[pooh]

I pay $40/month for lawn cutting, $70 per quarter for pest control, $60 per quarter lawn and shrub fertilizer. Hubby trims our trees and bushes, but brought the tools with us from CA where he also did them. He wanted to cut the lawn here, but in the summer it's too hot and we have a very large lot.

You should have a yearly termite inspection. That can cost anywhere from $125 to $150/year. Also remember to have your house power washed every once in a while, though if you have a power washer, you can do it yourself. You should also have a checkup for your heating and cooling system done yearly, especially the cooling system. It's used more than the heating system.

You have home maintenance here just as you do where you live, though some of it is different.

There's the monthly amenity fee, electric, gas, cable, water, sewer, newspaper (if you choose to subscribe), telephone bill, homeowners insurance, auto registration, golf cart insurance if you decide you want a golf cart, your property tax, which is due yearly in one payment, yearly payment of your bond if it isn't paid in full, again one payment paid along with the taxes (included in the bill), and any special tax assessments. These extra assessments aren't horribly high and they are also included in your tax bill.

I've seen people living here on large incomes, others living quite happily on social security income, but no matter what your income, the amenities are available for each and everyone living here, equally.