HOA vs CDD

Considering a home in a community with a Homeowner's Association (HOA) or a Community Development District (CDD) but have questions about which is right for you?

Here is a quick breakdown of each:

A community with an HOA is a group of homeowners with similar interests in their community.  These interests are usually in  the aesthetics of the community and the amenities shared by the residents.  There are usually rules that go along with the HOA that help maintain the aesthetics and there are usually fees that go along with maintaining the shared elements of the community.  Some HOA communities will choose to have a community pool, fitness center, tennis courts, playgrounds, and/or security gates.  Others may have only a entrance sign with lighting and landscaping.  The fees will vary depending on how many common elements the community offers.
The associations are typically made up of homeowners and any rule changes or fee changes are usually voted on by the homeowners or the Board.
There are pros and cons to an HOA community.  If you want the rules of an HOA to maintain the aesthetics of the community you are investing in, an HOA may be right for you.  And if you are interested in having access to amenities such as a pool without having to leave your neighborhood, then an HOA may be a very good fit for you.

-"I've never heard of a CDD before.  What is it?"
I hear this question a lot.  CDDs have become more and more popular in The First Coast.
A CDD is different from an HOA community though and it is important to understand them both so you can decide which is the right fit for you.  CDDs are not usually run by a group of homeowners, however there usually is a Board of Supervisors who are homeowners in the community and they can manage the rules of the communities to maintain the aesthetics and growth of the community.  At the development stage of the community, investors in the CDD provide funding for the infrastructure and amenities of the community.  The CDD fees you pay as a homeowner in the community are working to pay that back.  One of the advantages of the CDD is that the infrastructure and amenities are already paid for so you know exactly what you will be getting.  CDD communities also typically have more amenities than most HOA communities.  CDD communities often have water parks, ball fields, nature trails, and more.  Along with this, there are also typically higher fees.  A CDD is a great option for anyone who wants the security of knowing that everything in the community is already in place and paid for and who wants more extensive amenities than most HOA communities offer.


If reading this gives you a better idea of the type of community you are looking for, message me and I will give you detailed info on the communities in the area so we can find the perfect community for your new home!!