I built my home in 1986, when there was a HOA that was very well organized. The original builder moved out and the HOA was handed off to the current homeowners. Since then (15 years ago), people have built sheds, erected pools with no fencing,causing backing up of water into yards and breading of mosiqutoes, let their yards go to ruin, and allows trash to build up in their yards (and overflow into my yard). My current HOA states the covenents do not address some of the issues and does not seem to want to support contacting the homeowners with issues directly. The HOA suggested I contact the city and see if they can address my concerns.

 I'm looking for answers. My home is beautiful, and I would love to stay in my home until I retire, but with the neighbors I have, the value of my home has dropped 25 percent, and I feel I may need to move just to break even.

Sadly, people want to live in "NEIGHBOR"-hoods, but don't want to help in the "NEIGHBOR" part.  I used to live in a neighborhood where people actually "HELPED" each other out and actually talked to each other and realized there may be extenuating circumstances. 

Have you ever tried to be "neighborly" and ask if there might be anything you could help them with instead of complaining?  What if something happened and you were unable to care for your home the same way you want to? There is no one offering to help and you only wish someone would.

I've helped neighbors many times in prior places and they have helped me in turn. This is what a neighborhood and community should be. In this place, everyone gossips and complains and sends ugly and threatening messages unanimously.  I know people that have received these types of threats and it's mean and hurtful to those who are already frustrated by their situation. 

Of course if you try to "Lend a Hand" or offer help (in neighbor/in person/kindly) and they "really just don't care", that's different.  Then seek help.   Be a good neighbor.  The neighbor you help today might be the one that helps you later.

 Sadly, I have always (26+ years in the same house) been very helpful to my neighbors. If they needed help, I have always been there to support their need. When old neighbors moved, and new neighbors moved in, I was one of the first to greet them and offer any help if needed to get them settled. Once the new neighbors moved in, and they noticed how well I took care of my yard, I explained to them the prior neighbors had taken care of their yard and all that was now required of them was to "maintain" the condition of the yard, which is a lot easier than starting from scratch. My one neighbor across the street from me actually came over this year and shook my hand and thanked me for suggesting some differnt types of yard ideas to help him improve the look of his yard. He now also gets very upset at neighbors who just don't care what they live in.

 The reason I started my reply with "sadly" is because not all of the neighbors have listened to my suggestions, or asked me for help or even speak to me any more.I guess you can lead a horse to water, but your surely can't make them drink (if they don't want to, or even care).