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http://99percentinvisible.org/episode/lawn-order/ http://99percentinvisible.org/episode/lawn-order/ I think 99pi did a story on this about green lawns. They co

http://99percentinvisible.org/episode/lawn-order/ http://99percentinvisible.org/episode/lawn-order/ I think 99pi did a story on this about green lawns. They commented that a green lawn wasn't really a status symbol for yourself, but rather your neighbors. If you let your yard grow unruly, neighbors would come and tend it for you. The idea is that owning a home and land was the american dream, this land was where you could do what you will. The ultimate self determination. However, the reality is, that your neighbors and the HOA just want to tell you how you will manicure your home. So in reality, people who proclaim self determination are enacting a socialist policy.

balls187 10y ago
> However, the reality is, that your neighbors and the HOA just want to tell you how you will manicure your home. Actually, it's that they want to enforce some basic standards to ensure property values aren't diminished because of the negligence of a home owner. There are plenty of neighborhoods in the US that don't have neighborhood Associations nor HOA's.
- pyre 10y ago
  There are HOAs where people get fined/punished because a package was left on their doorstep for too long without being picked up. I'm pretty sure that has nothing to do with property value. HOAs can be used to ensure property values don't diminish, but the reality is that they end up being run by busy-bodies that have exacting ideals on what their community should look look. Many of which have little to do with anything other than their own personal preferences.
  - dragonwriter 10y ago
    > There are HOAs where people get fined/punished because a package was left on their doorstep for too long without being picked up. I'm pretty sure that has nothing to do with property value. It does, indirectly. It is perceived that a pattern of packages being left outside attracts thieves to the neighborhood, increasing neighborhood crime rate, decreasing property values. (That's not to say that individual HOA actions in this area are reasonable or proportional, just that there is a nexus with property values.)
stcredzero 10y ago
They commented that a green lawn wasn't really a status symbol for yourself, but rather your neighbors. When I was young, we moved into a house my dad built new on an odd shaped lot. A triangular section of what had been our lot had been purchased by the neighbor, in hopes that no one would move in and conflict with the landscaping. This neighbor came over and told my dad how the landscaping should be done, so as not to conflict with his. My dad proceeded to do everything the opposite of what this neighbor said.

balls187 10y ago

> However, the reality is, that your neighbors and the HOA just want to tell you how you will manicure your home. Actually, it's that they want to enforce some basic standards to ensure property values aren't diminished because of the negligence of a home owner. There are plenty of neighborhoods in the US that don't have neighborhood Associations nor HOA's.

pyre 10y ago
There are HOAs where people get fined/punished because a package was left on their doorstep for too long without being picked up. I'm pretty sure that has nothing to do with property value. HOAs can be used to ensure property values don't diminish, but the reality is that they end up being run by busy-bodies that have exacting ideals on what their community should look look. Many of which have little to do with anything other than their own personal preferences.
- dragonwriter 10y ago
  > There are HOAs where people get fined/punished because a package was left on their doorstep for too long without being picked up. I'm pretty sure that has nothing to do with property value. It does, indirectly. It is perceived that a pattern of packages being left outside attracts thieves to the neighborhood, increasing neighborhood crime rate, decreasing property values. (That's not to say that individual HOA actions in this area are reasonable or proportional, just that there is a nexus with property values.)

stcredzero 10y ago

They commented that a green lawn wasn't really a status symbol for yourself, but rather your neighbors. When I was young, we moved into a house my dad built new on an odd shaped lot. A triangular section of what had been our lot had been purchased by the neighbor, in hopes that no one would move in and conflict with the landscaping. This neighbor came over and told my dad how the landscaping should be done, so as not to conflict with his. My dad proceeded to do everything the opposite of what this neighbor said.