Understanding Property Tax and HOA Fees in Gresham

Couple reviewing financial papers on front steps of Gresham townhome
Reviewing HOA fees and property tax assessments is an important part of budgeting as a homeowner in Gresham.

What You’ll Pay in Property Taxes in Gresham

Property taxes in Gresham are generally in line with the state average, typically falling between 0.8%–1.2% annually. The typical property tax rate in Gresham is around 0.95%. For a home valued at $400,000, that equates to an annual property tax bill of approximately $3,800.

While property tax rates can vary slightly based on the specific neighborhood and assessed value of your home, most Gresham homeowners can expect to pay close to 1% of their home’s value each year in property taxes. This rate is slightly lower than some neighboring cities like Portland, where rates often exceed 1.1%.

It’s important to factor in property taxes when budgeting for a home purchase in Gresham. For example, on a $450,000 home with a 0.95% tax rate, you’d owe around $4,275 per year, or about $356 per month. This cost is in addition to your mortgage payment and any applicable HOA fees.

How HOA Fees Work in Gresham

Many neighborhoods in Gresham have a Homeowners Association (HOA) that collects monthly fees to cover various community expenses and amenities. While not all homes are part of an HOA, it’s common in planned developments and condo communities.

HOA fees in Gresham often include services such as:

  • Trash collection and recycling
  • Landscaping and maintenance of common areas
  • Community pool and fitness center access
  • Clubhouse usage for events and gatherings
  • Neighborhood security or patrols
  • Irrigation and xeriscaping services to minimize water usage

The specific amenities and services covered by HOA fees can vary significantly between neighborhoods. In general, communities with more extensive amenities like pools, gyms, and guarded gates will have higher monthly fees than those with minimal common areas.

Typical Monthly HOA Costs

In Gresham, typical HOA fees range from $70 to $200 per month. The table below shows some common examples of what you might pay in different types of communities:

Neighborhood TypeTypical Monthly HOA Fee
Low-amenity neighborhood$70 – $120
Average suburban development$120 – $175
Luxury or amenity-heavy community$175 – $200+
Example: $295k home with 0.8% tax + $150 HOA$345 per month

As a general rule, neighborhoods with fewer amenities tend to have lower HOA fees, often in the range of $70 to $120 per month. These communities may still provide valuable services like common area maintenance and trash pickup, without the added cost of pools and clubhouses.

Hidden or Seasonal Fees to Expect

In addition to regular monthly HOA dues, there are some hidden or seasonal fees that Gresham homeowners should be aware of:

  • Permit fees for exterior home improvements or renovations
  • Bulk trash or large item pickup surcharges
  • Seasonal irrigation charges for watering common area landscaping
  • Special assessments for unexpected community repairs or upgrades

In the summer months, irrigation surcharges for homeowners in Gresham can add up to $20 or more per month, depending on the neighborhood’s landscaping and water usage. Be sure to ask about any hidden fees to watch out for when living in Gresham to avoid unexpected costs.

Are These Costs Worth It?

For many Gresham residents, paying property taxes and HOA fees is worth it for the services, amenities, and community benefits they provide. HOAs often help maintain property values by enforcing neighborhood standards and keeping common areas looking pristine.

However, the tradeoff is that homeowners have to abide by HOA rules and restrictions, which can sometimes feel limiting. It’s important to weigh the pros and cons of HOA living and make sure you understand all the costs and rules before buying a home in a particular neighborhood.

In Gresham, HOA homes often retain higher resale value, especially in communities with premium amenities like pools, fitness centers, and well-maintained parks. The sense of community and shared spaces can also be a big draw for many homebuyers.

FAQs About Property Tax and HOA in Gresham

How much is the average HOA fee in Gresham?

The average HOA fee in Gresham is around $150 per month, but this can range from $70 to over $200 depending on the specific neighborhood amenities.

Can your HOA fees increase?

Yes, HOA fees can increase over time to keep up with rising costs of maintenance, utilities, and upgrades. However, any increases must be approved by the HOA board and are typically capped at a certain percentage per year.

Do you pay both property tax and HOA fees?

Yes, if you live in a neighborhood with an HOA, you will pay both property taxes to the county and HOA dues to your community association. These are separate expenses on top of your mortgage payment.

How do property tax rates compare to neighboring cities?

Property tax rates in Gresham are slightly lower than Portland, but generally in line with other suburban cities in the metro area. Rates can vary by neighborhood, but most Gresham homeowners pay between 0.8% to 1.2% of their home’s assessed value annually.

Is an HOA fee worth it for new homeowners?

It depends on your priorities and lifestyle preferences. HOA fees can provide valuable amenities and services, but also come with rules and restrictions. Consider the tradeoffs carefully and review the HOA budget and rules before deciding if it’s worth it for your needs.

Final Cost Insights for Gresham Homeowners

For homeowners in Gresham, property taxes and HOA fees are important factors to budget for on top of your monthly mortgage payment. With an average property tax rate of 0.95% and typical HOA fees ranging from $70 to $200 per month, these costs can add several hundred dollars to your monthly housing expenses.

However, many residents find that the amenities, services, and community benefits provided by HOAs are worth the added cost. From well-maintained common areas to neighborhood events and security, HOAs often help enhance quality of life and property values in Gresham.

When shopping for a home in Gresham, be sure to factor in both property taxes and HOA fees for your specific neighborhood to get a full picture of the monthly costs. Don’t forget to budget for any housing costs in Gresham by type, such as utilities, insurance, and maintenance, to ensure you’re prepared for the total cost of homeownership.