Our Experience Living in an HOA Subdivision in Parrish

Parrish, Florida is filled with new developments, most of which are HOA subdivisions. This is the first time in our lives that we’ve experienced HOA subdivision life. Before this, we lived in smaller cities with neighborhoods. So, when we moved into an HOA subdivision, there were a few things we learned after being here for a bit.

Cars on the Road

Before living in a subdivision in Parrish, Florida, I never really thought about cars parked on the side of the road. But now that I’m here, I’ve learned this is a hot topic in almost every community.

Since the roads built by the developer aren’t very wide, parked cars can turn a simple drive into a game of dodge-the-obstacles. Sometimes it feels like a video game—swerving from side to side, trying to avoid cars just to get down the street.

There is a lot of debate about whether the community has the right to do anything about cars on the side of the road. What I have heard is that if the roads are public, people can park on them. If they are private, then they cannot.

One thing I did notice, though, is that streets with three-car garages tend to have fewer cars parked on the road. So, if this is a big frustration for you, look for a street with three-car garages—or maybe a gated community with private roads!

Sidewalk on One Side of the Community

One thing that surprised me when we moved into a subdivision was that many neighborhoods only have a sidewalk on one side of the street. At first, I didn’t think much of it, but after living here, I get why it’s a big deal.

If you’re on the side without a sidewalk, you either have to walk in the grass or share the road with cars—which isn’t always fun. It also means more foot traffic on the one sidewalk that does exist. So, if sidewalks matter to you, it’s something to check before choosing a neighborhood!

Narrow Driveways

One thing I noticed in many subdivisions is that the driveways aren’t as wide as the garage. Builders do this to save money, but it can be a bit frustrating. When you park, there’s not much space to step out, so you end up walking on the grass.  It’s a small thing, but when it rains, or the grass is wet, it gets annoying fast. If this would bug you, it’s worth paying attention to driveway lengths when looking at homes!

Some homeowners fix this by adding pavers on the sides to give themselves more room. If you like extra space when getting out of your car, this might be something to consider!

Small Garages

Another thing I noticed—garages in many subdivisions aren’t very deep. When they’re empty, they look big, and you think you’ll have plenty of room for storage. But the truth is, they barely fit two cars.

Most homeowners in Parrish end up getting some type of rack system to store items above their cars. If you’re coming from a place with a basement, you might have to downsize. All that extra stuff ends up in the garage, and let me tell you—it adds up quick!

No Sheds, No Trailers, No Boats

In many subdivisions, there are rules about what you can and can’t park in your driveway or yard. For example, you usually can’t have sheds, trailers, or boats visible outside.

How I would love to have an extra shed to store things in! It’s something I definitely miss since moving here, but it’s all part of keeping the neighborhood looking neat and tidy.

You Have to Ask to Do Things

If you’re used to doing whatever you want to your home without asking for permission, that will definitely change when you move into a subdivision.

In a subdivision, you have to ask for approval to do a lot of things—like adding landscaping, changing the color of your house, or putting up a fence. And don’t forget, fences have their own set of rules!

Living in an HOA Subdivision

Now, don’t get me wrong—there are definitely a lot of positives that come with HOA subdivision life, which I’ll probably write about another day. These are just a few things we didn’t really think about until we actually moved here. If you’re considering moving to Parrish, Florida, keep these points in mind as you explore the different communities. Every place has its pros and cons, but with the right expectations, you’ll find a neighborhood that fits you perfectly!

Ready to move to Parrish? Check out our Buyer’s Page, where we share helpful tips and info for new homebuyers!

Meet the Team

Amy Prumo

Amy Prumo is an Elite agent with extensive experience and deep local expertise, known for delivering outstanding results in the Parrish real estate market. Amy’s attention to detail, strong communication skills, and unwavering commitment to excellence have made her one of the most sought-after agents in the business. 

Thomas Carden

Thomas Carden brings a wealth of knowledge from his background in building, planning, zoning, and development. With over 20 certifications from the International Code Council, including Planner Review and Certified Building Official, he is a recognized expert in his field and an expert legal witness in construction.