Survey finds high satisfaction in U.S. community associations

A new national survey from the Foundation for Community Association Research finds that more than 8 in 10 Americans living in homeowners associations, condominiums and housing cooperatives rate their experience positively or neutrally. The results point to broad resident support for community governance, neighbor relationships and reserve funding as these housing models continue to play a major role in the U.S. market.

Why it matters: - Community associations now cover more than 35% of U.S. housing stock, so resident satisfaction shapes a large share of the housing market. - The findings suggest most residents see these communities as functional places to live, not just administrative structures. - Strong support for reserve funding and remote meeting access points to priorities that could affect how associations plan, vote and maintain property.

What happened: - The Foundation for Community Association Research released its 2026 Homeowner Satisfaction Survey on June 15, 2026. - Zogby Analytics conducted the survey. - The study is the 11th edition of the Foundation’s longitudinal survey tracking resident views since 2005. - The survey drew responses from residents of homeowners associations, condominium communities and housing cooperatives nationwide. - More than 8 in 10 Americans living in community associations rate their experience positively or neutrally.

The details: - 86% of residents rate their overall community association experience as positive or neutral. - 82% say their elected board members strive to serve the best interests of the community. - 82% report feeling a sense of belonging in their community. - 77% say they get along well with their neighbors. - 75% say their community manager provides value and support. - 69% support annually investing in reserve funds for future repairs and replacements. - 88% of residents say they always or usually vote in national elections. - 65% say they attend, or would attend, community meetings more often when remote options are available. - About 78.1 million Americans live in more than 373,000 associations nationwide. - More than 80% of homes sold in recent years are located in community associations.

Between the lines: - The survey suggests resident trust and neighborhood cohesion remain core strengths of community association living. - Remote meeting options appear to be a practical way to increase participation, especially for residents who want easier access to governance. - The numbers also reinforce a broader point: community associations are becoming a default setting for a growing share of American housing. - Jake Gold, executive director of the Foundation, said the 2026 results show strong resident satisfaction, confidence in community leadership, positive relationships among neighbors and broad support for planning and investing in community futures. - Dawn M. Bauman, chief executive officer of Community Associations Institute, said community associations are about creating places where people connect, build relationships and experience belonging.

What's next: - The Foundation says the complete report and interactive dashboard are available at the full report and interactive dashboard. - Community associations are likely to keep using the survey as a benchmark for resident sentiment and governance trends. - The results may inform future decisions on reserves, board engagement and virtual participation options.

The bottom line: - Community association residents are broadly satisfied, and the survey suggests the model continues to play an outsized role in U.S. housing and neighborhood life.