Top 10 Amenities Residents Want in an HOA

Many homeowners’ associations (HOAs) have amenities that give residents even more opportunities to enjoy their community. These amenities, funded primarily through paid dues, play a pivotal role in shaping the quality of neighborhood life. They also help an association remain competitive in the homebuying market and increase property values. Read on to learn the top 10 amenities that today’s HOA homeowners and potential homebuyers are looking for.

What Are HOA Amenities?

HOA amenities are the various features and services a community may provide to residents for their enjoyment and convenience. These offerings can vary greatly from one HOA community to the next and reflect its residents’ diverse needs and interests. Overall, amenities aim to contribute to the general well-being and satisfaction of HOA homeowners.

The Top 10 Amenities That HOA Residents Want

As resident demographics, industry trends, and personal preferences shift, a community’s amenities should keep pace. Designed to offer recreation, utility, and more, here are the top 10 HOA amenities residents want: 

1. Fitness Centers

Now more than ever, people are aware of the health and wellness benefits of fitness centers and appreciate having exercise equipment in the neighborhood. Whether it’s free weights and an open space for stretching or treadmills, elliptical machines, and stationary bikes, a gym allows homeowners to take care of their physical health and promotes an active lifestyle, healthy habits, and member involvement.

2. Playgrounds

With many families making HOAs their home, playgrounds are a top consideration for any HOA amenities list. Community playgrounds help foster a safe and fun environment for children to play, socialize, and develop essential skills. Well-maintained playgrounds not only keep kids entertained but also encourage families to stay and grow within the community.

3. Pet-Centric Features

Studies show that 66% of U.S. households own a pet, so communities that cater to their needs are highly valued. To help furry neighborhood friends feel at home, communities can offer pet-friendly amenities like:

• Dog parks
• Waste stations
• Pet events
• Pet washing stations
• Treat stations
• Doggy daycares

Make sure your community’s pets feel at home. Check out our comprehensive HOA pet guide!

4. Community Centers

Community centers, also known as village centers or clubhouses, are buildings that serve as a gathering spot for residents. An HOA-owned place to host events, meetings, and social activities, such hubs facilitate neighborly connections and relationship building. Plus, some communities allow the space to be rented out, which is a huge perk to many.

5. Communal Workspaces

In this digital age, remote work and entrepreneurship are on the rise. Communal workspaces equipped with Wi-Fi and office features are becoming one of the most wanted amenities. These spaces let residents easily work close to home and can support networking opportunities.

6. Environmentally-Friendly Amenities

Sustainability is a growing interest, and as HOAs look to stay competitive, they’re finding that green building standards and sustainable practices are important. Residents are educated on—and want to see—eco-friendly amenities, such as:

• Recycling programs
• Solar-powered lighting
• Energy-efficient appliances
• Alternative transportation (Bike rentals, scooters, etc.)
• Paperless communications

You don’t have to wait to go green. Discover eight ways to make your community eco-friendly today!

7. Community Gardens

A unique HOA amenity, community gardens are shared spaces designated for growing flowers, fruits, or vegetables. Unlike parks or public gardens, residents have the power to select what’s grown in their community garden and how it’s operated. Community gardens encourage residents to bond over a mutual love for gardening while promoting healthy living. To start a community garden:

1. Get approval from your board on the plans for your garden.
2. Recruit community members who want to care for the garden.
3. Secure resources and funding for construction, supplies, and equipment.
4. Choose the right location so it’s accessible.
5. Establish rules and regulations for upkeep, fees, and any other important details.
6. Plant and maintain your garden so it becomes a fruitful resource for your community.

8. Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Stations

Electric vehicles are soaring in consumer demand, and EV charging stations are changing the landscape of HOA parking areas near and far. When you prioritize these features, residents with EVs will appreciate having the infrastructure they need to keep their vehicles operable and conveniently located in their own neighborhood.  

9. Swimming Pool

Pools are a top amenity that people enjoy for recreation, fitness, and relaxation. Pools provide cool relief during the warmest months and serve as a fun and healthy escape. A joy for people of all ages and different walks of life, a pool is a value-add that’s worth the investment if it makes sense for your community.

10. Outdoor Recreation  

When the weather’s nice, people like to get outside and decompress, exercise, or simply get some vitamin D. That’s why a well-planned outdoor recreation space can be one of the best amenities in your community. It doesn’t have to be extravagant, but an outdoor area with a well-manicured lawn, walking trail, outdoor fitness station, or a multi-use pickleball or tennis court can be the perfect way for HOA members to get outside, make connections, and enjoy their community.

Repurposing Amenities

Now you know all about the top amenities that homeowners are looking for in their HOA. These can be built brand new, but with a few modifications, your current amenities can be like-new and provide everything residents are looking for. Check out our article, “Tips for Repurposing Your Community’s Outdated Amenities,” to find what your HOA can do to offer top amenities in no time!