I have lived in the Commons since October last year. I absolutely love it, it's my slice of heaven on earth. HOA is 700 a year before Jan 1 or 825 after the deadline, deed restrictions are reasonable and allow for basic livestock with limits per acre. Approvals are needed to take down large trees if they are in front of the house, or to build a fence, our concrete - things like that.
We have 2.5 acres - most of it heavily wooded. Some lots are wooded, others are cleared for pasture. Some houses are very conventional, some are clearly custom dream homes. I love knowing that nothing will ever be built behind me or around me. I will have the same view for as long as the property stays in our family.
Horse and walking trails run behind the lots in the easement. Wake up the sound of roosters and watch the sun rise over the pastures of horses. You walk at night and hear owls, frogs and can actually see the stars.
It's all people that want to live and let live. People are friendly but not nosy. The houses are spread out - it has been hard for my kids to make friends - they still go to school in Eagle Springs so we don't have that connection.
There are two parks. Both are heavily wooded and minimally developed. There are not miles of sidewalks or perfectly manicured landscaping, no ball fields, no soccer fields no tennis courts - it is nothing like Eagle Springs or Kingwood. One park is woods, a swing set, a boat launch, and fishing docks. There are well maintained picnic tables and grills.
The other park has some play equipment and a sandy beach where you can swim. Both parks have locked gates. There is a pool - very basic rectangular pool with a pavilion - no landscaping or clubhouse - It is clean, plain and well maintained.
The HOA meets regularly, minutes and budget are available to homeowners online almost immediately - from what I can tell things run smoothly but the meetings are at 11 on a weekday so I never go.