Welcome to Sample Community HOA

Nestled in a mostly wooded setting west of Rt. 26 and about five miles from Bethany Beach and the ocean, Sample Community enjoys the best of two worlds. It’s quiet and peaceful – a great community for dog walkers and bicyclists, close enough to the beaches and Indian River Bay for those drawn to the area’s many leisure-time activities, and it includes a large expanse of Sample Creek and tidal saltwater marshes lauded by environmentalists and genuinely appreciated by Village residents and visitors alike.

Through an agreement with Delaware’s Division of Natural Resources, a dedicated Nature Preserve has been established and is monitored to preserve rich diversity of marsh and river. There are two piers offering residents access to the area. Birdwatching, crabbing, occasional fishing, kayaking and canoeing are favorite pastimes of some; most simply enjoy the scenic beauty.

Incorporated in 1973, present-day Sample Community consists of 281 lots with 200-plus homes enjoyed by year-round residents and property owners maintaining second homes. There are still lots for sale, but with its wooded, meandering streets and blend of new and older homes, the community gives every sense of permanence.

Amenities include a recreation area with a children’s playground and pavilion and the Shawnee Drive and Moccasin Lane piers. The latter includes a raised boardwalk connecting roadway and pier and a recently installed floating kayak launch deck at the pier's end. All community streets are owned and maintained by DelDOT and include association-paid street lighting. The association also contracts for snow plowing as necessary.

The above, of course, come at a cost but Sample Community has long prided itself on strong association financial management. Annual dues – currently just $120 – are traditionally among the lowest HOA dues in the area. The community association also maintains an active social program which includes community dinners, picnics and other functions; encourages member involvement in committees and on volunteer projects; and keeps residents informed and involved through Spring and Fall membership meetings, a quarterly newsletter and social media like Facebook, this website and an e-blast version of the Village Voice.

Over the years, Sample Community has transitioned from a mostly retirement, second-home community to one that finds more retirees as well as younger families residing here fulltime. It’s an exciting blend and one that bodes well for the future of Sample Community.