Don't compare the listed HOA without doing the bundle math
Fendol Farms HOA ($340) includes Spectrum cable TV + internet. If you'd pay ~$100/month for Spectrum separately (standard Durham retail rate), your effective amenity cost is ~$240/month — below Carolina Arbors ($285) and approaching Carolina Gardens ($233). Every comparison that shows "$340 HOA" without this note is misleading you.
Monthly Cost at Three Price Points
$450K Home
Listed Total
$868
Net Total (minus Spectrum)
$768
HOA (listed)
$340/mo
Includes Spectrum bundle
Spectrum value
-$100/mo
Cable + internet retail
Net HOA cost
~$240/mo
Effective amenity cost
Property Tax
~$390/mo
Durham Co. 1.04%
Homeowners Ins.
~$138/mo
Est. annual / 12
CDD Fee
$0
No CDD in Durham
$550K Home
Listed Total
$971
Net Total (minus Spectrum)
$871
HOA (listed)
$340/mo
Includes Spectrum bundle
Spectrum value
-$100/mo
Cable + internet retail
Net HOA cost
~$240/mo
Effective amenity cost
Property Tax
~$477/mo
Durham Co. 1.04%
Homeowners Ins.
~$154/mo
Est. annual / 12
CDD Fee
$0
No CDD in Durham
$650K Home
Listed Total
$1,074
Net Total (minus Spectrum)
$974
HOA (listed)
$340/mo
Includes Spectrum bundle
Spectrum value
-$100/mo
Cable + internet retail
Net HOA cost
~$240/mo
Effective amenity cost
Property Tax
~$563/mo
Durham Co. 1.04%
Homeowners Ins.
~$171/mo
Est. annual / 12
CDD Fee
$0
No CDD in Durham
Net total assumes you'd pay for Spectrum separately. If you wouldn't subscribe to cable/internet, the full $340 is your cost. Fixed costs only — add mortgage P+I if applicable.
Fendol vs Carolina Arbors — Same Durham Location, Different Math
Fendol Farms ($500K)
Net total (minus Spectrum) · HOA $240 net + tax $433 + ins $154
Fendol Farms ($500K)
Listed total · HOA $340 + tax $433 + ins $154
Carolina Arbors ($500K)
Comparable home · HOA $285 + tax $433 + ins $154 — cable extra
On a net basis, Fendol and Arbors are very close in total monthly cost at similar price points. The decision comes down to community scale (400 vs 1,300 homes) and the amenity mix — not HOA sticker price.
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