The $433/month HOA stops buyers in their tracks. Before you reject it: Independence’s HOA is an all-inclusive lifestyle package, not a maintenance fee with amenity access. Here is what you actually pay monthly, how it compares to The Estuary on total lifestyle cost, and what to watch for in the reserve study.
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Talk to a Specialist →Independence’s HOA covers everything: lawn maintenance, irrigation, snow removal, trash, all clubhouse access (indoor pool, outdoor pool, fitness center, yoga studio, saunas, massages, bar and grill, grand ballroom, library, billiards, pickleball, tennis), community garden, dog park, walking trails, social activities programming, building maintenance, utilities, insurance, and administrative costs. This is a genuinely comprehensive all-in fee model.
The Estuary’s ~$260/mo HOA covers lawn, trash, snow, and access to a smaller amenity set without indoor pool, on-site dining, or saunas. If you price those independently — gym with pool ($60–$80/mo), occasional dining out instead of bar and grill ($40–$80/mo), spa visits ($40–$80/mo) — the effective gap between Independence and The Estuary on total lifestyle spending closes to $30–$60/mo for active amenity users.
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A 24,000 sq ft clubhouse with indoor pool, commercial kitchen, bar, saunas, and multiple specialty rooms has significant ongoing repair and replacement costs. The reserve study should show that the HOA is adequately funded for: pool resurfacing (typically $50K–$80K every 10–15 years for indoor pool), HVAC replacement for a large commercial building, commercial kitchen equipment, fitness equipment replacement cycles, and exterior building maintenance. Ask for the reserve study and request a CPA review before purchasing.
We can build the true all-in lifestyle cost comparison for your budget and usage patterns.
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