Living in Old Trail: A Resident’s Guide to the HOA in Crozet, VA

Welcome to Old Trail

Old Trail isn’t just a neighborhood. It’s a lifestyle. With mountain views, walkable streets, scenic trails, and welcoming front porches, it’s easy to see why so many love living here in Crozet, Virginia.

If you're buying a home here, or even if you've just moved in, you'll quickly hear about the Old Trail Homeowners Association (HOA). Wondering what it is, what it covers, and how it affects daily life? You're in the right place.

What Is the Old Trail HOA?

The Old Trail Community Association (OTCA) is the HOA that manages shared spaces, maintains neighborhood standards, and supports the overall look and feel of the community.

The main goals:

• Keep common areas clean and attractive

• Maintain shared amenities

• Enforce community-wide design and use guidelines

What Do HOA Fees Cover?

Your HOA dues cover a number of services and maintenance tasks that benefit the entire community. Here's a breakdown:

✅ Maintenance

• Landscaping of parks, trails, and entrances

• Snow removal on private roads and HOA-maintained sidewalks

• Streetlight upkeep in common areas

✅ Services

• Trash collection (recycling is available at the owner’s expense and is currently around $30/month)

• Virginia Green applications on common area grass several times a year

✅ Insurance & Reserves

• Insurance for shared spaces

• Reserve funds for major repairs such as fences, roads, and signage

✅ Management

• Managed by Real Property, Inc., which oversees daily operations

💡 Note: The Old Trail Swim Club is not included in HOA dues. Membership is separate and can be found [here].

How Much Are the Fees?

As of May 2025:

• $102/month for residential townhomes

  • Includes weekly landscaping, fall seeding, mulch, mowing, ice removal, and snow shoveling

• $72/month for single-family homes

  • Lower because owners are responsible for their own lawn care and landscaping

What Rules Should I Know?

Here are some of the most common HOA guidelines residents should be aware of:

🛠 Exterior Changes

• Approval required for fences, decks, solar panels, and exterior paint colors

• Fences and solar panels are allowed but must be approved

• Some homes in Old Trail also have pools

🚗 Parking

• No long-term RVs, boats, or commercial vehicles allowed

• Street parking is permitted. Some vehicles have remained in place for extended periods. While convenient for some, it can be frustrating as abandoned cars have not been addressed despite complaints.

🐕 Pets

• Pets must be leashed outdoors

• Owners are required to clean up after pets

🗑 Trash & Recycling

• Weekly pickup

• Bins are supposed to be stored out of sight. However, in practice, many are left beside garages or houses. The HOA does not seem to enforce this rule strictly.

🏘 Rentals

• Long-term rentals are allowed

• Short-term rentals (such as Airbnb or VRBO) are restricted

  • If you're buying a home to use as a short-term rental, permits will not be granted. Albemarle County has strict regulations, and nearly all rentals in Old Trail must be long term.

What Are the Benefits of an HOA?

While HOAs aren't for everyone, many Old Trail residents find value in what the HOA provides:

✔️ Well-maintained streets, trails, and green spaces
✔️ Shared amenities and services
✔️ A consistent, attractive neighborhood appearance
✔️ Fewer neighbor disputes thanks to clear rules
✔️ Long-term protection of property values

Who’s in Charge?

The Old Trail HOA is run by a resident-elected Board of Directors, assisted by Real Property, Inc.

Here’s how it works:

• Board members are local homeowners

• Real Property, Inc. handles billing, enforcement, and communication

• One dedicated property manager oversees Old Trail and serves as the main point of contact

• Residents receive updates via email and the Old Trail Facebook group

• Homeowners can get involved by attending meetings or volunteering

Thinking of Buying Here?

Before you commit, be sure to:

• Review the HOA documents (feel free to ask me — I’m happy to share)

• Understand the financial health of the HOA, including reserves and audits

• Know the rules and make sure you’re comfortable with them

• Budget for potential fee increases or special assessments

I’ve lived in Old Trail for many years and the HOA fees have remained consistent.

Final Thoughts

Old Trail is a beautiful, connected, and well-maintained community. The HOA plays a big part in making that possible. From clean parks to thoughtful guidelines, it helps preserve the lifestyle that draws so many of us here.

If you're thinking about moving to Old Trail, feel free to reach out. I’d be happy to answer any questions you may have.