Carolyn, I think you have already gotten great answers as to why condos have association fees. It seems like for what you have in mind a small home with a low maintenance yard might be ideal. But you also really don't want to have no association either. There are a lot of small communities around the city that have very nominal HOA dues - less than $25 per month - that exist merely to make sure that broken down cars can't sit on the street for months and that the neighbors don't let their yards go. That way you can be assured that you will be buying into a neighborhood that will maintain its value without driving you crazy with really stringent rules. If you would like to send your criteria on what you are looking for, I would be happy to send you some listings that meet your needs. - Tue Jul 1 2008, 18:25