For homebuyers considering a move to Arkansas, one housing trend stands out clearly: the Natural State remains far less dominated by homeowners associations (HOAs) than much of the country. While HOAs are becoming increasingly common nationwide, Arkansas continues to offer buyers more flexibility, fewer recurring fees, and a stronger emphasis on individual property ownership.
According to recent national housing data, 43.6% of homes for sale in the U.S. now carry a non-zero HOA fee, up from 41.9% just one year ago and a notable jump from 34.3% in 2019. In contrast, only 21.3% of active home listings in Arkansas include an HOA, placing the state well below the national average and reinforcing its reputation as a more affordable, homeowner-friendly market.
HOA Costs Are Rising Nationwide
Along with the growing prevalence of HOAs, costs are climbing as well. The median monthly HOA fee nationwide is now $135, up from $125 last year and $108 in 2019. While this may seem modest at first glance, these fees can add thousands of dollars to a homeowner’s annual housing costs—especially when combined with property taxes, insurance, and maintenance.
For many relocating buyers, particularly retirees, remote workers, and first-time homeowners, Arkansas’s lower HOA exposure can translate into meaningful long-term savings.
Why Arkansas Has Fewer HOA Properties
Nationally, HOAs are far more common in condos and townhomes than in single-family homes. They are also more prevalent in new construction, where developers often use HOAs to manage shared amenities, enforce design standards, and maintain common spaces.
While Arkansas has seen growth in planned communities and new residential developments—particularly in Northwest Arkansas and parts of Central Arkansas—the state’s housing stock remains heavily weighted toward existing single-family homes. These properties are less likely to carry HOA requirements, helping keep the statewide share relatively low.
That said, the broader trend is still reaching Arkansas. The share of listings with HOAs is rising across all property types, including single-family homes and resale properties. Buyers moving into newly built subdivisions should still expect a higher likelihood of HOA governance compared to older neighborhoods.
Florida Shows the Other Extreme
To understand Arkansas’s appeal, it helps to look at the opposite end of the spectrum. Florida currently has the costliest HOAs in the country relative to home prices, driven by dense condo markets, coastal developments, insurance pressures, and extensive shared amenities. In many Florida communities, HOA fees can rival—or even exceed—monthly mortgage payments.
For buyers fleeing high-cost states, Arkansas offers a stark contrast: lower home prices, fewer mandatory associations, and more autonomy over property use.
What This Means for Buyers Moving to Arkansas
For those relocating to Arkansas, especially from HOA-heavy states, the lower prevalence of associations can be a major selling point. Fewer HOAs often mean:
- More control over property improvements
- No mandatory monthly dues in many neighborhoods
- Fewer restrictions on rentals, parking, or exterior changes
- Lower overall cost of ownership
However, HOAs aren’t inherently negative. In some Arkansas communities, particularly newer developments, HOAs provide value through maintained common areas, neighborhood amenities, and preserved property standards. The key is understanding what you’re paying for and why.
As HOAs become the norm across much of the U.S., Arkansas continues to stand out as a market where buyers still have options. With just 21.3% of listings subject to HOA fees, the state remains an attractive destination for those seeking affordability, simplicity, and flexibility—qualities that continue to draw newcomers to the Natural State.