Why so few back yard fences in Tampa Bay area? (Wesley Chapel: HOA, chapel)

[Dallas Kitty]

I've driven around a little and did see a few in Wesley Chapel. In the Dallas metroplex, you rarely see a house without a fence. With a fence, it's safe for kids to play and dogs to get plenty of exercise. It's also easy to make it a cat fence that keeps your cat in and the roamers out. Patios are much more enjoyable when there's a fence. I'm really missing my private back yard.
Why so few fences?

[newyorker24]

In my subdivision in Wesley Chapel most people have a fence. They're not cheap (especially since many subdivisions allow only wood or vinyl fences), so many people don't want to spend the money to get them installed. I love my fenced yard and wouldn't want to live in a house without one, but some people don't really mind having an open yard. It can easily run $5-10k even with the small yards most people have in Wesley Chapel.

[BucFan]

I like the privacy of a high fence allowing you to roam in the back without nosy neighbors. I'm guessing that since the houses are usually built so close together that having fences just makes things look bad/eyesore.

[ferret111]

I don't know how it is in the suburbs, but most homes in within the city limits have fences.

[crazynip]

I dont know where you are looking but most every subdivision I have seen (unless it's a lake-front one) REQUIRE privacy fences. Mine does, requires wood or PVC fence, no chain link.

Older subdivisions (pre-1980) may not have or require them. If there is no HOA, they cant require you to have one.

[Sunnydee]

Our house has a fenced backyard and most of our neighborhood is the same. I guess it depends on the neighborhood, but I believe good fences make good neighbors for exactly the reasons you stated.

[peacekeeper4]

Originally Posted by Sunnydee

I believe good fences make good neighbors for exactly the reasons you stated.

So true!!!

[Occifer]

I think it depends on the area. My house is on a nice size pond and I like being able to sit out on the patio and look out over the water and conservation around it. I also have a fence for the dogs, and I'm happy that our community requires aluminum fencing. That way I can still have that nice view. A friend of mine lives in a different community, but has a similar view in the rear of his house. His HOA only allows white privacy fences, so if he fenced in his yard he'd lose the view. I don't think I'd have a fence up either if it had to be a privacy fence.

[debvic]

A fence is good for privacy, but it enforces that "keep to yourself" mentality . In Florida the wood and vinyl fences are not very storm/ strong wind tolerant. At least chain link lets the breeze circulate and feels less confining. If people could just be respectful of each others space we wouldn't feel the need to shut the world out.

[MarketingGuy]

Depends on the area as others have mentioned. Some communities don't permit them, or they do but they require expensive vinyl solutions and typically all your neighbors need to sign off and approve before you get it installed. If one neighbor doesn't want it, you're SOL.

Vinyl will run you well over 5K typically. That's a lot of cash..