According to the Foundation for Community Association Research, about onethird of all U.S. housing is within a community association, with roughly 77.1 million residents living in these neighborhoods. Despite their prevalence, it can be difficult to understand what community associations are and how they differ. 

Fundamentally, a community association is a private organization that governs property within a defined development. It maintains common property, enforces standards, and manages shared financial obligations.

As North America’s leading community management company, Associa works with tens of thousands of associations worldwide. At this scale, we know how these communities operate day-to-day. Download this ebook to learn the seven primary types of community associations, what makes them different from their counterparts, and their fees.

Related: HOA 101: What Are the Pros and Cons of an HOA?

Inside the Guide

Our "7 Types of Community Associations & How They Work" ebook is FREE to download. Here's a preview of the types of associations we'll discuss:

• Homeowners' associations (HOAs)
• Condominium associations (COAs)
• Property owners' associations (POAs)
• Planned unit development (PUD)
• Community development district (CDD)
• Mixed-use development
• Master-planned communities

Related: The Complete Guide to Community Association Committees

Additional Community Association Content

What Is a Strata Corporation & What Does It Actually Do?

A strata corporation is a legal body that manages a shared residential or commercial property in British Columbia, Canada. Read this to about the strata meaning, the Strata Property Act, the responsibilities of the strata council, and much more.

What is a Property Owners’ Association?

Learn more about what a POA is, what sets them apart, and what a POA can do for your community. 

Pros and Cons of Buying a Condo: Is It the Right Move?

Condos can offer many benefits, but they also have unique qualities you must understand before buying. Read this to learn more about all the condo pros and cons.

What is a Community Development District (CDD)?

Read this to learn more about what is a CDD in real estate, CDD governance, financing, fees, and long-term ownership considerations.

What Is a PUD? FAQs About This Wildly Popular Development

Learn more about what PUDs are, how they operate, the advantages and disadvantages of living in a PUD, and much more.

FAQs About Managed Communities

1. What does an HOA do?

An HOA enforces recorded restrictions, maintains common property, manages association finances, and oversees community amenities.

2. What does COA stand for?

COA stands for condominium owners’ association.

3. Is a POA better than an HOA?

Neither is inherently better. Each serves a different purpose based on how the community was established.

4. What’s an example of a PUD?

A coordinated residential development that includes detached homes and townhomes under one governing plan is a common example.

5. What’s the meaning of mixed-use development?

It refers to a development that combines residential living with commercial or retail activity within the same area.

6. What are the benefits of living in a master-planned community?

Residents often enjoy coordinated amenities, consistent design standards, and structured long-term planning.