- A legal entity that is created at the time of the development of the subdivision. Membership in the HOA is mandatory to all property owners in the subdivision. The HOA is usually governed by a volunteer board of directors. Sometimes their work is done voluntarily, or they may employ services to handle certain jobs. Jobs may include collecting dues, maintaining common areas, dealing with disputes, and enforcing the both the deed restrictions and the bylaws of the HOA.
- An association formed by a group of people who have similar concerns or interests. These might include crime watch, development in the area, environmental protection, community activities, etc. The boundaries of a neighborhood association may overlap several subdivisions. Participation is voluntary.
- This is a larger coalition or partnership of groups with common interests.