and replace have risen over the years.”
Comparisons with other communities also provided context. Joseph McFaul shared, “We moved about a year ago from Casta Del Sol to Laguna Woods. Casta has far fewer amenities and services, very limited activities, clubs, and social events. Their dues exceeded $750/month when we moved, not much lower than here. Throw in the free internet here and Casta dues are effectively higher.” This comparison illustrates that while dues may seem high, they are competitive considering the benefits offered.
The Bigger Picture
Despite the rising costs, many residents believe the dues are justified. Joey Sims simply stated, “Me 24 yrs,” implying long-term satisfaction with the community. Similarly, Mary Zolly succinctly commented, “Worth it,” capturing the sentiment that the benefits and quality of life at Laguna Woods justify the expense.
In conclusion, while the question of high HOA dues is valid and concerns many residents, the discussion on the Laguna Woods Club Facebook Group highlights the extensive amenities, essential services, and overall value provided by these fees. By engaging with community resources and considering the broader context, residents can gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of what their dues support, ensuring that Laguna Woods remains a vibrant and well-maintained community for all.
I completely agree with Kathy Gaskins! The value we get from all the included amenities is incredible. It’s easy to forget how much these things would cost outside of Laguna Woods. Plus, having everything maintained and secure really adds peace of mind. Great post, Shanna!
I moved here a few years ago and have been thrilled with how well everything is managed. The HOA dues may seem high at first, but when you consider everything they include, it really is a great deal. Connie Barton’s advice to attend meetings and watch presentations is spot on. The transparency and explanations provided are very helpful.
Absolutely, GrandpaJoe! Attending the meetings has given me a much clearer understanding of where our money goes, and I’ve come to appreciate all the services and amenities even more. Laguna Woods is truly a special place.
It’s great to see such a detailed breakdown of everything the HOA dues cover! I never realized how many amenities we have access to here at Laguna Woods. It really does add up if you think about what these would cost individually elsewhere. Great job, Shanna, for sparking this important discussion!
I completely agree with the points made in the article! The range of amenities offered at Laguna Woods is truly impressive. When you think about all the facilities like clubhouses, pools, golf, and the various activities included, it really highlights the value we’re getting for our HOA dues. I’ve been here for 15 years and can say that the sense of community and quality of life is unmatched. Worth every penny!
This article really puts things into perspective! The breakdown of what our HOA dues cover is very enlightening. It’s easy to take for granted things like property insurance, taxes, and maintenance, but these are important services that keep our community beautiful and safe. Plus, the amenities are a huge bonus! I’ve attended a few of the meetings and the transparency is appreciated. It’s wonderful to be part of such a well-managed community.