There are really two entities purporting to represent homeowners in The Villages.
The Villages Homeowners Association (VHA) works with The Developer to maintain standards and address issues.
The Property Owners Association (POA) is perhaps an older organization but has, in some circles, a reputation for negativity and for actually fighting The Developer.
I joined the VHA almost as soon as I moved here some 7 years ago. I do not belong to the POA, mostly because they were, for a very long time, dedicated to vitriolic diatribes against the various injustices they saw. Their tone has cooled down lots - and, I mean, lots - in the last couple of years, and I may, someday, decide to join them.
The VHA does some very worthwhile stuff, and I think it's definitely a worthwhile organization. Membership dues are so modest as to be ridiculous - the last I remember, $12 for a two-year membersip for your entire household!
SWR